On Thursday 2nd February, AVCL launched the 2023 Annual Program at an event attended by participants, workplace funders, scholarship sponsors and program supporters at the
Charles Sturt University Regional Study Centre in Wangaratta.
The 21 program participants herald from across the North East and Border region and represent a rich and diverse cross section of private and public industries – business, community, government, environment, rural industries, arts, education and health. Participants were selected following an effective and over-subscribed recruitment drive and bring with them a deep commitment to their community, and the burgeoning potential to create change at a local level.
Our 2023 participants, and their funders, are:
Irene Day – June Canavan Foundation (Scholarship)
Domenica Hunkin – RCoW Community Grants Scholarship
Romina McEwan – Hugh Williamson Foundation (Scholarship)
Rosie Suter – Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum (Scholarship)
Attendees at the launch heard from a range of speakers, including AVCL Board Chair, Judy Charlton, and Annual Program Patron, John G Brown, AO. In addition, Anne Stelling of
Charles Sturt University shared information about their offerings, and AVCLP Alumni, Megan Hunt and Diarmuid Kelly, spoke passionately of their experience within the program, and recounted the opportunities and initiatives they have engaged with post-program.
In launching the program, John G Brown, AO reflected upon the ongoing success of the program, and urged participants to embrace a sense of personal responsibility in answering the call for community action; he quoted William Johnsen “if it is to be, it is up to me.”
