The 2023 Fischer Community Leadership Program is making significant strides in fostering community development and empowering future leaders.
Recently, program participants engaged in a workshop that provided them with invaluable insights from local, established leaders.
The workshop, organised by Program Coordinator Mary Hoodless, took place in Corowa and featured a diverse panel of business and community leaders.
The panel discussion, expertly facilitated by Cr Sally Hughes of Federation Council, showcased the wisdom and experience of esteemed individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields.
Among the notable panellists were Cr Rowena Black and Cr Aaron Nicholls from Federation Council, Daniel Hateley, a leading advocate for mental health awareness through his initiative 'The fight is real for mental health,' and Catherine Marriott OAM, the Chief Executive Officer of Riverine Plains.
In addition to the panel session, the workshop also focused on the vital topics of diversity and inclusion. Josie Maxwell, the Regional Development Australia Skilled Migration Lead and President of the Filipino Australian Community of Albury Wodonga, and Ray Wilson, a local Disability Advocate and member of SAILS (Self-Advocacy Inclusive Learning Sessions), shed light on the importance of embracing diversity and creating an inclusive society.
To further understand the dynamics between government and local organizations, participants had the opportunity to engage with Justin Clancy MP, the Member for Albury, and Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke.
The discussion explored how collaborative efforts can be harnessed for the greater benefit of the community.
Closing out the day was a project management session delivered by Mary Hoodless. This session enabled participants to actively work on scoping and planning small, community-led projects, applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the workshop.
“We are now at the mid-way point of the Corowa program, and to hear from such inspiring local leaders is really impactful,” she said.
“Some of the key themes uncovered through the workshop, such as inclusion, vulnerability, and courage, are exactly the kind of open and honest discourse that is important to community-led development.”
The Fischer Community Leadership Program, named in honour of the late Tim Fischer AC, has been making remarkable strides since its inception. Last year, it successfully ran as a pilot program in Henty and Holbrook, and its success prompted the securing of further funding for the program in Corowa this year.