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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.

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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.

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OUR TEAM

OUR BOARD

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Christina Bassani

Board Chair

FF '03

GMLC Fairley's Leadership Induction-207_

Chloe Armstrong

Board Member

   

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Rick Sellars

Board Member

FF '23

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Dr Werner Vogels

Board Member

 

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Lacey Nicholson

Board Treasurer

FF '22

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Jay Whittaker

Board Member

FF '15

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Shara Scott

Board Member

FF '22

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Sam Atukorala

Board Member

FF '14

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Meena Malla

Board Member

FF '23

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Warren Davies

Board Member

 

2025 PARTICIPANTS

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Abigail Y Madikhula

sponsored by Greater Shepparton City Council

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Jarrod Taylor

sponsored by GOTAFE

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Liz Hayes

sponsored by

Vision Radiology

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Sarah Griffiths

sponsored by

Berrigan Shire Council

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Alex Wright

sponsored by

Country Fire Authority (CFA)

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Jarvis Atkinson

sponsored by First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

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Maree Harris

sponsored by

Cadell Food Service

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Stacey Dick

sponsored by

Moira Shire Council

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Dana Sfetcopoulos

sponsored by

Goulburn Valley Health

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Jess Drummond

sponsored by GOTAFE

 

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Matt Billings

sponsored by

Goulburn Valley Water

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Teigen Brown

sponsored by

Goulburn-Murray Water

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Emmersyn Rea

sponsored by

Gardiner Foundation

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Keith Berry

sponsored by Country Fire Authority (CFA)

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Peter Chen

sponsored by

Moira Shire Council

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Yahya Al-Badri

sponsored by GV All Abilities Care & Vision Radiology

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Izzy Rees

sponsored by

Murray River Council

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Keneisha Lines Howell

sponsored by Goulburn

Broken CMA

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Phoebe Dillon

sponsored by

Gardiner Foundation

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Zahra Khademi

sponsored by

Goulburn Valley Water

OUR ALUMNI

We are proud to support an alumni base of over 700 graduates of the Fairley Leadership Program, or ‘Fairley Fellows’.

CURRENT SUPPORTERS

PAST SUPPORTERS

IMPACT PARTNERS

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