Graduates of the Fairley Leadership Program (FLP) recently stepped up to run for local elections, bringing their extensive experience in playing pivotal roles in the region to the forefront, while the 2024 Program participants joined over 700 Alumni at a Graduation on Wednesday 20th November.
Goulburn Murray Community Leadership is proud to announce that several alumni of the esteemed Fairley Leadership Program Alumni stepped forward to run for local government council positions in the recent elections. This significant step highlighted their commitment to public service and dedication to positive change within our communities.
The Fairley Leadership Program, known for building community leadership capacity, encourages passionate Community members to ‘lead where they live’. Participants in the program are equipped with strategies to address local issues, engage with diverse stakeholders, and drive initiatives that enhance community well-being.
Among the alumni who ran for council positions were:
Laura Binks FF’20 – Strathbogie Shire
Amanda McClaren FF’11– Strathbogie Shire
Terri Cowley FF’17 – Greater Shepparton (Kialla Ward)
Anthony Brophy FF’01 – Greater Shepparton (Kialla Ward)
Tom Saxton FF’20 – Greater Shepparton (Yanha Gurtji Ward)
Daniel Mackrell FF’11 – Campaspe Shire
Jessica Mitchell FF’23 – Campaspe Shire
The candidates brought a wealth of experience and a strong sense of community spirit. They were actively involved in various community projects and initiatives, demonstrating their ability to lead and collaborate effectively. Their platforms focused on critical issues such as economic development, public health, education, infrastructure, and social inclusion.
As election day approached, GMCL encouraged 2024 Fairley Participants to learn more about the dedicated individuals keen to represent their community and their visions for our future.
“Seeing our alumni step up to run for council positions was a testament to the impact of the Fairley Leadership Program over the last 28 years,” said Nathan Bibby, Executive Officer of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and their unwavering commitment to making a difference. They continue to embody the principles of leadership, service, and community engagement that our program stands for.”
During their campaign, the candidates pledged to work tirelessly to represent their constituents, advocate for their needs, and implement policies that promoted sustainable development and enhanced the quality of life for all residents. They believed in the power of inclusive leadership and were committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every voice was heard.
Terri Cowley said, “After supporting a successful female council candidate at two previous elections, I decided to put my hand up when she decided not to stand. I was of course disappointed not to be elected under the single ward system, but the campaign experience was mostly positive with many opportunities to learn about my community much more deeply.”
Tom Saxton said, “At 23, I’m proud to be part of a new generation stepping up to lead in Greater Shepparton. The Fairley Leadership Program taught us that leadership is about service, resilience, and creating opportunities for everyone in our community. During the election, we can be proud of the conversations we started and the vision we shared for Greater Shepparton’s future. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together, and the Fairley Leadership Program has been and will continue to be a vital foundation for the future leadership of our region.”
Jessica Mitchell, a 2023 Fellow said, “Participating in the Fairley Leadership Program was instrumental in my journey to becoming Deputy Mayor. The program equipped me with essential leadership skills, a deeper understanding of our region's challenges and strengths, and the confidence to lead with purpose. Serving as the Leadership Coach within the program also made me more accountable, pushing me to embody the principles I taught and to continually strive for the best outcomes for communities.
Anthony Brophy who participated in 2001 said, “it is an absolute honour and privilege to be re-elected onto Greater Shepparton City Council after what I consider was a hard-fought campaign. After one term on Council, I had been eager to return and continue to build on what we had collectively achieved over the previous four years and with a renewed focus and vigor on what still needs to be achieved. I am humbled to take up a leadership role amongst my peers and for the community as Deputy Mayor”.
Daniel Mackrell, Mayor of Campaspe Shire and Fairley Fellow from 2011 said, "Participating in the community leadership program was the catalyst for my leadership journey. It provided me with the foundational skills and confidence necessary to step into the role of Councillor over years ago, and now Mayor. The program set me on the path to lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of our community's needs.”
The recently graduated participants of 2024 spoke to the power of the modelling of leadership from Program Alumni, reflecting on their own journey and their future changemaking initiatives. ‘Regardless of the election outcomes, we are proud that our alumni continue to represent their community; their candidacy was not only a testament to their commitment, but also the ultimate demonstration of our mantra, lead where you live”, Nathan Bibby said.