Alpine Valleys Community Leadership

Home
Australia
Wangaratta, VIC
Alpine Valleys Community Leadership

Vibrant and thriving communities through capacity building and local leadership development.

Regional Australia needs strong leadership in order to develop thriving, connected and resilient communities. Since 1998, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership has benefited hundreds of individuals through the delivery of our range of contemporary leadership development programs. We connect with established and emerging leaders from across the North East and Border regions, who have the capacity to

build and contribute to their communities and industry sectors. Our programs drive community leadership at a local level, with a focus on network and capacity strengthening that benefit all facets of our diverse region. Each year, a diverse group of up to 26 current and aspiring community and industry leaders complete the highly regarded 10 month AVCL Annual Program (AVCLP). The Program takes them across the region and beyond to experience first-hand “best practice” in the factors that contribute to sustainable communities, the innovative projects that are being implemented in our region, and the individuals that drive them. Our graduates can be found working in a diverse range of roles, including as Councillors, Board members, and industry leaders. They serve on Government Advisory bodies, sporting, school and community group committees, and they are active in other important organisations such as Landcare, the CFA and SES.

16/06/2026

Alumni, did you receive our email yesterday?

Our Alumni Impact Survey was sent out at 4.00pm yesterday to graduates of all our programs. We're keen to hear from Alumni right across the decades; in fact, this photo gives a pretty good indication of just how far back we're hoping to reach.

Survey responses will help us to formally measure the long-term impact of participating in our programs and better understand the many ways Alumni contribute within communities, organisations and across the region.

We appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences. As a small thank you, respondents can enter the draw to win one of two $100 gift cards.

Please check your inbox, junk mail and spam folders, and if you haven't received the survey, please complete this form and we'll resend it: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/alumdetails

11/06/2026

Krystal Fry is the recipient of our inaugural John C Mitchell Scholarship, enabling her participation in the 2026 AVCLP. Krystal is a Customer Service Officer with Towong Shire Council and also operates the well-known Black Sheep Café in Corryong. She is also involved in CAMP, supporting visibility and inclusion within the Upper Murray. Krystal hopes to continue strengthening her confidence and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the community she calls home.

"Our café has become more than just a business – it’s a place where people feel safe to gather, connect and be themselves. Through the AVCLP I want to strengthen my leadership and communication skills so I can continue growing that space, and the people within it.

I hope the program will help me support local initiatives and advocate more confidently, while contributing to projects that strengthen social connection and wellbeing in Corryong and the broader region."

Thank you to John C Mitchell for enabling Krystal’s participation.

09/06/2026

Registrations Closing Friday 12 June - Foundations of People Leadership

Leading people is a significant part of many workplace roles.

Managing competing priorities, supporting team members, providing feedback, leading change and navigating difficult conversations are important responsibilities that draw on a distinct set of skills and approaches.

Foundations of People Leadership is designed for emerging leaders, team leaders and managers seeking practical tools to strengthen their confidence and capability in leading people and teams.

The program commences Thursday 18 June in Benalla, with final registrations now being confirmed.

Learn more or register via: https://bit.ly/FOPL2026

08/06/2026

We congratulate Mary Hoodless AM on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

Mary was recognised for significant service to regional development, and to the communities of the Riverina and Murray regions.

Mary's contribution extends across decades of service through leadership, governance, volunteerism, regional development, tourism and community recovery.

Over the past five years, we have had the privilege of working alongside Mary across a range of initiatives. The Fischer Community Leadership Program, in particular, has benefited greatly from her wisdom, generosity and deep commitment to people and place.

This recognition is a fitting acknowledgement of Mary's contribution over many years, and we extend our sincere congratulations on this well deserved honour.

05/06/2026

Following our recent day sponsored by Gardiner Foundation, it feels fitting to introduce Leah Garnett, who is based in Moyhu, and is one of two AVCLP participants supported by Gardiner Foundation.

Leah is a self-employed dairy farmer and an active member of Alpine Valleys Dairy and the Milawa Dairy Discussion Group, contributing to conversations about the future of agriculture in the region.

Living and working in a farming community has shaped Leah’s interest in how leadership and collaboration can support the long-term strength of rural communities.

"I want to live and work in a region where people feel connected, supported and forward-thinking. After several busy years building our dairy business and raising our family, I’m now in a position to contribute more broadly.

The AVCLP will help me strengthen my networks and leadership skills so I can play a more active role on committees and advisory groups, and help shape the future of the dairy industry and the region more broadly."

Thanks to Gardiner Foundation for enabling Leah’s participation in the program.

01/06/2026

"All meaning is contextual."

This was the opening proposition by Dr Gary Saliba to the 2026 AVCLP cohort and Alumni, as they gathered at Kergunyah Memorial Hall on Friday. Supported by Gardiner Foundation, the day used the dairy industry as a practical lens through which to examine interconnected systems, adaptation, decision-making and leadership in an increasingly uncertain world.

Drawing on systems thinking and the Cynefin framework, Gary supported the group to consider how context shapes the way we interpret challenges, make decisions and respond to uncertainty, and why different situations often require different approaches.

Jenny Wilson from Gardiner Foundation provided insight into the Victorian dairy industry, highlighting its contribution to regional communities and economies, and offering a broader perspective on the relationships and influences that shape the industry.

Moving from framework to application, the group toured Hermitage Dairy, where Stuart Crosthwaite generously shared his experiences and perspectives from within a constantly evolving industry, offering a firsthand look at the realities, opportunities and challenges shaping modern dairy farming.

Thank you again to Gardiner Foundation for enabling this experience, creating space for our cohort and Alumni to expand their perspectives and deepen the connections needed to lead in an ever-shifting landscape.

27/05/2026

Priority registrations are open through to Wednesday 3 June for our upcoming delivery of Foundations of People Leadership.

Delivered locally in Benalla, Foundations of People Leadership is a professional development offering for emerging and advancing people leaders, facilitated by James Jensen and Irene Pritchard.

Drawing on behavioural science, reflective practice and practical application, the program equips participants with tools that can be immediately applied within the workplace to team dynamics, difficult conversations and day to day leadership practice.

Bringing together people from across sectors and industries, the program also creates space to connect, reflect, broaden capability and strengthen professional networks across the region.

The program commences Thursday 18 June, with further information and registrations available via: https://bit.ly/FOPL2026

26/05/2026

Jane Murphy works as the Manager of the Yackandandah Community Centre (YCC) and joins the 2026 AVCLP through a scholarship supported by YCDCo: Yackandandah Community Development Company.

Over the years Jane has contributed to community through her involvement with several local committees, including the primary school, Bruarong Community Centre, and the Upper Murray Neighbourhood House Network.

Jane sees the program as an opportunity to strengthen the work she already does as a connector, while learning from others across the region.

"The AVCLP is an opportunity to expand my networks and deepen my understanding of community leadership across the region. By learning from the experiences and insights of others, I hope to enhance my capacity to address both local and regional challenges with informed, impactful solutions. The skills and relationships developed through AVCL will empower me to lead positive change and nurture resilient, inclusive communities.”

Thank you to YCDCo: Yackandandah Community Development Company for enabling Jane’s participation.

25/05/2026

Community involvement has long been part of Debbie Geddes’ life, and she joins the 2026 AVCLP as one of two participants supported by the CFA (Country Fire Authority), where she has been an active volunteer for many years.

Deb works as Accounts Manager at MTR Communications and currently serves as President of the Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Deb is also a Director on the Victorian Agricultural Shows Board as Deputy Chair.

Through these roles, Deb has seen firsthand the importance of strong local leadership and the role communities play in supporting one another.

"Being part of a strong community like Myrtleford has shown me the value of collaboration and shared leadership. Through the program I’m hoping to gain insight into other groups across the region and explore how we can work together to create positive change."

Thank you to the CFA (Country Fire Authority) for supporting Deb’s participation.

22/05/2026

Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the 2026 AVCLP cohort came together online this week to explore volunteerism, contribution and community participation across our communities.

Thank you to Hamish Fletcher, CFA (Country Fire Authority) Regional Manager Volunteer Sustainability, North East Region, who shared reflections and perspectives drawn from his experience working alongside volunteers across diverse communities, alongside others who contributed to thoughtful discussion throughout the session.

More broadly, to the countless people contributing to community life day in and day out, thank you. Your contribution underpins connection, care and the determination of our communities to respond, adapt and support one another through both opportunity and challenge.

Address

Suite 2, 25B Ely Street
Wangaratta, VIC
3677

Website

http://avclp.org.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Alpine Valleys Community Leadership posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Alpine Valleys Community Leadership:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Wangaratta?