What is the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project?
Established by the Western Bulldogs in 2013, The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project (formerly Whitten Project) offers unique opportunities for young people to build confidence, make new friends and develop skills that will enable them to become leaders in their community.
Made possible by the generous support of local governments, WorkSafe Victoria, Plenary Health, People’s Choice and Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, in 2023 the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project guides local young people through practical and theory based activities designed to enhance participant’s capacities in; leadership, teamwork, communication, goal setting and resilience, empowering them to contribute and grow as leaders in their community.
Participation in The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project is free and participants receive a complimentary program participant pack.
How to nominate
Due to the popularity of The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project, candidates must apply to participate by completing an online registration form.
Nominations can be completed via two avenues;
- Self - completed by a prospective participant or
- Adult - a referral from a parent, school teacher, coach etc
Who we are looking for
The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project is open to all young people aged 14 and 16 who live within the municipalities of:
- Ballarat
- Brimbank
- Hobsons Bay
- Maribyrnong
- Melton
- Moorabool
- Pyrenees
Candidates need not excel athletically or even play sport to be considered. We are looking for self-motivated young people with the potential to become future leaders in their community.
Participation also requires a commitment to attend 80% of core program workshops delivered between April and August.
*NB - Confirmation of regional venues will be made when applicants are notified of their acceptance
What you can expect from the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project?
The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project is an experience like no other.
Offering a broad range of activities designed to meet the various needs of our participant group The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project includes: practical team building challenges, careers expositions, mentoring from respected industry leaders, coaching courses, AFL and AFLW match visits, Western Bulldogs volunteer opportunities, council workshops and much more!
The program caters for young people from the participating councils who meet weekly to develop skills and behaviours that will deliver lifelong benefits to the individual and their community.
The program is guided by a structured curriculum evaluated by Victoria University and provides participants with opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to their local community by undertaking a Community Leadership Project (CLP). The CLP requires council groups to select community issues they are passionate about and plan, implement and deliver basic initiatives designed to improve the problem.
Participants are supervised at all times by experienced staff that create an engaging and safe online environment for participants to learn and challenge themselves.
Contact Us
For more information please contact the Youth Development Coordinator Maggie Toohey by email maggie.toohey@westernbulldogs.com.au
If you would like further information about the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and our programs, please click here to find out how to get in touch.
To register your interest in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and our programs, please click here.
