Alpine Valleys Community Leadership

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Wangaratta, VIC
Alpine Valleys Community Leadership

Vibrant and thriving communities through capacity building and local leadership development.

Regional Australia needs strong leadership in order to develop thriving, connected and resilient communities. Since 1998, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership has benefited hundreds of individuals through the delivery of our range of contemporary leadership development programs. We connect with established and emerging leaders from across the North East and Border regions, who have the capacity to

build and contribute to their communities and industry sectors. Our programs drive community leadership at a local level, with a focus on network and capacity strengthening that benefit all facets of our diverse region. Each year, a diverse group of up to 26 current and aspiring community and industry leaders complete the highly regarded 10 month AVCL Annual Program (AVCLP). The Program takes them across the region and beyond to experience first-hand “best practice” in the factors that contribute to sustainable communities, the innovative projects that are being implemented in our region, and the individuals that drive them. Our graduates can be found working in a diverse range of roles, including as Councillors, Board members, and industry leaders. They serve on Government Advisory bodies, sporting, school and community group committees, and they are active in other important organisations such as Landcare, the CFA and SES.

31/08/2026

A very big congratulations to Elise Hill, 2022 AVCLP graduate and current Board member, who has been named as WorkSafe Victoria’s Footy’s Favourite Farmer 2026.

A dairy farmer at Cudgewa, Elise’s contribution can be felt in many corners of the community, and at the Cudgewa Football Netball Club, she has taken on just about every role imaginable. Beyond the club, Elise is a driving force behind the Corryong Spirit, an initiative grounded in connection, conversation and wellbeing, and shaped by both her lived experience and a deep commitment to the people and places of the Upper Murray.

Those who know Elise will know just how much she brings to others and to the community, making this recognition especially fitting.

Congratulations Elise, and thank you to WorkSafe Victoria for making it possible.

27/08/2026

Community leadership development is, at its heart, a commitment to the future: strengthening the capability of people to contribute to the communities of which they are part.

That shared purpose brought representatives from 10 Victorian community leadership organisations together at Parliament House earlier this week, for conversations with Members of Parliament about the impact of creating opportunities for people to grow their capability, broaden their perspectives and take purposeful action.

Our thanks to Board Chair, Steve Belli, who represented us alongside counterparts from across the state. We valued the opportunity to be part of the delegation, and look forward to continuing this work in service of our communities.

25/08/2026

Scholarship opportunities are available for the 2027 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP)

A range of scholarships are available to enable participation in the 2027 AVCLP, made possible through the generous support of our partners and supporters, investing in people and communities across our region.

Current scholarship opportunities include support for people connected to:

• Mansfield and district
• Yackandandah
• The Upper Murray
• The dairy industry and dairy communities
• CFA volunteering
• Women who may otherwise be unable to participate
• Community members with the potential to make a meaningful contribution across their workplace, industry or community

Scholarship opportunities continue to develop throughout the application period, so don’t rule yourself out if you’re not sure you fit one of the categories above. Apply, and we’ll explore what opportunities may be available to enable your participation.

Learn more, apply, or download the 2027 Information Brochure via our website: https://bit.ly/avclp2027

21/08/2026

The 2026 AVCLP cohort recently came together in Benalla for their program midpoint, working with James Jensen, Bronwen O’Shea and Cathy McGowan AO.

Across the day, participants explored blind spots, communicating for impact and the value of strong networks, with a mix of reflection, practical skill development and perspectives drawn from the experience of James, Bron and Cathy.

The cohort will next travel to Corryong as the program moves into its final months, while applications for the 2027 AVCLP are now open, with further information available via: https://bit.ly/avclp2027

18/08/2026

If not now, when? If not you, who?

It is a galvanising question often posed by Cathy McGowan AO, speaking to the potential within each of us to make a difference.

For those wanting to explore their own role in creating change, applications are now open for the 2027 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP).

Across ten months, the AVCLP takes people beyond their usual environment to engage directly with the places, organisations, issues and perspectives shaping the North East and Border region.

Throughout the year, the cohort is challenged to consider different perspectives, strengthen self-awareness and build leadership capability, while growing the confidence and networks to influence, contribute and take action within their workplace, community and beyond.

Participation can be workplace-funded, self-funded, or supported through one of a number of scholarships made possible by our partners and supporters.

Learn more, apply, or download the 2027 Information Brochure via our website: https://bit.ly/avclp2027

13/08/2026

Our North East Adaptive Futures cohort came together in Beechworth last week for the final day of their program.

Over recent months, the cohort has immersed in an intensive experience, taking them across North East Victoria and the Goulburn Valley, stepping into different industries, communities and conversations to explore how our region is responding to change, uncertainty and the challenges ahead.

Last week was a chance to bring those experiences together, reflect on the journey and, importantly, turn the focus toward what comes next. Congratulations to graduates: Jill Croome, Jennifer Geddes, Colette Suter, Lee Manning, Sue Thornton, Jo Tanner, Renee Paola, Digby Jacobs, Philippa Mooney, Alicia Perkins, Lucy-Anne Cobby, Aziza Coridas, Angela Murphy and Ailsa McMillan.

And thank you to the many people and organisations who opened their doors, shared their perspectives and contributed along the way, with special thanks to North East CMA for investing in local leadership development for the benefit of our region.

12/08/2026

Alumni Opportunity Reminder - Join us for a conversation with Tony Pearce

Across more than four decades in public service, Tony has led through some of Australia’s most significant emergencies, served as Victoria’s inaugural Inspector-General for Emergency Management, and played a pivotal role in Victoria’s emergency management system.

His commitment to service also extends well beyond his professional career. Through his work with the Emergency Services Foundation, Tony has championed the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service workers. And notably, through Tony’s Trek, he has taken that commitment even further, undertaking extraordinary endurance challenges to raise awareness and funds, most recently completing an unsupported, solo 2,400km paddle down the Murray River.

In this session, Tony will share the experiences that have shaped his leadership, the lessons learned along the way, and what continues to drive him to make a difference.

Thursday 20 August @ 6:00pm, Online via Zoom
Registrations are essential: https://bit.ly/avcltponline2026

10/08/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP)

For nearly three decades, the AVCLP has brought together people from across North East Victoria and the Border region to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership and contribute more deeply within their workplaces, communities and region.

Across ten months, participants step beyond the familiar and engage directly with the people, places, organisations and issues shaping our region.

Today, close to 600 Alumni are carrying their learnings forward across the region. Our recent Alumni Impact Survey found that 96% have taken at least one new community leadership action, while 95% report a stronger ability to take initiative and drive positive change.

We are now seeking applications from people across sectors, industries, communities and backgrounds who are curious, willing to challenge themselves and motivated to contribute.

Could 2027 be your year?

Participation can be workplace-funded, self-funded, or supported through one of a number of scholarships made possible by our partners and supporters.

Learn more, apply, or download the 2027 Information Brochure via our website: https://bit.ly/avclp2027

06/08/2026

Since 1998, our Annual Program (AVCLP) has been a deliberate and sustained investment in the long-term future of the North East and Border regions.

It is a shared commitment, made possible through the support of many: our scholarship and workplace funders, sponsors, partners, guest speakers, Alumni, and generous in-kind supporters all play a vital role in ensuring leadership development remains accessible and impactful.

Together, this collective effort ensures that leadership continues to be developed, renewed and strengthened across our region, creating the conditions for people and communities to thrive.

As the 2026 AVCLP continues, we extend our appreciation to everyone who has shared their time, wisdom and energy in bringing this year's program to life.

Applications for the 2027 AVCLP will soon open, and we welcome conversations with organisations that would like to be part of this shared commitment to strengthening leadership across our region.

Further information via our website: https://bit.ly/avclp2027
Or reach out to Executive Officer, Madeline Hines via [email protected] / 0417 348 547

04/08/2026

Myrtleford local Gareth Graham joins the 2026 AVCLP after a 40-year career as a paramedic serving regional communities, and having recently stepped into civic service as an Alpine Shire Councillor.

His career in emergency services, along with past involvement in Rotary and Scouts, and more recently the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, has given him deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities.

"When I was elected to Council, I quickly realised how complex local government can be. The community has placed its trust in me to represent them, and I want to do that to the best of my ability.

This program will help refine my leadership skills and strengthen my understanding of community needs so I can make clearer, more informed decisions and better represent the people of Alpine Shire."

Thank you to Alpine Shire Council for contributing to Gareth’s participation.

Address

Suite 2, 25B Ely Street
Wangaratta, VIC
3677

Website

http://avclp.org.au/

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