The Fischer Community Leadership Program, aptly named in honor of the late Tim Fischer AC, is coming to Jindera and Corowa. On the back of the successful pilot program delivered last year in Henty and Holbrook, funding has been secured for the 2023 program from the New South Wales Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5.
The program is an initiative of Fischer Community Leadership in partnership with Federation and Greater Hume Councils, auspice by the Border Trust and delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership. The program's focus is to develop community leadership skills and create a group of community leaders equipped to take action and make a difference.
This year, one program will run in Jindera, and the other in Corowa. Commencing in May and running through to September, eight sessions will be delivered to both locations on Monday evenings in addition to a full-day combined workshop during June. Participants will receive leadership training from facilitators and guest speakers, with a focus on building and strengthening core leadership skills. A key component of the program will involve project management, with participants undertaking the scoping and planning of small community-led projects.
Applications are open for the program, with individuals from across all facets of the community encouraged to consider applying, including young adults, people living with a disability, first nations and members of migrant communities. Applicants will be requested to demonstrate a connection (either as a resident, employee or business owner) to the Federation Council area for the Corowa program or the Greater Hume Council area for the Jindera program.
Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, said anyone with an interest in contributing to their community should consider applying.
"The Fischer Community Leadership Program is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in their community to step forward and step up. Last year's pilot program in Henty and Holbrook really demonstrated there is a need to provide our communities with these kinds of accessible, equitable, and affordable opportunities for growth. The pilot program drew in participants from all walks of life, all of whom graduated with a greater level of capacity, self-confidence, access to resources and connection to a network of like-minded local leaders. I am thrilled the program is now being offered in both Jindera and Corowa, as all our communities need skilled and capable leaders in order to survive and thrive."
Of the 2022 pilot program, Deputy Mayor of Greater Hume Council, Annette Schilg, said "The participants are doing valuable community projects, it is good to see them stepping up to be community leaders. I don't think that would have happened without the program. It is good for us oldies to see that."
Through a post-program survey, graduates provided important feedback highlighting the benefits of undertaking the program: "This Program was amazing and taught me so much. I especially loved how much I learnt about myself and understood how I work best with others. It's made me even more community minded and less intimidated by getting involved."
Other comments from graduates; "This course has identified a learning gap for me, and I have now enrolled in Diploma Leadership and Management to increase my knowledge to know more for my work and community projects. Thank you for showing me where to focus my energies" and "I am highly impressed with the program. Finding out own personality types and strength and weakness is key to yourself as a leader. Also helpful when facing any kind of challenges. So far highly satisfied with the program; and 'Very grateful to be on this course'
Federation Council Mayor, Patrick Bourke encouraged aspiring leaders to express their interest in being a part of the program. "I am so pleased to see this program is being offered in Corowa this year," he said. "This program is designed to empower aspiring leaders and develop their skills to become the best community leaders they can be. Community leaders are the backbone of our communities, and I am positive we have many individuals in our Council region who will really benefit from participating in this program."
