ABOUT GMCL
GMCL believes you only need to look within your own backyard to see the passion and resilience required to innovate and continue building the momentum of this region. The Goulburn Murray is in an amazing position to become a stronger region balancing the growth, well-being, and economies of local communities. There are many individuals and organisations innovating and leading change to do this, however, regional resilience requires a focus on succession and continual development of emerging community leaders.
We believe in the power and necessity of community leadership and place-based change making to ensure we have a strong, innovative, and sustainable Goulburn Murray region. We partner and collaborate with a diverse range of organisations to deliver programs that develop emerging, experienced, and accomplished leaders in the Goulburn Murray region.
OUR VISION
Prosperous Goulburn Murray regional communities driven by locally developed community leaders
OUR MISSION
To be an adaptive organisation that is a catalyst for positive change, cultivating a willing, ready, and able pool of community leaders.
OUR WHY
We believe in the power and necessity of community leadership to more effectively address the complex issues and critical opportunities in our region.
OUR JOURNEY
For nearly 30 years, the Fairley Leadership Program has been a cornerstone of growth and transformation in the Goulburn Murray region, equipping hundreds of leaders to address local challenges and drive meaningful change. Building on this strong foundation, Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) is embarking on an exciting evolution—from delivering a single program to creating a dynamic, interconnected learning system that strengthens communities and enhances the region's well-being and liveability.
This transformation is driven by the growing complexity of regional challenges. From population growth and increasing diversity to climate resilience and rising costs, the pressures facing our communities demand innovative and inclusive solutions. To meet these demands, GMCL is shifting from a standalone program model to a comprehensive community development system. This new approach will broaden participation, foster localised learning and amplify regional impact.
At the heart of this evolution is our unwavering commitment to building stronger communities through people. By embedding action-based learning and focusing on future-ready leadership, we are cultivating a responsive, adaptable, and inclusive Goulburn Murray region. Together, we aim to create a thriving community that is equipped to navigate complexity and unlock its full potential for generations to come.
OUR TEAM
OUR BOARD
Christina Bassani
Board Chair
FF '03
Chloe Armstrong
Board Member
Rick Sellars
Board Member &
Board Representative - Alumni Subcommittee
FF '23
Dr Werner Vogels
Board Member
Lacey Nicholson
Board Treasurer
FF '22
Jay Whittaker
Board Member
FF '15
Shara Scott
Board Member
FF '22
Sam Atukorala
Board Member
FF '14
Meena Malla
Board Member
FF '23
Warren Davies
Board Member
ALUMNI SUBCOMMITTEE
Purpose: To re-engage alumni, support ongoing learning and networking, and represent alumni interests as a formal advisory body to the GMCL Board.
Sarmed Yassin FF'15
Committee Chair
Amanda Mitchell FF'23
Committee Member
Terri Cowley FF'17
Committee Member
Fiona Blick FF'19
Committee Member
Mariola Nebiu FF'24
Committee Member
Vacant
Committee Member
The Alumni Subcommittee are fundraising for a place in the Fairley Leadership Program to offer a scholarship to a community participant.
To support the scholarship:
OUR ALUMNI
We are proud to support an alumni base of over 700 graduates of the Fairley Leadership Program, or ‘Fairley Fellows’.
We are proud to support an alumni base of over 700 graduates of the Fairley Leadership Program, or ‘Fairley Fellows’.
