Kingston Kickstarters 2026 – Community Leadership Program

Next date: Thursday, 24 September 2026 | 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM

The Kingston Kickstarters Community Leadership Training program aims to enable current and emerging community leaders to create a more resilient, inclusive, and empowered Kingston.

It is a free, fully subsidised training program for people over 18 who live, work, study, or volunteer in Kingston.

The program will offer up to 20 participants the chance to become effective leaders who can drive positive change and strengthen their communities.

The program will consist of several workshops and training sessions throughout August and September, covering topics such as:

leadership and management – styles and theory, personal and community leadership
communication and presentation skills for leaders
working with diverse cultures
project management – how to define goals, plan effectively, manage risks, and collaborate with others
managing conflict.

Participants will also have the chance to share ideas and collaborate with other program members, along with opportunities to establish a support network beyond the program.

Applications closed on 21 June. We look forward to commencing the 2026 program with our successful applicants in August.
If you would like to go on the waitlist for Kickstarters 2027, please email community@kingston.vic.gov.au.

FAQs

What is a leader?

A leader is someone who guides, motivates, and inspires others. They keep a team together and united to work towards a common goal. This can be done formally through a designated leadership role within a workplace, organisation, or group, or it can be more informal, where someone steps up to this role when needed.

What is an emerging leader?

An emerging leader has the potential and interest to become a leader. They already have many of the qualities of a leader, but they have yet to step into a formal or informal leadership role. They look to leaders as mentors and examples of their aspirations.

What is the cost of the program?

The Kingston Kickstarters Program is free for successful participants.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible to participate in the Kingston Kickstarters Community Leadership Program, you must:

Be over 18 years of age and live, work, study or volunteer in Kingston
Be able to provide a personal reference and a professional reference
Have the ability to attend a weekly three-hour session over five weeks
Have the motivation to participate in the Kingston community
Be committed to meeting the program objectives

Note: Current City of Kingston employees are not eligible to apply.

How long does the program run?

Kingston Kickstarters will commence on Friday 7 August with a daytime bus tour. The sessions then run every Thursday from 6pm - 9pm, for five weeks, commencing Thursday 13 August.
A light dinner will be provided.

A special panel with Kingston Council’s Executive Leadership Team will be held on Thursday 17 September from 6pm-7.30pm. The Graduation Ceremony will run on Thursday 24 September, from 6pm-8pm.
A light dinner will be provided.

Do I need to attend all sessions?

All sessions are in person. Participants get the most out of the program when they are together.

How do I apply?

To apply, fill out the application form between Monday 18 May and 14 June.

Apply now

How are the participants selected?

The applications are assessed by a panel who will consider the following:

A demonstrated interest in developing your leadership skills and empowering other leaders in the community
A variety of personal and professional life experiences
A range of ages, cultural backgrounds, and genders (over 18 years)
Geographical representation from across the City of Kingston
Provision of a personal reference to support the application

What happens after I complete the program?

When the program ends, graduates can join the Kingston Kickstarters Alumni, a group of program graduates who connect and participate in events and activities facilitated by Council. Graduates will also have the opportunity to participate in networking opportunities where they can gain practical experience in leading community and Council projects.

For more information about Kingston Kickstaters, contact community@kingston.vic.gov.au.