What is Lead West

The objective of LeadWest is to foster and undertake actions that will support, sustainable growth and regional development of Melbourne's western region. To this end it aims to build on the existing social, economic and environmental capacity of the region and to plan and create a sustainable future for the well being of the communities of the region.

LeadWest is constituted as a company limited by guarantee without share capital. Any organisation whose operations are in the region may apply for membership. It is governed by a ten-member Board of Directors comprising five local government representatives (one each from the founding councils), four elected by the organisational/business members and an independent Chairperson.

LeadWest was founded in May 2007 with an Interim Board comprising a representative of each of the five participating  Councils of Melbourne's Western region.– Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.  The Interim Board appointed an Initial Independent Chairperson, The Hon. Ralph Willis, to preside over the organisation for two years after which an Independent Chairperson will be elected at the last AGM at which the Initial Independent Chairperson presides.

Official establishment of LeadWest was undertaken during 2007 and a Special General Meeting conducted in November 2007 saw the replacement of the Initial Board by the current Board, which included four Directors from non-council organisations. The Council Elections in November 2008 saw a change of Directors from three member Councils, Moonee Valley City Council, Brimbank City Council and Melton Shire Council.