Regional Mobilisation Summit celebrates local leadership and community-led change across the Goulburn Murray
- Kimberley Chu
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
27th October 2025
Shepparton, Victoria — Regional leaders from across the Goulburn Murray came together at the Regional Mobilisation Summit, hosted by Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL), to celebrate the people, partnerships, and initiatives already driving meaningful change in the region.
Held at Parklake Shepparton, the Summit brought together representatives from local government, community organisations, and businesses to explore this year’s theme — “Celebrating What Is Working: The Connections, Actions, and Community-Led Initiatives Already Driving Meaningful Change.”
Executive Officer, Jesse Mitchell said she was excited to deliver the Summit in Shepparton, “The Regional Mobilisation Summit highlights what can happen when local leaders unite around shared challenges and opportunities. It takes courage to collaborate and step outside of comfort zones, share ideas, and build something bigger than any one person or organisation.
What we’ve seen through this summit is the collective power of people who care deeply about their communities and are ready to act. Mobilisation isn’t just about momentum; it’s about courage in connection because that’s where real, lasting impact begins.”
The day opened with Karen Corr from Make a Change Australia, who shared insights and data from GMCL’s Community Action Network Insight Sessions, which captured voices and priorities from across the region. Corr highlighted how communities can harness connection and momentum to lead their own local transformation.
A highlight of the program was the “Doing Good Stuff” panel, facilitated by Scott Ko, featuring inspiring community leaders:
Lisa McKenzie OAM (FF’97) – Founder, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project
Laurelin Berick (FF’23) – Chair, Winter Blues Festival
Warren Davies – “The Unbreakable Farmer” and GMCL Board Member
The panel shared powerful stories of how small, community-driven actions can evolve into region-wide movements that build resilience, wellbeing, and pride. Themes of finding your champions, the importance of place-based education, and the value of a shared community vision resonated throughout the discussion.
In the afternoon, Scott Ko led a hands-on workshop “Get Clear, Get Resources, and Get Mobile”, encouraging participants to transform ideas into tangible projects through collaboration, leadership, and resource mobilisation.
“The sense of connection and momentum in the room was incredible,” said Kimberley Chu, GMCL Programs Coordinator. “People left not only with new insights, but with practical ideas and collaborations to take back to their communities. We are excited to see how these project ideas evolve and the impact they’ll create across the region.”
Now in its second year, the Regional Mobilisation Summit continues to strengthen connections between local changemakers and drive region-wide collaboration. Building on nearly 30 years of impact through the Fairley Leadership Program, GMCL remains committed to empowering people to lead, advocate, and create change across the Goulburn Murray.