Fischer Community Leadership Program

First delivered as a pilot program in 2022, the Fischer Community Leadership Program is named in honour of the late Tim Fischer AC and aims to enable and empower leadership within the community from the grassroots up. Since 2023, the program has been delivered by AVCL with coordination by Mary Hoodless, auspice by the Border Trust and has been funded by New South Wales Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5 in partnership with Federation Council and Greater Hume Council.

In 2024, the program was reshaped in response to evolving community needs, adopting an immersive format with two in-person program days and two online sessions. It was delivered across Culcairn and Walla Walla in Greater Hume, as well as Urana in Federation Council, producing a total of 35 graduates.

While adapting to new formats, the program retained its core mission of building individual and collective capacity. Participants benefited from panel sessions with local leaders, project management training, and practical learning experiences. These elements were designed to maximise capacity building and expose participants to leadership from various sectors, including community, government, and business.

Program outcomes:

• 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the program met their needs and expectations, with an average rating of 4.5/5.
• 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they learned new skills and information to support their community roles, averaging 4.67/5.
• 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they gained insights into real leadership experiences, averaging 4.5/5.
• 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they better understood their personality preferences and those of others through the MBTI and teamwork sessions, averaging 4.75/5.
• 100% of participants reported an improved understanding of the principles of good governance, with an average of 4.67/5.
• 100% of participants increased their networks within the community, averaging 4.58/5.
• 100% of participants felt more confident advocating for their community, with a rating of 4.58/5.
• 100% of participants improved their understanding of grant funding and writing, averaging 4.5/5