Wimmera Southern Mallee Development - previously WDA

07/06/2026

Where do you want to be in five years?

Over nearly a quarter of a century Leadership Wimmera has helped more 700 locals create better futures for themselves, their workplaces, businesses and communities.

Our alumni includes a diverse range of people - from CEOs, Mayors and business or community leaders to authors, scientists, creatives, allies, farmers, firefighters - passionate people all making a difference in their own way.

If you too want to grow, lead, be inspired and feel empowered – apply now.

Fill in your application here: https://tinyurl.com/5ahtcc49

04/06/2026

Time is running out to put in your application for Leadership Wimmera's Changemakers program.

If you want to build your leaderships skills, networks and understanding of yourself and the world around you, then this is the perfect program for you.

This year's shorter Changemakers starts in July and runs to November. You will meet monthly, and enjoy the chance to join in two extra activities around the region to broaden your understandings and experiences.

Applications close on June 14, which is less than two weeks away, so don't delay - message us or check out more details at https://tinyurl.com/5ahtcc49

02/06/2026

Emma King was a career nurse until a Leadership Wimmera Changemakers course helped unearth her true passion.

The 2024 Leadership Wimmera graduate has since switched careers, grown new confidence and recently taken on a national role in emergency management.

“My initial goal with Changemakers was to step into the leadership space and learn about that but as I found out I learned more about myself".

Applications for the Leadership Wimmera’s Changemakers course are now open.

Read Emma's full story https://tinyurl.com/5ahtcc49

Find out more about Leadership Wimmera’s Changemakers course https://tinyurl.com/5ahtcc49

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development is proud to celebrate the graduation of three Karen women, Yah Min Thu Shwe Ta Lee, Paw Paw Khin, K'nyaw Yo Kaw Paw, through the Workforce Training Innovation Fund (WTIF) initiative - marking an important milestone in a project designed to unlock latent talent and strengthen regional care workforces across western Victoria.

While the funded WTIF project has now formally concluded, its impact continues through the enduring partnerships, pathways and community outcomes it helped create. Delivered in partnership with Federation University Australia, Nhill Learning Centre, and the By Five Early Years Initiative, the project brought together regional development, education and early years expertise to test flexible, place-based training models that better support women, multicultural communities and other underrepresented cohorts to enter the care sector.

Focused on addressing workforce shortages across aged care, disability support, community services and early childhood education, the initiative combined culturally responsive outreach, local mentoring, practical training pathways and strong community connections. The graduation of these three Karen participants is a powerful example of what can be achieved when regional partnerships invest in people, remove barriers to participation, and work collaboratively to build sustainable employment pathways. Although the project itself has finished, the relationships, learning and shared commitment it fostered continue to shape workforce development and community outcomes across the Wimmera.

13/05/2026

Have you heard of Leadership Wimmera? Did you know that over 700 people from the Wimmera Southern Mallee region have completed its leadership programs since 2002.

Do you recognise yourself in one of these images? Are you or someone you know interested in completing this year's program?

Find out more at https://wsm.org.au/projects-and-programs/leadership/

06/05/2026

Are you interested in a career in Emergency Services or Firefighting?

Girls on Fire delivers evidence-based, practical programs that introduce people, to fire, flood, emergency services, and other volunteering and careers.

This event is free and is a fantastic opportunity to experience what skills and opportunities exist in the industry. Limited numbers, register now!

Registration details can be found below or at https://girlsonfire.org.au/

30/04/2026

We’re excited to share the new “Welcome to the Wimmera” Guide, Directory and Settlement Supports—practical resources to help new arrivals feel welcome, connected and confident.

Developed by Wimmera Settlement Services, these guides bring together helpful information on everything from health, education and jobs, to everyday life, community activities and local opportunities. There’s also a simple “first 10 things to do” checklist to help people get started.

As Settlement Services Manager Sara Barron says:
“We know moving to a new town—or country—can feel isolating. These resources are here to help people understand the community, find support, and feel a real sense of belonging.”

While designed to support migrant and refugee communities, these guides are useful for anyone new to the Wimmera—helping people get connected and involved.

Hard copies are now being shared across local councils, services and community organisations, and you can also check them out online here:
https://wsm.org.au/projects-and-programs/settlement-program/

30/04/2026

The Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Fund has been supporting our local communities for six years, investing over $417,000 into local not-for-profit groups and organisations.

Applications for the 2026 Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Fund close on Monday the 4th of May. For more information visit https://wsm.org.au/projects-and-programs/mwwf-grants-program/

30/04/2026

Is 2026 your time to learn, connect and make a difference? If yes, why not consider applying for the Leadership Wimmera Changemakers program.

Over nearly a quarter of a century more than 730 people have graduated from Leadership Wimmera programs and gone on to make a difference in business, workplaces, community, local government and their own lives.

Participants will grow as they learn about themselves, be empowered as they gain new leadership skills and be inspired to make valuable connections and contributions across the community.

Applications open now

Apply here https://sprw.io/stt-9gFGy
Find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/3b6k82z6