Strengthening Cultural Understanding Through Leadership in the Goulburn Murray Region

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20^th March 2026

Shepparton, 18th March 2026 – Participants, sponsors and stakeholders of the Fairley Leadership Program came together this week for a Cultural Bus Tour across Greater Shepparton, held during Harmony Week, a time to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness and respect.

Delivered in partnership with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton, the immersive, place-based experience brought together emerging leaders, community representatives, sponsors and stakeholders to engage directly with local multicultural communities.

Throughout the day, participants visited a range of cultural and community spaces, hearing firsthand from community leaders about their history, identity and lived experiences within the region. The Cultural Bus Tour included visits to Shepparton Heritage Centre, GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque, Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton, Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh Temple) and Nabi Akram Islamic Centre.

Participants at the Shepparton Heritage Centre exploring the region’s multicultural history through the Immigration Showcase, guided by Kristy Rudd, Executive Officer.

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) acknowledged the generosity of the community groups who opened their doors and shared their stories.

‘While it is not possible to engage with every culture and community in a single day, this experience provides an important starting point,’ said Kimberley Chu, Programs Coordinator at GMCL. ‘It encourages ongoing learning, reflection and a deeper understanding of what inclusive leadership looks like in practice.’

Community leader Hakan Karaoglu and Faith Leader Iman Salih Baskoy from the GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque sharing cultural insights with participants.

Participants with President Mariola Nebiu FF'24 and Treasurer Amarildo Mehmeti at the Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton — home to Victoria’s earliest purpose-built mosque, established in 1960.

The Cultural Bus Tour forms part of the Fairley Leadership Program’s broader commitment to developing leaders who are connected, informed and responsive to the diverse communities they serve.

Participants with community leaders Harpreet Singh and Dharmjit Singh Khalsa at the Sikh Temple – Gurdwara Sahib.

Participants with community leaders Safar Ibrahimi FF’22 and Abdullah Naveed at the Nabi Akram Islamic Centre.

GMCL also acknowledged the ongoing support of its sponsors, alumni and stakeholders who participated alongside the cohort, reinforcing the collective effort required to build strong and inclusive regional communities.

As the 2026 cohort continues its leadership journey, experiences such as this will play a critical role in shaping future leaders who are equipped to lead with awareness, respect and collaboration.