Fairley Leadership Program Explores Advocacy, Leadership and Regional Connections Through Melbourne Study Tour
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20th May 2026
Melbourne, 12th May 2026 — Participants from the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program recently travelled to Melbourne for the program’s annual Melbourne Study Tour, exploring advocacy, leadership, government, and the role regional voices play in shaping decision-making across Victoria.
The study tour provided participants with opportunities to engage directly with Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff members while gaining a deeper understanding of how Parliament and government operate behind the scenes.
This year’s study tour also included a joint leadership gathering with participants from the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program, providing opportunities for leaders from across regional Victoria to connect, strengthen networks, and explore shared regional challenges and opportunities.
Throughout the day, participants visited Parliament House, learning more about the history and significance of the building, parliamentary processes, and the role Parliament plays in shaping policy and legislation across the state.
The cohort heard from guest speakers including Annabelle Cleeland MP (Euroa), Gaelle Broad MP (Northern Victoria), Kim O’Keeffe MP (Shepparton) (Past GMCL Board Member), Speaker Maree Edwards MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bendigo West), Peter Walsh MP (Murray Plains), Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MP (Northern Victoria), Wendy Lovell MP FF'97 (Northern Victoria) and parliamentary staff members, who shared reflections on leadership, representation, advocacy, and their experiences working within Parliament and government. Discussions also explored how community members can engage with elected representatives, raise local issues, and advocate for positive change within their communities and regions.
Annabelle Cleeland MP encouraged participants to continue backing their “why” and remain courageous in advocacy and leadership, while Peter Walsh MP shared practical advice around communicating issues clearly and effectively, including the importance of concise one-page advocacy summaries.
A key theme throughout the day was the importance of regional advocacy, collaboration, and ensuring regional voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Participants reflected that the experience gave them a much deeper understanding of how Parliament operates, how accessible local Members of Parliament can be, and the importance of building confidence to engage in advocacy and leadership conversations. Many also appreciated hearing directly from leaders passionate about regional communities and gaining insight into the different pathways people take into leadership and public life.
The study tour also provided opportunities for informal conversations and networking with speakers and stakeholders, allowing the cohort to ask questions, deepen discussions, and reflect on how leadership and advocacy intersect across community, government, and regional development.
Delivered by Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL), the Fairley Leadership Program has been developing regional leaders since 1997 and continues to foster leadership, collaboration, and community impact across the Goulburn Murray region.