What becomes possible when people are given the space and support to step forward? Ideas shaped by community, for community, sat at the centre of last night’s Fischer Community Leadership Program graduation and project presentations, hosted in The Rock.
Supporters including Dr Joe McGirr, Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Peter Sharp, General Manager Gavin Rhodes, and others came together to celebrate the cohort, and hear how they have been stepping forward, shaping ideas, and building the confidence, capability and connectedness to take action.
Congratulations to our 2026 graduates: Melissa Brownlee, Carmel Biddle, Chinelo Ozonevo, Jack Buckingham, Amanda Strong, Fiona Beckett, Beaumont Proudfoot, Ayla Brownlee, Rachael Smith, Megan McKenzie, Monique Taylor, Jack Douglas, Emma Sim and Stephen Trickett.
Over the past six weeks, each has been getting a project ‘shovel ready’, with last night’s showcase bringing those ideas into focus, and inviting feedback and interest from the audience.
Projects included Hooves of Empowerment’s Activities Room in Tooltool, The Rock All Abilities Tennis Court, Green’s Gunyah Museum’s showroom upgrade in Lockhart, the Pleasant Hills Hall Remembrance Gates projects, upgrades to Culcairn War Memorial Pool amenities, and a portable sound system for the Culcairn Sports Ground; alongside accessibility initiatives for businesses in Lockhart, and the development of The Rock Show website.
Young people were a strong priority, through pathways program concept ‘STARTSmart’, a Community Hoops Pre-Season Development Program, and a community-led Skills Circuit Day in Lockhart; while community wellbeing and connection were reflected in a Domestic Violence Awareness Event in The Rock, Country Hope’s On Key 4 Kids fundraising efforts, and ‘Spirit of the Lamb’ at the ‘Lockhart Lamb Festival’.
Well done to all, and thank you to those who have contributed their time and energy along the way, including the enduring efforts of our Program Coordinator Mary Hoodless, with special thanks to Matt Holt.
Accessible leadership development in regional areas remains vital to the future of thriving communities, and we are grateful for the support of Border Trust, Sunshine Foundation, Justin Clancy MP, Dr Joe McGirr MP, and Lockhart Shire Council, whose contributions reflect a commitment to the places we live and love.
