Inspire to Lead project

Expressions of interest now open

Ready to make a difference in your community?

Inspire to Lead is back! This program brings together multicultural community leaders, faith representatives and volunteers to build skills, share ideas and strengthen leadership across diverse communities.

Delivered in partnership by City of Canterbury Bankstown and Willoughby City Council, it’s your chance to connect, learn, and lead.

Please submit your expression of interest online by 31 March 2026.

What’s included:

  • guided tours across both local government areas to explore different cultures and faiths.
  • practical training and leadership development.
  • a collaborative community project.

Who can apply?

Community leaders, faith representatives and volunteers who want to learn, connect, and make a positive impact are encouraged to apply.

For more information, please contact Multicultural Community Development Project Officer Dinaz Rather on Dinaz.Rather@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Apply now

Leadership development training for multicultural community leaders

This 'Inspire to Lead' project aims to provide ongoing engagement and learning opportunities for local multicultural community leaders, further advancing their leadership development journey.

The project has three main components:

  1. Development of leadership skills.
  2. A cultural exchange program, allowing leaders to witness and understand different cultures within the Willoughby LGA.
  3. Development of a network of community leaders for the ongoing promotion of community connection with CALD residents.

Inspire to Lead stage 1 - 2023

Stage 1 of the 'Inspire to Lead' project was delivered in 2023. This stage of the project was sponsored by Multicultural NSW through the ‘Stronger Together Grants Program ‘and was delivered in partnership with Armenian Community Welfare Centre Limited. 

The project enhanced and developed the skills and knowledge of CALD leaders to build cross-cultural understanding, community resilience and social cohesion. A network of local community leaders, religious leaders and community volunteers were trained to facilitate linkages between stakeholders, key services, and increase community connection across diverse community groups.

The project delivered a series of 8 leadership development sessions including a co-designing workshop and nine tours to different cultural and religious places. The project participants included local multicultural community leaders and volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Inspire to Lead stage 2 - 2024

Continuing the leadership development journey, the second stage of the 'Inspire to Lead' project was delivered in 2024. 

The project delivered a leadership workshop for multicultural community leaders and volunteers. This was attended by 24 attendees.

The project also included service mapping tours to five different community service providers in the local area. The tour included a visit to Chatswood Police Station, Services Australia, Chatswood Library, Your Side Australia (Care Finder), St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies), The total number of participants that attended these tours were 89.

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