Community, Collaboration and Local Solutions Highlighted During Fairley Leadership Day
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
30th June 2026
Tatura and Mooroopna, 24th June – Participants in the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping Greater Shepparton during a recent place-based day across Tatura and Mooroopna.
The day brought together local leaders, organisations and community initiatives to explore how innovation, partnerships and place-based approaches are helping shape the region's future. Through a series of presentations and site visits, participants gained insight into the strengths of the region and the challenges facing communities and industries across Greater Shepparton.
At Agriculture Victoria's Tatura SmartFarm, participants heard from Dr Ian Goodwin, Research Leader, Horticulture Production Sciences, and Mark G O'Connell, Senior Research Scientist, Horticulture Production Sciences, from Agriculture Victoria. The session explored innovation, research and emerging technologies in horticulture, while highlighting the importance of continued investment in science and research to ensure the region maintains its reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation.
A session with Linda Nieuwenhuizen FF’14, Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Greater Shepparton, examined the region's strengths, economic momentum and future opportunities. Participants discussed the role of advocacy, investment, partnerships and leadership in driving regional growth, as well as the importance of telling the region's story through strong data, evidence and local success stories.
The cohort then visited Family Haven Mooroopna, where Andrea Tuohey, Early Years and Primary Manager at the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, led a guided tour, before hearing from Amy Robinson, Executive Officer of the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project. Participants learned about place-based approaches to improving educational and community outcomes and explored how collaboration between organisations is delivering practical support for local families and creating opportunities for long-term community impact.
Further discussions with Jenni Gibson FF’20, Project Manager of the Shepparton Education Plan, and Richard Bryce FF’09, Senior Communications Advisor, highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving long-term systems change and improving outcomes for young people and the broader community.
The day concluded with reflections from Ross McPherson AM, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, McPherson Media Group, and Patron of the Fairley Leadership Program, who shared insights into the origins of the program and the importance of leadership legacies, long-term vision and investing in future community leaders.
Carolyn Nigro, participant in the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program and Sustainable Irrigation Program Manager at Goulburn Broken CMA, said the experience reinforced the importance of collaboration and place-based leadership.
"What stood out across the day was the strength of people and organisations working together to respond to local challenges in practical ways. From world-leading agricultural research to grassroots community programs supporting vulnerable families, the common thread was collaboration, innovation and the importance of investing in local solutions. The day reinforced that strong communities are built through partnership, leadership and a shared commitment to creating positive change."
The Fairley Leadership Program brings together emerging and established leaders from across the Goulburn Murray region to strengthen leadership capability, build networks and support positive community outcomes.
Goulburn Murray Community Leadership extends its sincere thanks to DEECA Tatura and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project for generously hosting the cohort throughout the day. We also thank all of our guest speakers and partner organisations for sharing their time, knowledge and experiences, helping create a rich and engaging learning experience for the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort.
This media release was prepared by Leadership Group 1 of the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program: Carolyn Nigro, Cate Fairley, Dhami Singh, Michelle Taylor and Stuart McKenzie.