Two days of workshops have been organised by Women in Business and Regional Development to help a select group of women develop the skills and confidence needed to become a community or corporate leader.

The Dare to Be Different - 2009 Leadership Development Program, which is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under its Farming Future program, will teach participants how to be an effective coach and mentor and lead high performance teams while creating their own opportunities to direct and advance their career.

Facilitated by professional executive coach Julianne Kuhlman with additional inspiration from the Three T'Arts Art Studio and guest speaker Nancy Withers, this comprehensive weekend of practical training is being hosted at one of the nation's most advanced life skill adventure training facilities, Noorla Yo-Long, Rendelsham on 14 and 15 November 2009.

"Companies and government departments recognise the specific expertise and skills that women bring to boards and committees, and we're hoping that women who complete this weekend will be encouraged to put their names forward and fill vacant positions within highly skilled boards or committees," says WIBRD chairman, Elizabeth Hodges.

Each graduating participant will also be profiled in an exclusive professional publication which will be distributed to community organisations and government agencies and committees seeking community representation. They'll also be able to embrace and adopt the CV buzzwords of the most successful boardrooms and businesses thanks to their newly developed confidence, communication skills, motivation, and team skills.

"Workshops such as these in capital cities can cost several thousand dollars, so at $380 or $350 for financial WiBRD members, this really is a rare and valuable opportunity for women across the Limestone Coast who have specialist knowledge in their field and are looking to take the next step in their careers by contributing at a strategic level," says Mrs Hodges. "But be quick - places are limited, and the closing date for registrations is 2 November 2009."

For more information on the workshops, contact project co-ordinator Kate Facy by telephone on 0418 835 744.