The cohort with panel members Mel Floyd FF’23, Naomi Murray and Steve Shipp.
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The 2026 Fairley Leadership Program cohort recently travelled to the Campaspe and Murray region for a place-based learning experience.
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The day was a chance to connect with community leaders, businesses, social enterprises, and organisations helping shape the future of the region.
Throughout the day, participants explored themes of leadership, community development, economic growth, inclusion, and collaboration while gaining insights into the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities.
The day began with a visit to Vivid, where the cohort learned about the organisation's commitment to empowering people living with disability through practical skill development, social inclusion, and pathways to independence.
Participants also toured Vivid Work Crew, Vivid's employment-focused social enterprise and Australian Disability Enterprise, which provides meaningful paid employment opportunities across a range of industries while helping individuals build workplace skills, confidence, and independence.
The cohort then participated in a panel discussion featuring Mel Floyd FF’23 (Global Victoria/Creative Echuca), Naomi Murray (Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival), and Steve Shipp (Moama Water Sports Club).
Representing public art, major festivals, and sporting events, the panellists shared insights into initiatives that collectively attract more than 30,000 visitors and generate more than $10 million for the local economy each year.
The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration, strong governance, volunteer engagement, and community passion in creating successful and sustainable events.
Participants toured Vivid Work Crew's employment-focused social enterprise.
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Participants also heard from community leaders Jen Savage FF'16 (Kyabram Community and Learning Centre) and Rob Foran (Crossenvale Community House), who shared insights into the critical role community houses play in supporting vulnerable residents.
Discussions focused on challenges including food insecurity, transport barriers, social isolation, and access to services, while reinforcing the importance of volunteers, advocacy, and persistence in creating positive community outcomes.
Further sessions explored leadership through regional development, local government, and business.
Izzy Rees FF’25 (Murray River Council) highlighted the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and community-led approaches to creating meaningful impact, while Suzie Shearer (Coolabah Turf) shared lessons on leadership, succession planning, resilience, and long-term sustainability drawn from her experience building a successful regional business.
Through conversations with local leaders and organisations, participants gained a more profound understanding of the people, partnerships, and initiatives driving positive change across regional communities.
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