Alpine Valleys Community Leadership

Applications close next week 👉 Are you passionate about your community? Living in, or with a connection to Greater Hume or Federation Councils?

If you're a member of a local committee, sporting group, voluntary emergency services, or an engaged community member with a desire to increase your capacity, consider undertaking the Fischer Community Leadership Program.

📍 Greater Hume – Walla Walla
Workshop: Friday Aug 30 & Friday Sept 6
Zoom sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 23 & Monday Sept 30

📍 Federation – Urana
Workshop: Friday Sept 13 & Friday Sept 20
Zoom sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 30 & Tuesday Oct 8

All details and program eligibility can be found via our website: https://bit.ly/2024fischer

The program is an initiative of Fischer Community Leadership in partnership with Federation Council and Greater Hume Council, auspice by Border Trust: Community Foundation Albury Wodonga Region, delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership and funded through NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5.

As drought and climate-related risks reshape our landscapes and daily lives, we’re grateful for the support of FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, enabling us to invest in what matters most: our people and our communities.

The Community Capacity Creators Program kicked off last week in Beechworth, with an engaging two-day retreat led by Chris Mirams and Dr. Gary Saliba.

The cohort is set to build both personal and collective capacity, diving into leadership fundamentals, systems thinking, and innovation. They’ll gain practical experience and expert insights into affecting meaningful change, including a site visit to North East Water, and a regional study tour to Holbrook and Wagga Wagga, where they’ll learn more about on-farm innovation, while building social capital to uplift our ag-based communities.

Applications closing 16 August https://bit.ly/2024fischer

Running in both Greater Hume and Federation Councils, you can expect to:
- Connect with a range of local leaders and change makers
- Explore your personal leadership style
- Gain insights into your strengths and values
- Build relationships with like-minded individuals
- Workshop your ideas for a community project

The program will be delivered in person as a two-day workshop, with two shorter sessions then delivered online.

📍 Greater Hume Council – Walla Walla
Workshop: Friday Aug 30 & Friday Sept 6
Online sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 23 & Monday Sept 30

📍 Federation Council – Urana
Workshop: Friday Sept 13 & Friday Sept 20
Online sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 30 & Tuesday Oct 8

Apply Now: https://bit.ly/2024fischer

The program is an initiative of Fischer Community Leadership in partnership with Federation Council and Greater Hume Council, auspice by Border Trust: Community Foundation Albury Wodonga Region, delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership and funded through NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5.

Applications Are Now Open for the 2025 Annual Program

The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP) has supported over 500 graduates in developing the tools essential for effective decision-making, understanding community dynamics, and driving change.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to open applications to uplift a new cohort of dynamic leaders. The program utilises the North East and Border regions as a vibrant learning environment, offering participants the opportunity to explore values-based leadership and engage with change-makers across various sectors.

Participants can expect to:
• Develop a deeper understanding of values-based leadership, including exploring motivations, personal strengths, biases and personality types
• Join a peer group of diverse participants
• Experience dynamic program sessions, skills workshops, project days and retreats
• Achieve personal growth and professional development to make a meaningful difference
• Develop a greater understanding of the region’s social, economic and environmental opportunities and challenges
• Engage in mobilisation through a team based activity that is undertaken throughout the duration of the program
• Strengthen skills and understanding of governance, project management, working as a team, advocacy and public speaking

If you’re ready to learn more about yourself and those around you amplify your impact, apply now to be part of the 2025 program. Participation can be supported by your employer, or through our generous supporters who enable equitable participation through the funding of scholarships.

Further information & applications: https://bit.ly/2025ap

Applications are closing soon – Board Roles

As several board terms come to an end, we're on the lookout for skilled individuals to join our Volunteer Board and help steer the future of leadership development and capacity building across North East Victoria, Border, and Southern NSW regions.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL) is dedicated to enhancing community capacity through targeted programs that meet the evolving needs of our regions. We work closely with community groups, non-profit organisations, and government entities to ensure our initiatives are aligned, intentional, and impactful.

Board meetings are held remotely, making it easy for you to contribute your expertise for the greater good. View all the details and join us in our mission. View all the details and apply now via Seek Volunteer: https://bit.ly/avclboard2024

Get the funding you need to bring your project to life!

Community organisations are invited to apply for the 2024 Give500 grant to support projects in the impact areas of Community Connection & Wellbeing and Community Equity.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, this year’s grant winner will receive $18,000 for their project. Two runners up will each receive $4,000 to support their projects or organisations.

Give500 grant applications will be shortlisted to three outstanding projects, with the successful recipient to be voted for by Give500 donors at the annual Pitch Night in November.

Hurry, this year’s grant is open until 5pm Monday, 12 August.

For more information and to apply, head to the Border Trust: Community Foundation Albury Wodonga Region website >> https://www.bordertrust.org.au/granting/give500-grant/

Give500 is proudly supported by Albury Business Connect

Applications will soon open for the 2025 Annual Program.

Utilising the North East and Border regions as a vibrant learning environment, participants will visit each LGA and engage with change and decision makers from private, public, and non-profit sectors, working collectively to hone their critical thinking, analytical, governance, and leadership skills.

The 2025 program will be 15 full days, including a study tour to Melbourne, and two overnight retreats; in addition to a launch event and final celebration, and several online skills sessions. The program is intentional in its place-based approach and will take participants to all corners of our region to learn more about the unique opportunities and challenges.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2025ap

Annual Program 2024 Update

The cohort kicked off July with an online skills session focused on “storytelling for impact”, delivered by Bron O’Shea of StoryUp. The session provided participants with practical guidance on how to develop a compelling narrative to motivate and influence an audience, and will aid participants as they plan and design their values-based fundraising projects. Project teams will each benefit from a further one on one session with Bron, with projects to soon move into activation stage.

The following week, the cohort travelled to Swanpool and then onto Mansfield. They were first treated to a tour of Swanpool Community Cinema, and later explored Mansfield Statewide Autism Service’s incredible 100-acre respite farm, hosted by Simone and the team. Guest presenters, including Sally Matheson of Tomorrow Today Foundation and Bruce McCormack of the Mountain Cattleman Association, shared their unique insights into the region.

Throughout the day, participants were able to build an understanding of the processes involved in advocating for, creating, implementing, and sustaining change. Their curiosity was also sparked in considering the complexities of respectfully advancing or advocating for an issue that is not necessarily a broader priority.

Thank you to our presenters and hosts:
🔹Bronwen O’Shea: Founder of
🔹Dr. Ian Herbert: Full-time Volunteer, Swanpool Community Cinema Community Activation Project
🔹Sally Matheson: Education Benalla Program Manager, Tomorrow Today Foundation
🔹Simone Reeves: Director, Mansfield Autism Statewide Services
🔹Bruce McCormack: Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria

In August, the cohort will undertake an online governance skills session hosted by Rob Carolane, followed by a place-based program day in Wodonga.

Unlock Your Leadership Potential with the Emerging Leaders Program
Apply today 👉 https://bit.ly/avcl2024emerging

Are you between 18 and 30 and eager to make a bigger impact?

Join us in Yackandandah from Thursday, November 7, to Sunday, November 10, 2024, for a transformative 4-day leadership development experience.

Guided by Anthony and Mel Nicholson from The Mandala Project this program will elevate your leadership skills, expand your network, and provide you a unique opportunity for personal growth.

You'll dive into:
• Leadership Fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in the essential principles of effective leadership.
• Group Dynamics: Master the art of leading and navigating group interactions.
• Community Resilience: Learn strategies for fostering resilient and robust communities.
• Health and Well-Being: Focus on mental well-being and personal resilience.
• Public Speaking: Sharpen your public speaking abilities to motivate and lead others.

Key Details:
• Cost: $100
• Eligibility: Ages 18-30, with a connection to Alpine, Indigo, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta, or Wodonga LGAs.
• Commitment: Full participation for 4 days and 3 nights.

This program is supported by the Australian Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

Is your not for profit or community group looking for help with communications?

If your not for profit (NFP) is facing challenges communicating with the community, stakeholders, partners, supporters, staff or volunteers then read on.

If you are located in the Border or North East Victoria region and have little in the way of communications staff or ability to access communications resources, you can now apply to receive free communications advice as part of the Gift of Communication workshop on 11 October. (Don’t worry, there is a simple application process.)

All the details are included in the online application form.
For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Apply-GoC
Applications close 16 August.

Board Roles

As several board terms come to an end, we are seeking skilled individuals to join our Volunteer Board and help shape the future of leadership development and capacity building across North East Victoria, Border, and Southern NSW regions.

AVCL is dedicated to strengthening community capacity through purposeful programs designed to meet the evolving needs of our regions. We collaborate with community groups, not for profit organisations, and government entities to ensure our efforts are aligned, intentional, and impactful.

Board meetings are held remotely, providing an accessible opportunity to use your skills for the greater good.

View all the details and apply now via Seek Volunteer:

Volunteer Board Positions, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Volunteer at Volunteer Board Positions - Other with Alpine Valleys Community Leadership. Enquire now at SEEK Volunteer

Thanks for the write up The Border Mail If you're keen to learn more or apply for the Fischer Community Leadership Program 👉 https://bit.ly/2024fischer

Tim Fischer's community legacy empowers locals to lead change from ground up Program ignites ripple effect of positive outcomes.

Fischer Community Leadership Program - Applications now open https://bit.ly/2024fischer

Do you want to:
• Connect with local leaders?
• Explore your personal leadership style?
• Build your confidence?
• Learn more about effective committee management?
• Upskill in social media?
• Workshop and plan a project or idea?
• Increase your knowledge on effective grant writing?
If you answered yes, the Fischer Community Leadership Program is an ideal opportunity to lean in and learn more.

The program will be delivered in person as a two-day workshop, with two shorter sessions then delivered by Zoom.

Dates:
📍 Greater Hume – Walla Walla
Workshop: Friday Aug 30 & Friday Sept 6
Zoom sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 23 & Monday Sept 30
📍 Federation – Urana
Workshop: Friday Sept 13 & Friday Sept 20
Zoom sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 30 & Tuesday Oct 8

The program is an initiative of Fischer Community Leadership in partnership with Federation Council and Greater Hume Council, auspice by Border Trust: Community Foundation Albury Wodonga Region, delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership and funded through NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5.

Save The Date | End of Year Celebration and 2024 Annual Program Cohort Graduation | Tuesday 12 November 2024

This year we will be hosting an end-of-year celebration, serving as a broader recognition of community leadership within our region, and including the graduation of our 2024 Annual Program cohort. We warmly welcome funders, supporters, and participants from all our programs and look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces.

The evening will feature a keynote address from Professor Andrew Campbell, who has over thirty years of experience in research management and sustainable agriculture. Known for blending practical experience with academic insight, Andrew has written and spoken extensively on landcare, sustainability, and the science-policy interface. He was Australia's first National Landcare Facilitator, served as CEO of Land & Water Australia for seven years starting in 2000, and recently completed a seven-year term as Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in July 2023. Following this, he took on an interim role as Executive Managing Director of the global CGIAR network in Montpellier, France. Now semi-retired, Andrew remains engaged as a farmer in Western Victoria and is the Patron of Landcare Victoria.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in August – September, and we thank the Wangaratta Turf Club for their generosity in providing in-kind sponsorship for the event.

Annual Program 2024 | Naarm Melbourne Study Tour supported by Kyamba Foundation

On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of June the cohort travelled to Melbourne to meet and learn from Victorian based leaders exploring statewide issues that impact on our rural and regional communities.

The tour kicked off at The Big Issue's offices on Exhibition Street, where they engaged with Kaylynn Rasmussen & Dani (an employee with lived experience) to delve into homelessness and social enterprise. Following a commute to the Kathleen Symes Library in Carlton, the day continued with sessions led by local advocates and leaders. Judy Ryan, herself originally from North-East Victoria, passionately discussed her involvement in shaping the trajectory of the North Richmond legal injecting room, while Mary Crooks from Victorian Women's Trust shared insights into impactful community initiatives. The day concluded with Kathryn Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, emphasizing the importance of community leadership, followed by dinner at the Afghan Gallery.

Day two, held at Kathleen Symes Library and CERES Environment Park, focused on deeper dives into critical environmental and social topics. The cohort heard from Landcare Victoria CEO, Claire Hetzel and Paul Murfitt, Director, Industry Insights and Infrastructure with Sustainability Victoria. Afternoon activities included a tour of CERES with discussions around the benefits of a circular economy, and the tour wrapped up with a reflective session, allowing space for participants to consider their experience and learnings.

Thank you to Kyamba Foundation for enabling equitable participation in the study tour, and to all our guest speakers who enriched the experience through their insight, wisdom, and generous contributions.

National NAIDOC Week is celebrated each year in the first week of July. This year’s theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud," honors the unyielding spirit and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural connections and amplifying Indigenous voices. We are grateful for the invaluable contributions of our local Traditional Owners, who through their generosity, enrich our programs and provide opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events across the country, with local events including:

Dalka Warra Mittung Fire Keepers Community Event in Myrtleford, and Bangerang Community Day - Marrinbidja Bitja Wulumburra, at Wangaratta Bowls Club and Wangaratta Scout Group Hall

A full list of events can be found here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

Applications for the Community Capacity Creators Program close on Sunday.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/avclccc

There’s no better time than the present to prepare for climate-related risks and challenges. This 7-day leadership development program does just that, diving deep into leadership theories and practical exercises, including talks from guest speakers who have the “know” and the “how” when it comes to climate-change, and the wider-ranging implications for our communities. The program includes an overnight regional study tour to Holbrook and Wagga Wagga, exploring examples of effective and adaptive ways of building social capacity and uncovering the latest in on-farm innovation.

Participants should be living in, or with a connection to Springhurst, Chiltern, Baddaginnie, Indigo Valley & Barnawartha, though participants from broader localities within the LGAs of Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo Shire Council and Benalla Rural City Council will be considered

This program is funded through FRRR and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Level up your leadership potential with the Emerging Leaders Program: https://bit.ly/avcl2024emerging

Are you 18-30 and keen to amplify your impact? Join us for a 4-day immersive leadership development program in Yackandandah from Thursday 7 - Sunday 10 November, 2024. Facilitated by Anthony and Mel Nicholson from The Mandala Project, the program will enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and boost your personal growth.

You will explore:
• Leadership Fundamentals: Gain a solid foundation in the core principles of effective leadership.
• Understanding Group-Based Dynamics: Learn to navigate and lead within group settings.
• Community Resilience: Explore strategies for building strong, resilient communities.
• Health and Well-Being: Prioritise your mental well-being while increasing your understanding of personal resilience.
• Public Speaking: Hone your public speaking skills to inspire and lead others.

What else do you need to know?
• Cost: $100
• Eligibility: Ages 18-30, living in or with a connection to Alpine, Indigo, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta, or Wodonga LGAs.
• Commitment: Full 4 days, 3 nights.

Apply now and take the next step in your leadership journey! This program is made possible through the Australian Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

Fischer Community Leadership Program - Applications now open https://bit.ly/2024fischer

The program is running in both Greater Hume Council and Federation Council, and you can expect to:

- Connect with a range of local leaders and change makers
- Explore your personal leadership style
- Gain insights into your strengths and values
- Build relationships with like-minded individuals
- Workshop your ideas for a community project

The program will be delivered in person as a two-day workshop, with two shorter sessions then delivered online.

📍 Greater Hume Council – Walla Walla
Workshop: Friday Aug 30 & Friday Sept 6
Online sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 23 & Monday Sept 30

📍 Federation Council – Urana
Workshop: Friday Sept 13 & Friday Sept 20
Online sessions: 7pm – Monday Sept 30 & Tuesday Oct 8
Apply Now: https://bit.ly/2024fischer

The program is an initiative of Fischer Community Leadership in partnership with Federation Council and Greater Hume Council, auspice by Border Trust: Community Foundation Albury Wodonga Region, delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership and funded through NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5.

As the challenges of drought and climate-related risks continue to increase, there’s no better time to invest where it counts most – in yourself, and your community.

Community Capacity Creators is an immersive 7-session community leadership program and will run from July to November this year. We will dive deep into leadership theories and practical exercises, including talks from guest speakers who have the “know” and the “how” when it comes to climate-change, and the wider-ranging implications for our communities. We will also take an overnight regional study tour to Holbrook and Wagga Wagga, where we’ll explore examples of effective and adaptive ways of building social capacity and uncover the latest in on-farm innovation.

Learn more about the program or apply today via: https://bit.ly/avclccc
⏰ Applications close: Sunday 7th July

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Annual Program 2024

On June 14th the cohort gathered at the Wangaratta Turf Club to undertake skills development sessions in support of the Community Activation component of the program. Alongside the cohort, members of our Alumni Subcommittee also came together to explore values-based fundraising and project management training. Participants have formed teams, and are currently working toward planning and delivering community-based fundraising that will support a “pay it forward” approach to enable the 2025 Melbourne Regional Study Tour.

Sarimah Hellyer, graduate of the 2023 Annual Program and principal of Aligned Thinking, delivered a session that explored values-based fundraising, and what elements lend to a successful fundraiser. Mary Hoodless, Karoo Consultancy, then led participants through the fundamentals of project management, with the learnings tailored to consider fundraising within the context of our locality. Alumni Subcommittee members, Anthony Griffiths, Elise Hill & Sophie Enders, then collaborated in a round-robin style with teams, providing input and guidance through the lens of their experience (and a touch of wisdom). Teams will now consider their concepts further, with the view to finalising and activating the activities by the end of July.

Special thanks to Wangaratta Turf Club for providing the venue in-kind; it is through these community contributions that our flagship program is made possible, and the venue is simply phenomenal.

Next adventure: Our cohort are now in the big smoke for the Melbourne regional study tour.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program - 2024 cohort introduction:

Name: NARELLE WATTERS
Sponsor: Environment Protection Authority Victoria

Narelle is a team leader with the EPA Victoria and founded the MSC – Mountain Safety Collective.

“Through this program I hope to challenge myself, grow personally and professionally, whilst enhancing my ability to motivate others to achieve a common goal. I am very excited to join this program and I look forward to learning from the diverse and talented group of participants. I believe this program will help me also prepare me for future opportunities and challenges.”

Exploring Climate Change – An Afternoon with Graeme Anderson @ North East Water. Registrations are essential and close Sunday: https://bit.ly/3KqTwXJ

Join us for an afternoon exploring climate change with Graeme Anderson, Agriculture Victoria’s leading Climate Specialist, and a representative of Executive Leadership at North East Water.

With over 30 years of experience in science communication, farm planning, and climate adaptation, Graeme will share essential insights to help your community respond and adapt to climate shifts. A representative from North East Water will also provide an inside look at their corporate response to climate change and their efforts towards climate resilience and sustainability.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect with like-minded individuals from across the North East.

Supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Keen to dive in deeper? Check out Community Capacity Creators; an immersive 7-session community leadership program, running from July to November this year. Further information via https://bit.ly/avclccc

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program - 2024 cohort introduction:

Name: DANIEL WARNER
Sponsor: GOTAFE

Dan has been part of the Wangaratta Hockey Club for a number of years and has participated in numerous committees and groups to advance the club’s efforts. By day, Dan is a heavy vehicle apprentice mechanic trainer and assessor with GOTAFE.

“I thoroughly enjoy being part of something bigger than myself, part of a community, a team, a group and giving back to that community to help it become an amazing place for everyone that is part of it. I hope to develop skills from this program that will aid me in the future to become an inspiration to others particularly the young leaders of tomorrow.”

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program - 2024 cohort introduction:

Name: MELANIE VON BLANCKENSEE
Sponsor: Alpine Resorts Victoria

Melanie is Capital Projects Manager with Alpine Resorts Victoria, and has been across a number of groups in the Mansfield region, including the Parents and Friends association with Mansfield Steiner School.

“Having moved to the Mansfield area from Melbourne and beginning work with Alpine Resorts Victoria I have rediscovered my passion for belonging to a team and working in a leadership role to enhance my workplace and community. I hope through the leadership program to become comfortable with a leadership style that is authentic to me and gives me the tools to effectively lead the Resorts to a high level of standard and support my colleagues in this process."

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program - 2024 cohort introduction:

Name: JO TANNER
Sponsor: Gardiner Foundation

Jo works with Dairy Australia and is a keen contributor to Alpine Valleys Dairy Inc. In the past she has been part of the Grasslands Society of Southern Australia as a member and on the central committee.

“With a new found drive and ability to significantly contribute to both my local community and the wider Alpine Valleys community, I hope to further develop my leadership skills and improve my network to further enhance the skill set and contacts that I can offer to support local community groups and organisations.”

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program - 2024 cohort introduction:

Name: Dr WERNER VOGELS
Sponsor: CFA (Country Fire Authority)

Werner is the Manager of Mentoring and Insights with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, licensed MHFA instructor, volunteer fire fighter, and active member of his community, including within junior sport, and is currently deputy chair with Country Universities Centre Ovens-Murray.

“I look forward to the opportunity to becoming part of a larger network of values-based leaders in the area through this program. I’ve always wanted to put my hand up and through support from CFA I now can. I would like to take the leadership attributes, skills and practices back to the district and VFF group, my own community in Hamilton Park and endeavor to become a more well-rounded leader, working on raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing, and increasing social resilience.