Currently in its 26th year, the program provides emerging leaders with a range of opportunities to develop and refine skills while networking with other leaders in their communities.
GMCL executive officer Nathan Bibby said they were excited to be taking on applications for next year’s program.
“This year, we’ve been making a real effort to immerse our cohort into their local communities, which has been enjoyable for the participants and also allowed us to continue building our local connections,” Mr Bibby said.
“Fairley Leadership has already developed over 600 graduates, who now have the skills to positively impact and contribute towards the Goulburn Murray Region.
“Our vision is to continue building on this, and provide a greater range of opportunities for our region to develop.
“Many of our communities are rebuilding from the global pandemic of COVID-19, and we’re facing more challenges ahead of us.
“It’s more important than ever to be investing in developing leadership skills, and empowering our emerging leaders to make positive change.”
The Fairley Leadership Program is GMCL’s flagship program, which takes its cohort of future leaders on an immersive learning experience.
The program educates emerging leaders about the challenges and opportunities impacting the Goulburn Murray region, equipping them with the leadership skills to make an impact.
The program runs for 10 months, beginning with inductions in February and ending with a graduation ceremony in late November.
The program offers hybrid learning environments, including face-to-face, online and intensives — where participants gain invaluable access to community leaders, policy makers and change creators.
2021 Fairley participant Andrew Cooper said he gained the drive to give back to a community that had given so much to himself and many others, and the want to build an adaptive, resilient and attractive region for many years to come.
“I want to develop a skill set and networks that better places me to become a leader within (my) community,’’ Mr Cooper said.
Applicants looking to apply can be sponsored by their workplace or can take on a scholarship position.
Participants will be considered according to a comprehensive list of criteria, including a demonstrated leadership capabilities, diverse interests and a willingness to uphold positions of responsibility within their community.
People from rural and isolated communities, disadvantaged backgrounds, First Nations and ethnically diverse communities are encouraged to apply.
GMCL is a registered charity which relies on government and community grants, philanthropic grants, corporate sponsorships, funded scholarships and partnerships in order to run programs.
To discuss ways you can support the organisation and its programs contact Nathan Bibby on 0427 515 969 or eo@gmcl.org.au
Applications for the 2023 program are now open. For more information on the program, or to start your application, visit www.gmcl.org.au
The application portal will close at 5pm on Friday, November 4.