
THE FAIRLEY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Specifically designed to develop and maximise an individual’s capacity for community leadership, the Fairley Leadership Program immerses participants from sectors and locations across the Goulburn Murray region. Balancing the exploration of leadership and community building, this unique and immersive program enables participants to realise their potential and demonstrate community leadership in action.
The Fairley Leadership Program is informed and continually evolves to develop leaders with the capacity to respond to emerging needs of the region. The program plays a critical role in succession planning for the region, continually developing a pool of emerging community leaders who are supported to engage in programs and initiatives supporting the region.
GUEST FACILITATORS
Each year, Fairley Leadership participants are inspired by leaders who share their expertise, insights, and networks to strengthen community, spark innovation, and make a difference across the Goulburn Murray region.
We welcome EOIs from facilitators with experience in delivering workshops in one or more of the following areas:
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Leadership development (values-based, adaptive, ethical leadership)
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Communication and influence
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Public speaking and storytelling
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Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
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Community development and mobilisation
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Governance, boards, and decision-making
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Conflict resolution and difficult conversations
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Systems thinking and problem solving
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Strategy, project planning and evaluation
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Wellbeing, burnout prevention and sustainable leadership
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Diversity, inclusion and culturally safe facilitation
Who should apply
You may be a great fit if you:
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Have strong facilitation skills (not just presenting)
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Can create safe, engaging and participatory learning environments
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Understand regional communities and community-led change
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Bring lived experience, sector expertise, or unique perspectives
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Are committed to inclusion and respectful dialogue
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Can work collaboratively with GMCL staff and program partners
We welcome EOIs from facilitators across community, education, local government, health, business, and not-for-profit sectors.
What’s involved
Guest facilitators may be engaged to deliver:
A full workshop session (typically 60–180 minutes), or
A shorter segment within a program day, panel, or activity
Sessions may be delivered in-person across the region and/or online (depending on the program format).
2026 FAIRLEY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Aaron Cuthbert
Sponsored by
Goulburn Murray Water

Dhami Singh
Sponsored by
Gardiner Foundation

Jayden Howe
Sponsored by Committee
for Echuca Moama

Linda Tubb
Sponsored by
Murray River Council

Sharon D'Cruz
Sponsored by
Goulburn Valley Water Community Scholarship

Arpita Khare
Sponsored by
GMCL Alumni Committee

Ed Thomas
Sponsored by
GOTAFE

Judes Gadzinski
Sponsored by
Gardiner Foundation

Matt McLaughlin
Sponsored by
Country Fire Authority (CFA)

Stuart McKenzie
Sponsored by
Berrigan Shire Council

Aziz Bhatti
Sponsored by
Goulburn Valley Health

Fern Summer
Sponsored by Greater
Shepparton City Council

Katie Thorp
Sponsored by
Vision Radiology

Michelle Taylor
Sponsored by
Cadell Food Service

Carolyn Nigro
Sponsored by
Goulburn Broken CMA

Harley Haber
Sponsored by
Murray River Council

Lachlan Andrew
Sponsored by Moira
Shire Community Scholarship

Renee Pichler
Sponsored by Kyabram Community Scholarship

Cate Fairley
Self-funded

Jane Bearham
Sponsored by
GMCU

Linda Shi
Sponsored by
Goulburn Valley Water

Richard Smith
Sponsored by
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

