Footscray Community Leadership Program 2026

Do you want to build leadership skills, strengthen local connections, and bring community-led ideas to life?

Do you live, work, volunteer or play in Footscray?

Council is proud to present this unique opportunity to participate in an immersive community leadership program focused on Footscray!

Who is a community leader?

A community member who mobilises and empowers others to make positive change within the community through tangible actions with demonstrable community benefits.

Why Footscray?

Footscray is changing, and so is the story being written about our community.

It is a place of creativity, culture, enterprise and resilience. From its diverse communities and thriving local businesses to its neighbourhoods, parks and public spaces, Footscray is full of people who care deeply about where they live.

While challenges exist, they do not define us.

Through this program, we want to bring people together, build local leadership and create new opportunities for people to contribute to Footscray’s future.

Because when local people dream big, great things happen.

About the program

The Footscray Community Leadership Program will be delivered over four months, commencing in August 2026, with projects and a final session delivered in November 2026. The program will be delivered via a blend of face to face and online sessions.

Community Leadership Programs delivered by Hot House Community Projects have a philosophy 'learning by doing'. It is a fun and supportive program where you connect, learn and grow!

The program incorporates five learning areas:

  • Community development frameworks and values 
  • Leading self and others
  • Civic participation
  • Action planning
  • First Nations knowledge building 

Participants will have a supported space to generate community-led solutions that address complex local issues and build the skills and confidence to take collective action to contribute to a more connected and cohesive Footscray community. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • live, work, volunteer or play in Footscray
  • be 18+ years old by 8 August 2026 (program commencement)
  • be able to commit to participate in all scheduled sessions
  • fully participate in planning and delivering a group project
  • not have participated in a previous Community Leadership Program delivered by Maribyrnong City Council

Application process

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Applications close Tuesday 7 July at 11:59pm

SHORTLISTING

You will be notified if you have or have not been selected on Wednesday 15 July.

GROUP INTERVIEW

Short listed applicants will be invited to participate in a face to face group interview on Wednesday 23 July in Footscray, at 6:30pm.

FINAL SELECTION

Offers will be sent out by Friday 24 July. Formal acceptance must be made by Monday 27 July COB.

ONBOARDING SESSION

A face to face onboarding support session will be held on Wednesday 5 August in Footscray, at 6:30pm. If you are selected to participate, you will need to complete your enrolment with the following:

  • current Working with Children Check
  • photo/video permission form
  • access to the learning platform
  • access to a WhatsApp group for program communication

Program dates

Scheduled program sessions

  • Saturday 8 Aug, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Saturday 15 Aug, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Saturday 22 Aug, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Wednesday 26 Aug, 6:30-8:30pm, online
  • Saturday 5 Sep, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Saturday 12 Sep, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Tuesday 15 Sep, 6:30 (Council meeting followed by debrief)
  • Wed 16 Sep, 6:30-8:30pm, online
  • Saturday 10 Oct, 1-5pm, Footscray
  • Wednesday 21 Oct, 6:30-8:30, online
  • Saturday 21 Nov, 1-5pm, Footscray

Group project planning and rollout

  • Monday 19 October - Sunday 15 October

Graduation

  • Wednesday 25 November (time and location TBC)

Note: no sessions during school holidays

 

 

 

More information

For more information contact People and Participation Officer by phoning 9688 0123 or email maggie.mildenhall@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

 

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