Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Calling all future leaders

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas is encouraging people with disability from across the country to apply for a leadership program.

“Applications to participate in the Australian Government supported Leaders for Tomorrow program close on October 12,” Senator McLucas said.

Leaders for Tomorrow is an innovative program that supports people with disability to develop their leadership skills, overcome barriers into work and education and reach their full potential.”

By linking participants with appropriate training, support and mentoring, Leaders for Tomorrow will develop participants’ skills and confidence to become leaders in business, the community and government.

People with a broad range of skill levels and leadership interests are encouraged to apply.

The program is tailored according to each participant’s leadership aspirations and needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support such as training, coaching and workplace mentoring to help them achieve their leadership goals.

“We have seen some wonderful success stories from the first intake of participants,” Senator McLucas said.

This includes Hayley Bellamy from Sydney who has been working towards her goal of completing a Lifeline Telephone Counselling Course to develop practical skills to enhance her formal qualifications – a Psychological Degree. She is also completing her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The program has also supported Linda McGarvey from South Australia to achieve a Sir Charles Bright Scholarship and has also started a Master of Social Work. She has also had a number of public speaking engagements.

Tony Tierney from New South Wales has joined the State Emergency Service, gained his car licence and is working on getting his truck licence. He has also completed a TAFE course in communication and working with diverse groups.

“It is important that every Australian has the confidence to participate in work, community and social activities and are provided with the right support to reach their full potential,” Senator McLucas said.

“The program helps them to develop the skills and confidence to become leaders in business, the community and government.”

“The Leaders for Tomorrow program is an excellent opportunity for people with disability to help achieve their long-term goals. I really encourage people with disability right across Australia to apply for this leadership program.”

Leaders for Tomorrow is a Gillard Government election commitment and is being delivered by TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, leading a consortium with E-QUAL (Enhancing Quality).

Applications for the next intake of the Leaders for Tomorrow program close on Friday 12 October 2012.

For more information and application forms, go to: www.leadersfortomorrow.com.au.