Leaders are made, they are not born, according to legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi.
And that is the goal of the Fairley Leadership Program which is now accepting applications for next year’s program. Specifically designed to develop and maximise an individual’s capacity for community leadership, this year’s cohort, the biggest intake in the program’s 26-year history, is about to wind up.
For Echuca’s Amanda Mitchell, who is passionate about supporting and improving the lives of underprivileged and minority groups, the experience was inspiring.
‘One of the things that I will really take away from this experience is spending time with the rest of the cohort,’ she said. ‘Being able to bounce ideas off people who have similar visions and learning what drives other people has been great.’
Amanda, who works as a project support worker for Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network, was this year’s Peter Marks Scholarship recipient. The scholarship honours the memory of Peter Marks, a long-time Committee for Echuca Moama board member and recognised community leader. C4EM is honoured to support and grow our future leaders by providing the financial assistance to cover the enrolment costs for completing the Fairley Leadership Program.
‘Fairley has taught me to be more confident and has given me the strength to push my limits,’ she said.
‘I particularly enjoyed speaking to other organisations and businesses, getting a tour of their facilities, and learning about their challenges and what they’ve had to go through, for instance being open to new technology and trying different things, to improve their businesses.’
As part of the program, participants have to organise a community project. Amanda is planning on hosting a masquerade ball next year which she hopes will provide a networking event for young people in the area.
‘As a young person I found it really difficult to meet other young people and make new connections,’ she said. ‘The ball should be a lot of fun.’
The Fairley Leadership program itself is specifically designed to develop an individual’s community leadership, with participants engaging with businesses and sectors from across the Goulburn Murray region in a unique professional and personal development program.
Participants have the chance to interact with leaders covering many topics including politics, business, industry, sport, not-for-profit and community, while discussing key themes such as health, education, water, regional development, Aboriginal culture, small towns, the arts and agriculture.
Participants will learn more about creating change in local communities and volunteering for community groups and organisations.
It provides the perfect setting to increase your understanding of the region and passion for community, as well as gain the confidence and skills to lead.
For more information about the Peter Marks Scholarship, visit PETER MARKS SCHOLARSHIP | C4EM
For more information about the Fairley Leadership Program or to apply, visit OUR PROGRAMS | GMCL (goulburnmurraycommunityleadership.com.au)