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Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Leadership Cohort Tours Greater Shepparton’s Multicultural Heart

  • Kimberley Chu
  • Jul 2
  • 2 min read

25th June 2025


Greater Shepparton, VIC — On Wednesday, 18 June 2025, the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) 2025 Fairley Leadership cohort, alongside alumni, program sponsors and local stakeholders, took part on a meaningful Cultural Bus Tour across Shepparton, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s rich multicultural and religious diversity.


Proudly delivered in partnership with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, the tour brought together current participants, alumni, and community stakeholders for an immersive day visiting local cultural places of worship and gathering, including:

·         Shepparton Heritage Centre

·         GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque

·         Shepparton Albanian Society (Mosque)

·         Sikh Temple – Gurdwara Sahib

·         Nabi Akram Islamic Centre

 

Throughout the day, participants heard directly from community and faith leaders about the unique histories, traditions, and contributions of each group, as well as the challenges faced by multicultural communities in the region.

One attendee reflected: “Seeing the Afghani mosque beside the Sikh temple, where followers of both faiths peacefully practice their beliefs, is a powerful symbol of harmony. It reflects the beauty of coexistence in a diverse community. It was beautifully organised, and my heart is full witnessing the diversity and harmony within our community.”

The tour provided a powerful snapshot of the many local organisations contributing to the region’s strength and diversity, creating space for learning, connection, and collaboration. Participants gained deeper insight into the lived experiences of several key communities, enhancing their understanding of the importance of cultural awareness in leadership. 


While the tour focused on a selection of communities, GMCL acknowledges and values the many others across the region whose voices and contributions are equally important. GMCL is deeply grateful to the communities who generously opened their doors and welcomed participants to learn more about their cultures, perspectives, and aspirations. Their openness plays a vital role in fostering understanding and harmony across the region. 

 

GMCL encourages all community members and leaders to continue engaging with cultural events, listening to diverse lived experiences, and building meaningful connections with the many vibrant communities that make up the Goulburn Murray. 

 

This initiative is just one of many ways GMCL supports regional leadership that is reflective, informed, and inclusive of the diverse communities that call this region home. 


Figure 1. Attendees pictured with Kristy Rudd, Executive Officer of the Shepparton Heritage Centre, at the Immigration Showcase – highlighting Shepparton’s rich and extraordinary immigration history.
Figure 1. Attendees pictured with Kristy Rudd, Executive Officer of the Shepparton Heritage Centre, at the Immigration Showcase – highlighting Shepparton’s rich and extraordinary immigration history.
Figure 2. Cultural and faith leaders from the GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque sharing insights with attendees.
Figure 2. Cultural and faith leaders from the GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque sharing insights with attendees.
Figure 3. Attendees pictured with Imam Hysni Merja, the faith leader from the Shepparton Albanian Society at the mosque.
Figure 3. Attendees pictured with Imam Hysni Merja, the faith leader from the Shepparton Albanian Society at the mosque.
Figure 4. Attendees with Dhami Singh, community leader from the Sikh Temple – Gurdwara Sahib.
Figure 4. Attendees with Dhami Singh, community leader from the Sikh Temple – Gurdwara Sahib.
Figure 5. Attendees with community and faith leaders from the Nabi Akram Islamic Centre.
Figure 5. Attendees with community and faith leaders from the Nabi Akram Islamic Centre.

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