How Shepparton’s summit redefines community collaboration

“Community organisations are truly the lifeblood of our region,” GMCL executive officer Nathan Bibby said.

“However, their foundations are usually underpinned by passion and volunteering, and with the increasing complexity of balancing family, work, and community life, these foundations are being challenged.”

In light of this, the summit raised the question: what are the new ways to govern and lead to ensure sustainability?

Participants explored solutions to this question through workshops, discussions and social experiments designed to foster networking and creative problem-solving.

A panel with local leaders Jenny Foott, Doc McDonald, and Daryl Bennett discussed important challenges in community governance, sharing their personal experiences to find practical solutions.

Additionally, facilitators Scott Ko and Dr Samuel Wilson gave inspiring presentations.

Dr Wilson explored the concept of the ‘common good’, urging participants to reflect on their community commitments.

“In the face of systemic challenges in regional communities, it is easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed,” he said.

“It was so encouraging to see how much these local leaders do, individually and collectively, to practice everyday leadership for the common good in their communities.”

Attendees shared their ideas on an ‘action wall’, a visual tapestry that allowed all present to see the opportunities for collaboration, new partnerships, and friendships that promise to extend well beyond the summit.

Following the success of its inaugural event, GMCL announced plans for additional events to ensure that the ideas and connections from the summit continue to flourish.

“It was not only about leadership, but it was also about building communities,” Mr Bibby said.

For more information about the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership programs, contact Nathan Bibby at eo@gmcl.org.au