Once again, nominations are being called for the Fairley Leadership Program.
The program has been running since 1997 and provides participants with new ways to connect, contribute and grow as a leader in their community. The program includes field trips, study tours, case studies, panel discussions, presentations, and the chance to complete a leadership project.
Each year, Committee for Echuca Moama provides one community member with the chance to complete the program thanks to the Peter Marks Scholarship, in memory of Peter Marks, a long-time board member and recognised community leader.
This year’s Peter Marks Scholarship winner, Dimity Pearson, was nominated after her involvement in the C4EM’s Dare to Dream project which encouraged young people to collaborate on challenges, hopes and dreams they have for their community.
The 22-year-old Rochester resident said the Fairley program had been the perfect way to meet like-minded people who were keen to make a difference in their community.
‘The Fairley Leadership program helps to develop the confidence of aspiring community leaders and encourages them to be more involved in their communities so that we can create, grow and support the people, businesses, the environment and issues that need resolving,’ she said.
‘Fairley has given me the confidence that young people can learn to speak up and be heard. One of the most important things I have learnt from Fairley when demonstrating leadership is to have a calm and attentive manner when listening and talking to people, which is a trait that I haven’t always been accustomed to when reflecting back on past leaders in my life. Several guest speakers that we have had the opportunity to listen to and meet have highlighted this trait as being necessary, such as Nathan Carkeek, co-founder of ‘Minds on Purpose’.’
Dimity is currently completing a Diploma in Community Services and said the program had inspired her to help young people in her community.
‘I’m the youngest in the group but my advice to people of all ages is to just do it. It’s the perfect way to meet people who are like-minded and love their community. Young people should learn that they can speak up and have a voice and help.’
Completing the 11-month Community Leadership Program will see you develop critical leadership skills including: self-awareness, relationship building, goal setting, resilience, networking, teamwork, role modelling, communication and encouraging others.
Participants have the chance to interact with more than 120 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.
You 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 and ‘step up to the next level’.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this experience and are interested in taking part in the 2023 Fairley Leadership Program, applications close at 5pm on Friday, November 4. To apply, visit www.gmcl.org.au/apply-flp
This year's Peter Marks Scholarship recipient Dimity Pearson.