The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project (formally known as The Whitten Project) launched its 2017 program on Monday 27 March at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Entering its fifth year, the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project has seen over 250 young people successfully complete the program.

Established in 2013, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Leadership Project offers unique opportunities for young people to build confidence, make new friendships and develop skills that will enable them to become future leaders in their community.

Returning to Ballarat with over 50 participant nominations, 15 students were selected to participate in weekly workshops in March to September.

Participants will undertake practical team building exercises, careers expositions, mentoring from respected industry leaders, coaching courses, AFL match visits, Western Bulldogs volunteer opportunities and council workshops, over the course of the program.

The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project Launch included a welcome to this year’s Ballarat participants, with an outline of the program to empower youth to connect, contribute and grow as leaders in their community.

Western Bulldogs Community Leadership Manager, Adam Moedt said that the Ballarat Leadership Project Launch was an overwhelming success.

“It was great to see so many future participants and their families getting involved at the Launch.

“We are so excited to welcome over 50 students within the Ballarat region to take part in the Leadership Project, this year.

“We’ve seen some really impressive projects emerge in previous years and we can’t wait to see what the students put forward at the end of the program”.

The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project reaches selected males and females in years 9 or 10 who live within the municipalities of Brimbank, Ararat, Golden Plains, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, Ballarat, Glenelg Shire, Hepburn Shire Council (Hamilton), Northern Grampians (Stawell).