Leadership program kicks off

During the intensive, held at The Paddock at Ulupna, participants took part in workshops and discussions about leadership styles and self-awareness.

The emerging leaders also had the opportunity to develop their networking skills and nurture connections that will support them throughout their journeys.

As part of the retreat, participants were taken to the Bullanginya Dreaming Walk, hosted by Uncle Dozer and his daughters Ji and Ki from Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education.

It was a chance for participants to reflect through shared storytelling on the enduring connections of First Nations to Country.

Later, the intensive was topped off with a launch lunch at the iconic Cactus Country.

Last year’s graduates, including Ariyana Gant (emcee) and Lynn Haswell, passed the baton to the 2025 cohort by hosting the launch.

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership executive officer Jesse Mitchell said she was thrilled to welcome the 2025 cohort and to witness the energy and passion they bring to the program.

“The Opening Retreat and Launch is an essential step in their journey, and we are grateful to our sponsors, supporters and alumni for making this experience special for this year’s cohort,” she said.

An initiative of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership, the Fairley Leadership Program has a 30-year history of developing change-makers in the Goulburn Murray region.

This year’s cohort of the program will graduate with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their communities.