The 2024 cohort of the Fairley Leadership Program recently had the honor of hearing from individuals who are true leaders and the epitome of the GMCL motto, "Lead Where You Live."
Photo description - 2024 Fairley Leadership Program participants and program day guest speakers. From left to right: Mohammad Ziraki (participant), Naynika Bagrecha (participant), Ali Alizadah FF'21, Cr Seema Abdullah, Sonali Jayasundera, Declo Bisimwa, Shirley Andrews, Rachel Williams (participant), Callum Phillips (participant), Ariyana Gant (participant).
Photo 1: Kimberly Chu FF'22, Meena Malla FF'23, Ali Al Battaat FF'23 & Rachel Williams. Photo 2: Callum Phillips, Amy Robinson, Rachel Williams & Wayne Muschialli. Photo 3: Amanda McCulloch, Leigh Johnson FF'22 & Craig Mangan FF'20.
These remarkable individuals all had a unique story to tell, some more confronting than others. We heard about the journeys and the challenges some faced in choosing Australia as their new home, stories of resilience in search of a better life. We also heard from community leaders who work tirelessly to prevent others from experiencing the isolation, frustration, and helplessness that can accompany moving to a new country.
Highlighting many things often taken for granted - the difficulties of not speaking the language well, lacking a driver's licence, navigating an unfamiliar public transport system, or even changing their names to get a fair chance at job interviews or renting a home - the challenges people of our communities face are numerous and complex.
We were inspired by the guests' commitment to volunteering, philanthropy, and community building. Their messages resonate with all of us: the importance of knowing your local community, being a lifelong learner, and providing opportunities for young leaders. Their belief in giving back is summed up by the sentiment, "Who really needs a Ferrari or a mansion to live in?"
While some are driven by life-changing experiences, others are motivated by a desire to leave a positive mark on their communities. In Greater Shepparton, areas such as youth and education are shaping the future of the region. We had the privilege of hearing from a few of the incredible people leading initiatives and programs in these fields, and there is much to be optimistic about.
Today was a day to put our own first-world problems into perspective. It prompted us to ask ourselves, "How important is this problem? Will I even remember it in five years?" The stark contrast to some of the stories shared is a humbling reminder of our good fortune.
We are fortunate to live in a country where we can celebrate our diverse cultures, learn from each other, and focus our efforts on improving the lives of those in need. By embodying the spirit of "Lead Where You Live," we can all contribute to making our communities stronger and more inclusive.
Leadership Team 3
Lynn Haswell, Angie Arteaga Jaime, Mohammad Ziraki & Kerryn Giorgianni
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