Celebrating 30 Years of the
Fairley Leadership Program
Where it all began...
The story of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) spans 30 years, evolving from a grassroots idea into a cornerstone of regional leadership development.
The vision for a regional leadership program was shaped through the Clever Food People Movement (1993–1997), a period of collaboration where local leaders came together to explore ideas and opportunities for the future of the Goulburn Valley.
Recognising a growing need to strengthen the pool of regional decision-makers, Ross McPherson, alongside key contributors from the Clever Food People network, drew on their experiences in programs such as the Williamson Community Leadership Program and the Australian Rural Leadership Program to imagine what could be created locally.
With the support of the Clever Food People Committee, this vision gained momentum. A formal board was established, governance structures were developed, and Anne McCamish was appointed as the program’s first facilitator. The founding board played a critical role in shaping the program’s direction and laying the foundations for its long-term success.
This vision became a reality in February 1997, when the program was officially launched by Member for Murray, Sharman Stone, with an inaugural cohort of 26 participants. Under the leadership of Executive Director Anne McCamish and Chair Ross McPherson, the organisation was formally incorporated in May 1997 as Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program Inc.
A defining milestone came in 1998, when the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation committed significant funding support, enabling the program to grow and become widely known as “Fairley Leadership.” Ross McPherson played a key role in securing this early investment, along with support from industry and communities across the region. Over time, the Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 to sustain and strengthen the program.
In 2007, founding Chair Ross McPherson stepped down after a decade of leadership, with Suzanna Sheed taking on the role, continuing the program’s strong governance and strategic direction. A major step towards long-term sustainability was achieved in 2010, with a landmark $400,000 grant from the Victorian Government, helping secure the program’s future and enabling continued growth.
From 2011 onwards, GMCL entered a period of strategic growth and deeper collaboration, building on strong foundations to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and evolve its impact across the region.
By 2019, the organisation undertook a comprehensive strategic review, refining its vision and positioning while seeking to better engage and activate its expanding alumni network of more than 576 Fellows.
The new decade brought significant disruption, beginning with the Black Summer bushfires in 2020, which saw the program’s opening retreat relocated. GMCL successfully transitioned to alternate delivery models, ensuring continuity of learning and connection during uncertain times.
In 2021, GMCL marked its 25th anniversary—a significant milestone—with its alumni network growing to 641 Fairley Fellows.
By 2026, the program has grown to more than 745 alumni.
Today, GMCL remains firmly committed to its purpose: acting as a catalyst for positive change by cultivating a willing, ready, and able pool of community leaders empowered to lead where they live.
'Our Alumni are our Legacy'
"I AM A FAIRLEY FELLOW"
30 years. Hundreds of leaders. One lasting legacy.
For 30 years, the Fairley Leadership Program has brought together people who care deeply about the future of our communities. Now we are inviting Fairley Fellows from every cohort to help make that legacy visible - one story at a time.
Share what Fairley meant to you, how it changed your perspective and how you continue to put leadership into action. Add your cohort year, nominate another Fellow and, naturally, make the case for why your cohort was the best one ever.
Why your story matters
Every Fairley Fellow brings a different experience, perspective and contribution. Together, these stories show the collective impact of the program across workplaces, communities and the wider region.
Your post can reconnect people across cohorts, recognise the relationships and ideas that still matter, and inspire the next generation of community leaders. It does not need to be formal or perfect - it simply needs to sound like you.
How to take part
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Choose a photograph. Use a current photo, a photo from your Fairley year or an image of you contributing to your workplace or community.
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Write your reflection. Personalise the short caption below or use the prompts on this page to tell your story in your own voice.
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Add your cohort identity. Include your program year and use the short-form designation FF'[YEAR] - for example, FF'23.
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Post and tag. Share on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram during September 2026. Tag Goulburn Murray Community Leadership on Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook and include the campaign hashtags.
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Nominate another Fellow. Invite at least one Fairley Fellow to share their story - and defend their cohort's reputation.
What could I share?
Choose one or two prompts, or use them all. A short, genuine reflection is enough.
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What completing the Fairley Leadership Program meant to you
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An idea, issue or belief the experience changed for you
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A skill, connection, experience or opportunity you still draw upon.
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How you have applied my learning in my workplace or community.
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What leadership means to you today.
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Your hope for the next 30 years of Fairley, our region or our communities.
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Why your cohort was, of course, the best cohort ever.
Copy-ready social post
Use this as a starting point and replace the bracketed text with your own details.
I am a Fairley Fellow - FF'[YEAR].
I was part of the [YEAR] Fairley Leadership Program cohort: widely regarded by its members as the best cohort ever.
The program meant [SHORT REFLECTION] to me. It changed my perspective on [TOPIC] and gave me the confidence, connections and skills to [ACTION OR OUTCOME].
As Fairley celebrates 30 years, I am proud to be part of its continuing leadership legacy.
I nominate [NAME] to share their Fairley story.
Tags: #IAmAFairleyFellow #30yearsofFairleyLeaders #FairleyLeadershipProgram #CommunityLeadership #LeadershipInAction #FairleyFellows
Use your Fairley identity beyond the campaign
You can keep the Fairley connection visible after the anniversary campaign by adding FF'[YEAR] where it provides useful professional or community context.
LinkedIn: add 'Fairley Fellow FF'[YEAR]' to your headline, About section, Featured section or profile banner.
Email signature: place FF'[YEAR] after your name or add 'Fairley Fellow - Class of [YEAR]'.
Professional biography: note that you are a graduate of the [YEAR] Fairley Leadership Program and a proud Fairley Fellow.
Sharing, accessibility and permission
Please only share photographs you have permission to post. Add alternative text to images where the platform allows it so your story is accessible to more people. GMCL may reshare public campaign posts that tag the organisation. If we would like to use your photograph or words in other anniversary material, we will contact you to request permission.
Ready to share your story?
Choose a photo, personalise your caption and post during September 2026.
Tag Linked in: @GoulburnMurrayCommunityLeadership, Facebook: @GoulburnMurrayCommunityLeadership, Instagram @goulburnmurraycl
use the hashtags below and nominate another Fellow to keep the stories moving.
#IAmAFairleyFellow #30yearsofFairleyLeaders #FairleyLeadershipProgram #CommunityLeadership #LeadershipInAction #FairleyFellows