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Regional Voices Heard at Victorian Parliament Through Fairley Leadership Program

  • Kimberley Chu
  • Oct 13
  • 2 min read

13th October 2025

Melbourne, Victoria — Participants of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program, coordinated by Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL), recently visited the Victorian Parliament House for an immersive learning experience exploring how government works in practice — and how regional voices help shape policy and decision-making across the state.


Fairley Leadership Program participants at the Victorian Parliament.
Fairley Leadership Program participants at the Victorian Parliament.

The group was welcomed to Parliament by a range of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff who generously shared their time and insights into how Parliament operates and how regional perspectives are represented at the state level.


Participants had the privilege to hear directly from:

  • Annabelle Cleeland MP (Euroa)

  • Gaelle Broad MP (Northern Victoria)

  • Kim O’Keeffe MP (Shepparton)

  • Speaker Maree Edwards MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bendigo West)

  • Martin Cameron MP (Deputy Chair, Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee, Morwell),

  • Peter Walsh MP (Murray Plains)

  • Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MP (Northern Victoria)

  • Wendy Lovell MP (Northern Victoria)

Fairley Leadership Program participants with local members Kim O’Keeffe MP (Member for Shepparton) and Wendy Lovell MP (Member for Northern Victoria).
Fairley Leadership Program participants with local members Kim O’Keeffe MP (Member for Shepparton) and Wendy Lovell MP (Member for Northern Victoria).
Speaker Maree Edwards MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bendigo West) addressing the cohort.
Speaker Maree Edwards MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bendigo West) addressing the cohort.
Martin Cameron MP (Deputy Chair, Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee, Member for Morwell) speaking to the cohort.
Martin Cameron MP (Deputy Chair, Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee, Member for Morwell) speaking to the cohort.
Annabelle Cleeland MP (Member for Euroa) and Peter Walsh MP (Member for Murray Plains) in discussion with participants.
Annabelle Cleeland MP (Member for Euroa) and Peter Walsh MP (Member for Murray Plains) in discussion with participants.

The visit included a guided tour of Parliament House, attendance at Question Time, and small-group discussions on leadership, representation, and the challenges of serving in public office. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and complexities involved in state leadership.


For many, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. 2025 Fairley participant Maree Harris reflected:

“There is a lot of sacrifice involved in leadership — it requires a strong support network around you. Bringing your passion to the table, understanding what your community needs, and building relationships are key.”
Gaelle Broad MP and Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MP (Members for Northern Victoria) speaking with the cohort.
Gaelle Broad MP and Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MP (Members for Northern Victoria) speaking with the cohort.

Now in its 29th year, the Fairley Leadership Program continues to empower and connect leaders across the Goulburn Murray region, fostering collaboration and driving positive, long-term change in local communities. To learn more or apply for the 2026 intake, visit https://www.goulburnmurraycommunityleadership.com.au/fairley-leadership-program. Applications close 21 November 2025.


Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) builds strong, connected, and resilient communities through leadership development programs, including the flagship Fairley Leadership Program and other youth and community initiatives.

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