Avni Bekirofski and community-mindedness go hand-in-hand, so it’s no surprise he’s been selected for the Fairley Leadership Program.
“It’s something I have been considering for a few years now, so it is exciting to have been given the opportunity,” the Kyabram resident said.
“I have been in the region my entire life, so I’m eager to learn some new skills and create some new connections that I can use to give back to the community.”
The program aims to foster community-based leadership in the Goulburn Murray region.
Candidates from various sectors across the region are evaluated based on their leadership potential and commitment to supporting the community.
Mr Bekirofski, who is the manager of surveying services at Goulburn-Murray Water, has led a team that has significantly improved the corporation’s surveying methods.
He has also volunteered in various roles for local schools and sports clubs and as part of the Shepparton Albanian Harvest Festival.
Having grown up on a farm and spent over 20 years in the water industry, Mr Bekirofski understands the challenges the region faces in the coming years, particularly regarding agriculture.
“I’m passionate about agriculture, which is such a big part of our area both economically and culturally,” he said.
“Diminishing water availability will be a key challenge for our region, and it is really important people in the agriculture industry are connected and supported by their communities as we adapt.
“But I’m also very eager to learn about some of the other challenges our area is facing that I might not be aware of, and I think the program will be great for improving my understanding there.”
G-MW insights and information manager John Weber expressed his confidence in Mr Bekirofski’s ability to succeed in the program, saying he was a great asset to the organisation and committed to his work and community.
“It is fantastic he has been given this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop further as a leader and what he brings back from the program,” he said.