The Fairley Leadership cohort gathered for the Regional Awareness Symposium, held at Agriculture Victoria’s horticulture research facility.
Group photo: 2024 Fairley Leadership Program participants with Dr. Trudi Ryan (Words for Change)
Dr. Trudi Ryan, a science communicator who specialises in language driven change took the cohort through a compelling session, focused on understanding language and mixed messaging, teaching participants how to communicate effectively and get their message right. Dr. Ryan explained the Schwarts Values System, how this can be applied and frame more positive and productive conversations.
The day also included an Insight Consolidation & Prioritisation Workshop led by Jesse Mitchell, where the group explored critical themes and challenges facing the Goulburn Murray Region. These ranged from Education & Skills, through to Infrastructure & Transport challenges. Participants identified systems and resources necessary to advocate for change and progress in the region.
Joined by Dr. Bruce McGill, the cohort heard about the work Agriculture Victoria conduct at their Tatura facility, assisting in achieving increases in production yield, product value and efficiency, with a focus on pears, apples, stone fruit and almonds. With research labs and on-farm testing, Agriculture Victoria employ a range of scientists, agronomists and economists to conduct locally-based research to help improve farming outcomes in the Goulburn Murray and beyond.
The symposium concluded with a session on Advocating for Change, where attendees collaboratively crafted key messages and elevator pitches to champion the region's priorities addressed in the Insight Consolidation & Prioritisation Workshop. Feeding on the initial findings of the Regional Awareness Day held earlier in the year, along with learnings from the various place-based-days held across the Goulburn Murray, this session empowered participants with the skills and strategies needed to advocate effectively for their communities, reinforcing the importance of strategic communication in regional development.
Working through the issues addressed, identifying the resources required to initiate change, and possible hinderances, the cohort came up with some intricate and creative ways to address them. This will enable the cohort to delivery a clear, precise message to politicians in the coming weeks as they head to Canberra for the Advocacy & Study Tour.
2024 Fairley Leadership Program Participants
Callum Phillips & Avni Bekirofski