Illuminating Leadership in Campaspe: A Day with Community Changemakers
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
30th June 2026
Echuca and Moama, Wednesday 3rd June – The 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort recently travelled to the Campaspe and Murray region for a place-based learning experience, connecting with community leaders, businesses, social enterprises, and organisations helping shape the future of the region. Throughout the day, participants explored themes of leadership, community development, economic growth, inclusion, and collaboration while gaining insights into the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities.
The cohort started the day with a visit to Vivid, highlighting the organisation's commitment to empowering people living with disability through practical skill development, social inclusion, and pathways to independence. Through initiatives such as UPbicycle bike recycling and restoration program, clients gain hands-on mechanical skills, build confidence, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to a sustainable community enterprise. The visit demonstrated how meaningful, skills-based activities can foster personal growth while creating tangible benefits for both participants and the wider community.
The cohort observed Vivid Work Crew, Vivid's employment-focused social enterprise and Australian Disability Enterprise, where clients participate in paid work across a range of industries, including cleaning, garden maintenance, car washing, and manufacturing. These opportunities help individuals develop workplace skills, gain financial independence, and build confidence as they prepare for long-term employment within the broader community.
The visit also highlighted the challenges faced by disability service providers in an evolving policy landscape. Despite these challenges, Vivid has adopted a proactive and adaptable approach through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and diversified funding streams. The overall takeaway from the visit was the importance of innovative, person-centred programs that not only support individual outcomes but also build resilience and sustainability within the disability support sector.
Following our morning with the team at Vivid, the cohort travelled to Rich River Golf Club and participated in an engaging panel discussion with three local leaders involved in some of the region's most successful tourism and community events. The panel featured Mel Floyd FF’23 (Global Victoria/ Creative Echuca), Naomi Murray (Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival), and Steve Shipp (Moama Water Sports Club). Representing public art, major festivals, and sporting events, the panellists shared insights into initiatives that collectively attract more than 30,000 visitors and generate over $10 million for the local economy each year. Their experiences highlighted the significant role that community-led events play in driving regional growth and vibrancy.
Panellists spoke about the importance of passion, collaboration and community, noting that "if you are passionate about something, you'll always want to get involved" - Steve Shipp. And that "working together and sharing the same vision will always help drive success" - Naomi Murray. They encouraged organisations to recognise and nurture the strengths of their volunteers, reminding attendees to "find what your volunteers enjoy doing and support them to do exactly that" - Mel Floyd FF’23.
A key focus of the discussion was the challenges behind successful event delivery. Panellists spoke openly about lessons learned through setbacks, emphasising the importance of preventing volunteer burnout, maintaining strong governance, and ensuring volunteers feel valued and connected to a shared purpose. They also stressed the need for organisations to identify a unique point of difference and foster collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability and success.
The overarching message from the engaging conversation was to be courageous in pursuing opportunities, asking questions, and starting conversations, as meaningful outcomes often begin with simply taking the first step.
The Fairley Cohort also heard from community leaders Jen Savage FF’16 (Kyabram Community and Learning Centre) and Rob Foran (Crossenvale Community House), who shared insights into the vital role community houses play in supporting vulnerable residents. Drawing on their experiences, they highlighted growing challenges facing regional communities, including food insecurity, transport barriers, social isolation, and difficulties accessing essential services. They also noted that many vulnerable community members require support to navigate and advocate for their own needs.
Jen and Rob emphasised the need to value, support, and invest in volunteers, recognising them as a critical resource in building strong and connected communities. “Treat your volunteers as though they are paid staff and always consider what we can offer this person” - Jen Savage FF’16.
The discussion also delivered important leadership lessons around sustainability, advocacy, and persistence. The cohort was encouraged to think strategically about future community needs, continue advocating for those who may not have a voice, and remain persistent when pursuing positive change. The session reinforced the significant role community houses play in reducing disadvantage, strengthening resilience, and fostering connection within regional communities.
A key message from our session with Izzy Rees FF’25 from the Murray River Council, was that leadership is defined by connection, influence, and action rather than position or authority. The cohort explored how meaningful community outcomes are achieved through people-centred thinking, strong partnerships, collaboration, and a shared vision.
“Communities don’t think in their shire boundaries, continuous collaboration between towns and councils is where the impact lies” - Izzy Rees FF’25.
The session also highlighted the importance of listening, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining community engagement throughout the process. Examples of local creative initiatives, including silo art, youth-focused murals, and inclusive storytelling projects, demonstrated how communities can celebrate their identity, foster pride, and create lasting impact.
“The key to a successful project? Passion, people, purpose and partnership” - Izzy Rees FF’25.
Finally, the cohort finished the day of presenters with Suzie Shearer from Coolabah Turf, who shared lessons from her experience growing this business into a leading regional turf producer through innovation, operational excellence, and a focus on long-term sustainability. Drawing on her business journey and current governance roles, in her warm and engaging way, Suzie highlighted the importance of strategic planning, continuous improvement, and building teams with complementary skills.
A key focus of the session was succession planning and the reality that while starting a business can be relatively straightforward, exiting successfully requires careful preparation and foresight. Suzie emphasised the value of maintaining high standards, embracing resilience, and investing in long-term sustainability. Her insights reinforced practical leadership principles centred on discipline, adaptability, and community connection, with success ultimately measured by the freedom and opportunities created through sustained effort and thoughtful leadership.
“When you do good, you feel good” - Suzie Shearer.
The Campaspe and Murray Place-Based Day provided the cohort with valuable insights into the leadership, innovation, and community spirit shaping the region, while highlighting the important role collaboration and local leadership play in creating thriving communities.
About the Fairley Leadership Program
The Fairley Leadership Program is the Goulburn Murray region’s flagship community leadership initiative. Each year, the program brings together a diverse cohort of emerging and established leaders to deepen their understanding of regional issues, strengthen their leadership capability, and foster collaboration across sectors and communities.
The 2026 cohort represents a broad cross‑section of industries, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to strengthening the future of the Goulburn Murray region.
This media release was developed by Leadership Group 5 of the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program: Katie Thorp, Lachlan Andrew, Matt McLaughlin and Sharon D’Cruz.