Community Capacity Creators Program

Applications are now open for Community Capacity Creators – a leadership development program to support individuals in building their capacity and that of their small, agricultural-based communities.

Or click here to download a word version of the application form: 2024 Community Capacity Creators Program – Application Form

In a world where the challenges of drought and climate-related risks are ever-present, this leadership development program aims to support individuals in building their capacity and that of their small, agricultural-based communities.

Join us on the immersive 7-session community leadership program, running from May to September this year. We will dive deep into leadership theories and practical exercises, including talks from guest speakers who have the “know” and the “how”. We will also take an overnight regional study tour to Holbrook and Wagga Wagga, where we’ll uncover the latest in on-farm innovation and learn more about building social capital in ag-based communities.

The program is intended to support individuals living in or with a connection to Springhurst, Chiltern, Baddaginnie, Indigo Valley and Barnawartha, though applications from outside of those townships in the LGAs of Rural City of Wangaratta, Benalla Rural City Council and Indigo Shire Council are welcome.

You will learn about:

• Leadership fundamentals for driving impactful change
• Understanding the impacts of climate change on your community and agricultural enterprises
• Developing adaptive capacity for communities and on-farm operators to thrive amidst climate-related challenges
• Strategies for community development and building social capital
• Exploring on-farm innovation from ag operators and communities in the North East and border regions to tackle climate-related risks head-on

Participants should:

• Priority will be given to those living in or with a connection to Springhurst, Chiltern, Baddaginnie, Indigo Valley and Barnawartha
• Applications will still be considered from those outside of those townships in the LGAs of Rural City of Wangaratta, Benalla Rural City Council and Indigo Shire Council.
• Applicants must be currently interested in contributing to their community.
• Participants must be aged 18 and over.

Program dates:

• Thursday 30 & Friday 31 May – Beechworth
• Tuesday 25 June – North East Water
• Tuesday 23 July – Wangaratta
• Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 Aug – Regional Study Tour
• Monday 30 Sept – Winton Wetlands

Key Information for participants:

• The program will be 7 days, including an overnight retreat, and a 2-day study tour Wagga Wagga & Holbrook.
• Commitment to attend all days, program days will be full days (9am – 5pm)
• The cost for participation is $50, with all costs included (catering, accommodation.)
• Participants may incur personal travel costs to program days, a bus will be provided for the regional study tour (no cost)

Applications close 5pm, Thursday 16 May

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.