Northern Mallee Leaders

18/08/2026

Thank you to our alumni !!!!

We recently invited NML graduates to take part in the 2026 statewide leadership alumni survey — and our alumni answered the call.

An incredible 87 NML graduate alumni completed the survey, and we are proud to say NML achieved the second-highest response among the state of regional leadership programs.

Considering the size of our alumni community and our program history, this is an outstanding result. It speaks to the commitment of NML graduates and the strength of the connection that continues long after the formal program ends.

To every graduate who took the time to participate: thank you. You have helped ensure the Northern Mallee is strongly represented in this important statewide picture.

20/07/2026

Our alumni continue to make us proud.

One of the greatest joys of Northern Mallee Leaders is seeing our graduates continue to connect, collaborate and contribute long after the program has finished.

It was wonderful to see several of our alumni at the recent Australian Table Grape Association Industry Night "In It Togehter", each making a difference in their own way:

🍇 Stephanie Ferdelja – RFCS Victoria West (NML Alumni 2013)

🍇 Nicole Dimos-Byrnes – Hort Innovation (NML Alumni 2020)

🍇 Kelly Wandel – Grapa Australia (NML Alumni 2022)

Different organisations. Different roles. One shared commitment to strengthening our region, supporting industry and creating opportunities for our communities to thrive.

A special thank you to The Setts Mildura for hosting such a wonderful evening and to the Australian Table Grape Association for bringing the industry together.

Leadership doesn't end when the program finishes—it grows through the connections we continue to make, the industries we support and the communities we serve.

We're incredibly proud of our alumni and the positive impact they continue to have across our region. 💙

Regional Leadership

18/07/2026

Some events are about information.

The best ones are about connection.

It was a privilege to attend the recent Dried Fruits Australia industry evening, bringing growers and industry leaders together to connect, learn and support one another.

One of the unexpected joys was catching up with fellow Northern Mallee Leaders alumni. It was wonderful to see Nicole Dimos-Byrnes, continuing to lead research, innovation and impact across Australia's horticultural industries through Hort Innovation, and Bennett, who continues to contribute so much to our region.

The evening was also a timely reminder from keynote speaker Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer that no matter what industry we're part of, we all face challenges. Looking out for one another, having conversations, and building strong communities remains just as important as growing successful businesses.

It was also great to see the team from RFCS Victoria West and catch up again with Kuhl. The work they do supporting farming families and rural businesses is invaluable, and their presence at events like this reminds us that help, guidance and understanding are always close by.

A sincere thank you to Lane and the team at Dried Fruits Australia for creating another opportunity to bring people together. Industries become stronger when relationships are nurtured, ideas are shared, and people leave feeling just a little more connected than when they arrived.

These are the moments that remind me why regional leadership matters so much.

A new edition of Currant News is here!

Inside this edition:
- Gather & Grow brings industry together
- Updates from our industry development officer
- Hort Innovation launches new digital experience
- Catch up on irrigator shed meetings
- Hort Innovation expands director recruitment process

Read it all here:
https://mailchi.mp/driedfruitsaustralia/currantnews17july2026

18/07/2026

Congratulations, Jay Smith!

There are moments when you simply stop and celebrate the people who quietly make a difference.

Today, we're incredibly proud to congratulate our Treasurer, Jay Smith, on being selected for an exciting leadership program.

Jay has been a valued member of the Northern Mallee Leaders Committee of Management, generously volunteering his time, knowledge and passion to help guide our organisation through a period of change and opportunity.

One of the things we value most at Northern Mallee Leaders is that leadership is a lifelong journey. The strongest leaders never stop learning, growing or investing in themselves—and Jay is a wonderful example of exactly that.

As a cross-border organisation, we know our region is stronger when passionate people continue to challenge themselves and bring fresh ideas back to their communities.

Congratulations, Jay. We know you'll make the most of this opportunity, and we're excited to see where the journey takes you.

Your Northern Mallee Leaders family is cheering you on every step of the way.

Regional Leadership

08/07/2026

Never in my life did I think I would be modelling leggings for a national campaign… and yet here we are, with everyone getting a good look at my legs. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

I was honestly so honoured to be wearing the very first pair of these beautiful Beyond Blue leggings, designed by Leila McDougall — filmmaker, mental health advocate, and the incredible woman behind Just A Farmer - By Leila McDougall.

These leggings were created for something much bigger than activewear. They are activewear that stands for something more — awareness, action and impact.

They were worn in these photos while we were walking Coastrek Mornington, Women On Top with another beautiful friend Julie Wiggins, supporting Beyond Blue and raising awareness for mental health.

Walking in them was such a special experience. They definitely turned heads, with so many comments on the colours, the design, and of course the distinctive Beyond Blue butterfly. They are bright, bold and full of purpose — a real statement for raising awareness and impact.

This is the second year we have taken part in the walk, and it is now becoming a standard fixture in my calendar. There is something really powerful about walking with purpose, moving your body, being surrounded by good people, and knowing it is all helping support individuals and families who may be doing it tough.

And next year, I would absolutely love to see many more pairs walking alongside us for Beyond Blue. 💙🦋

This is more than just a fundraiser. You get a pair of leggings, but you are also helping create impact. We know exercise, connection and being outdoors are so important for mental wellbeing.

A little bit of colour, a little bit of movement, and a whole lot of meaning.

06/07/2026

The FDF TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program is definitely an outdoor adventure and learning experience — a seven-day immersive program designed to push you outside your comfort zone, build practical leadership skills, and connect you with people from rural, regional and remote communities across Australia.

Places are limited and the application pool is usually huge — but you have to be in it to win it.

If you are ready to grow, learn, be challenged and meet some incredible people, this could be the opportunity for you.

Applications are open now.

Applications are now open for FDF TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.

Delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Future Drought Fund, this intensive seven-day program is designed for people working across rural, regional and remote Australia.

If you are looking to advance your leadership skills and navigate uncertainty with confidence, this challenge-based experience blends outdoor learning with practical workshops to help you drive positive impact in your organisation, industry or community.

Who can apply? Future leaders from any rural sector who have previously completed an FDF program with the ARLF.

Cost: Fully funded by the Future Drought Fund (all program costs covered).
Dates: 04–11 November 2026
Location: Canberra, ACT and Wee Jasper, NSW

Learn more and register your interest - https://rural-leaders.org.au/fdf-trail-emerging-leaders-program/

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
FRRR

06/07/2026

Sharing for anyone with connections in the Goulburn Murray.

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) is looking for a Programs Administrator to support the delivery of the Fairley Leadership Program and related initiatives.

This is a part-time, fixed-term position (July - 31 October 2026, subject to funding), working 15.2 - 22.8 hours per week (days and times negotiable). The role is primarily remote, with some regional travel required.

If you are organised, enjoy working with people, and are passionate about supporting leadership and community development, we would love to hear from you!

A current driver's licence, reliable vehicle and internet access are required. Remuneration will be based on qualifications and experience.

To request the position description or learn more about the role, please email: [email protected].

Please feel free to share this opportunity with your networks!

24/06/2026

Another reason why Northern Mallee Leaders exists.

Every year, talented people arrive in our region.

Teachers.
Health professionals.
Business owners.
Farmers.
Engineers.
Community leaders.
Young professionals.

Many don't know anyone.

Many have little understanding of the industries, organisations and people that make our region thrive.

The Northern Mallee Leaders Program accelerates what can otherwise take years.

It opens doors.
Creates connections.
Builds understanding.
Develops leaders.
And helps people find their place within our community.

Susan's experience reflects what hundreds of graduates have discovered from the Regional Leadership programs that are all across the state of Victoria.

Leadership begins with connection.

And connection changes everything.

22/06/2026

This is why we do the work we do.

Change doesn't happen because of one person, one organisation or one great idea.

It happens when people come together around a shared purpose.

I attended a great Impact Network Communities online event last week and wanted to share some of the messages outwards.

If you have 20 minutes, watch this powerful film on Impact Networks and the role relationships play in creating lasting change:

🎥 https://www.converge.net/film

As you watch, reflect on one question:

What can we do together that none of us can do alone?

Let's keep building connections, challenging assumptions and creating impact across our communities.

18/06/2026

Does your life connect to a local sporting club?

Sporting clubs are the heartbeat of our communities, bringing people together, building connections, and creating opportunities for people of all ages.

Northern Mallee Leaders is supporting research into the impact of local sporting clubs, and we need your voice. Whether you're a player, volunteer, committee member, parent, sponsor, or supporter, your feedback matters.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help strengthen the future of community sport across our region.

👉 Complete the survey here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ch8NjZcv1/

Please share with your sporting networks and help us reach as many community members as possible.