Dr Ian Goodwin and Mark G. O'Connell from Agriculture Victoria lead the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort on a tour of the Tatura SmartFarm, showcasing horticultural research and innovation.
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Participants in the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program spent a day exploring how innovation, partnership and place-based approaches are helping shape Greater Shepparton’s future.
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Through a series of site visits and presentations across Tatura and Mooroopna on June 24, emerging leaders from the Goulburn Murray region met innovators and influential local figures.
The day helped them gain insight into the opportunities and challenges facing communities and industries across Greater Shepparton.
The day began with a trip to Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm where the cohort heard from Agriculture Victoria Horticulture Production Sciences research leader Dr Ian Goodwin and senior research scientist Mark G. O'Connell.
The session explored advancements and emerging technologies in horticulture, while highlighting the importance of continued investment to maintain the region’s reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation.
The group then met Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Linda Nieuwenhuizen, who spoke about the region's strengths, economic momentum and future opportunities and how to shape the region’s narrative through strong data and local success stories.
The 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort with Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Linda Nieuwenhuizen (eighth from left).
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At Family Haven Mooroopna, participants were given a tour of the facility by Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project early years and primary manager Andrea Tuohey.
Family Haven is a primary prevention and early intervention initiative that empowers at-risk caregivers to access essential services and social support.
They then spoke to Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project executive officer Amy Robinson, who discussed place-based approaches to improving education and community outcomes, and how collaboration between organisations was delivering practical support for local families.
Shepparton Education Plan project manager Jenni Gibson and senior communications advisor Richard Bryce spoke further on how these collaborations and partnerships could drive long-term systems change, improving outcomes for the broader community.
The 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort with Jenni Gibson (front row, third from right) and Richard Bryce (front row, fourth from right) from the Shepparton Education Plan.
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The day ended with reflections from McPherson Media Group chairman and editor-in-chief and Fairley Leadership Program patron Ross McPherson, who shared insights into the origins of the program, and the value of investing in future community leaders.
Program participant Carolyn Nigro, who is a sustainable irrigation program manager at Goulburn Broken CMA, said the experience highlighted the importance of collaboration and place-based leadership.
The 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort with Ross McPherson (front row, third from right), chairman and editor-in-chief of McPherson Media Group and patron of the Fairley Leadership Program.
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“What stood out across the day was the strength of people and organisations working together to respond to local challenges in practical ways,” Ms Nigro said.
“From world-leading agricultural research to grassroots community programs supporting vulnerable families ... the day reinforced that strong communities are built through partnership, leadership and a shared commitment to creating positive change.”
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