The class of 2022 has a strong Echuca Moama flavour, and the organisation — which developed community leaders Daniel Mackrell (Campaspe Shire councillor) and Deanne Armstrong (Committee for Echuca Moama CEO), among others — is continuing to offer an opportunity for aspiring leaders to join the program.
C4EM has a new annual scholarship, named in honour of Peter Marks, which was won earlier this year by Campaspe Young Citizen of the Year Dimity Pearson.
The economic development sessions aimed to inform the developing leaders on the importance of growth and development in rural areas while exploring their roles as community leaders to inspire growth and change.
The first session of the day educated the Fairley cohort on the difference between economic development as one-size-fits-all and economic development tailored for the community. It was delivered by Matt Nelson, Hume regional director for Regional Development Victoria.
Mr Nelson gave an impressive overview of economic development, also sharing a few leadership lessons with the group, saying “it’s okay not to know the answer”, and the importance of being truly authentic.
The Fairley Leadership cohort were then addressed by several speakers to understand economic development through the lens of population growth, education and employment, reducing disadvantage, health and wellbeing.
Cactus Country CEO and Fairley Fellow John Hall, NCN Health CEO Jacque Phillips and Moira Shire tourism development coordinator Cameron Sutton all spoke to the Fairley cohort.
Mr Hall emphasised that effective leaders were “highly talented people”.
The final information session for the economic development day explored grass-roots community development and leadership, with community leaders Rob Morey and Frank Malcolm speaking to the cohort about their passions, projects and purpose.
Sama Patel, a 2022 Fairley participant, felt Mr Morey really captured the essence of the day, recognising that “community is not the problem, community is the answer”.
The Economic Development day was scheduled with workshops throughout to integrate key information. The cohort discussed how economic development impacts their roles as community leaders, the population boom in regional areas due to COVID-19 and community projects that foster economic growth and development.
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