New Leaders Step Forward as Fairley Leadership Program Welcomes 30th Cohort
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
11th March 2026
Goulburn Murray, 4th & 5th March 2026 – A new generation of regional leaders has begun their leadership journey as Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) officially welcomed the 30th cohort of the Fairley Leadership Program, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
The 2026 cohort of 22 participants from 15 towns across the Goulburn Murray region gathered last week for the program’s Opening Intensive and Launch, bringing together emerging and established leaders from sectors including local government, agriculture, health, education, community services, emergency services and regional development.
Designed to inspire, challenge and connect participants, the Opening Intensive retreat set the foundation for a transformative year of leadership development. The immersive experience was held at The Paddock at Ulupna, offering a reflective environment close to nature. The retreat was hosted by Fairley Fellow John Hall, whose connection to the program and the region added a meaningful dimension to the experience.
Over the two-day retreat, participants engaged in deep reflection, leadership conversations and cohort-building activities designed to strengthen their understanding of personal leadership, community impact and regional collaboration.
The Launch event, held at Cactus Country in Strathmerton, brought together alumni, sponsors, partners and community leaders to formally welcome the new cohort and celebrate the legacy of leadership the program has built over the past 30 years.
The event was hosted by graduates of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program, with Keith Berry serving as Master of Ceremonies. The audience also heard inspiring keynote reflections from Maree Harris and Alex Wright, symbolically marking the passing of the baton to the 2026 cohort as they begin their leadership journey.
Since its establishment in 1997, the Fairley Leadership Program has supported more than 745 alumni, many of whom now serve in influential leadership roles across boards, businesses, community organisations and public institutions throughout the Goulburn Murray region.
Executive Officer Jesse Mitchell said, ‘Throughout this program, participants will be challenged - not because they need to prove that they are a leader, but because great leaders never stop growing. They will step into difficult conversations, explore different perspectives, and push themselves beyond what feels comfortable. That’s what real leadership is - stepping forward even when the path is uncertain.
I encourage the cohort to lean into this experience with openness and determination. Trust yourself, trust the process, and trust the people around you.’
Programs Coordinator Kimberley Chu said the Opening Intensive is designed to create strong connections and set the tone for the year ahead.
"What makes Fairley special is the relationships that form through the program, people from different sectors, towns and backgrounds coming together with a shared purpose to strengthen our communities."
Throughout the year, participants will take part in place-based learning days, leadership workshops, regional visits and community engagement activities, exploring the key opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the Goulburn Murray region.
The Fairley Leadership Program continues to be made possible through the support of local organisations, sponsors and community partners who invest in developing the region’s future leaders.
GMCL will further celebrate the program’s milestone with the 30 Year Celebration & Fundraising Gala, bringing together alumni and community leaders from across the decades.