Anyone over the age of 18 may apply to participate in the Fairley Leadership Program.

We select participants based on their demonstrated commitment to community leadership, a genuine desire to contribute, and the ability to apply their skills and knowledge to benefit local communities.

Our aim is to create an inclusive environment that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences. We especially encourage individuals from Aboriginal and multicultural communities, rural and isolated areas, and disadvantaged backgrounds to consider applying for the program.

We often receive more applications than there are spots available, so it’s possible that not everyone will be selected each year. Our selection panel carefully considers factors such as geographical distribution, cultural diversity, and personal attributes alongside your unique experiences and potential. If you’re not selected this time, we encourage you to apply again in the future.

The course fee for the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program is $8,500 plus GST. Participants can be supported through employer sponsorship, scholarship or self-funding.

We believe that financial constraints should not be a barrier to your participation. We offer flexible payment plans and, in some cases, assistance through scholarship opportunities. If you have any concerns or would like to explore your options, please email us at info@gmcl.org.au.

The Fairley Leadership Program is designed to be a transformative experience, and your active participation is key to making the most of it. To ensure that every participant benefits fully, we ask for a strong commitment throughout the program. To graduate successfully, we require a minimum attendance rate of 80% across all program days, sessions and events.

While sponsorship or scholarships generously cover most of the expenses for participants, there may be a few situations where participants might need to contribute towards certain costs, like transport, accommodation or meals. If you prefer a private room for overnight stays, please note that this will incur an additional charge.

The 2025 Fairley Leadership Program has been thoughtfully restructured to enhance the learning experience for participants. This refreshed format now includes three essential elements spread across the program year:

· Fairley Leadership Intensive: A 6-month journey where participants gather in-person and online for regional exploration and personal development, laying the groundwork for the entire program.

· Regional Mobilisation Summit: A full-day event bringing participants and broader stakeholders together to build on the region’s mobilisation efforts.

Please note, the Canberra Advocacy Tour is not part of the 2026 program. This tour may be offered during the program as an 'opt in' fee for service option.

The Fairley Leadership Program is dedicated to developing community leaders through more experiential learning. Over the course of the program, participants engage directly with community leaders to understand and address issues impacting the Goulburn Murray region. Rather than focusing on academic theories, the program emphasises real-world experiences and practical leadership skills.

Participants engage in community hubs, through the Community Action Network (CAN), which offers opportunities to build partnerships and networks that drive positive change and align with regional priorities. By interacting with community leaders from various backgrounds and experiences, participants gain insights into the values, ethics, and personal styles of effective leadership. Our goal is to foster meaningful community engagement and growth, guided by practical experience and collective knowledge.

Graduates of the Fairley Leadership Program are eligible to apply for credit for one subject (equivalent to 15 credit points) towards the La Trobe MBA. This subject is called Responsible Leadership.

La Trobe University offers personalised consultations with course advisors to help prospective students explore whether the MBA program aligns with their goals. Please contact eo@gmcl.org.au for more information.