Our 2026 Annual Program (AVCLP) is now well underway, with the cohort kicking off at the Opening Retreat in late February, followed by their first program day in early March.
In Beechworth, the Opening Retreat set the tone for the year ahead, centred on reflection, self awareness, relationship building and collaborative practice. Thank you to long time contributor Susan Benedyka for bringing depth and continuity to this work. Following dinner at Bridge Road Brewers, operated by 2023 AVCLP Alumni Maria Kraus, the role of local enterprise in regional communities was considered through a tour of the venue and its operations.
The cohort then came together in Milawa for their first program day, hosted at Brown Brothers Winery, exploring regional economy and housing systems and how these inform community outcomes over time.
Through contributions from Celia Adams (Beyond Housing), Kate McRae (Regional Development Victoria) and Michael Kershler (Brown Family Wine Group), the cohort developed a clearer view of how housing access, regional investment and industry dynamics intersect locally. A bottling plant tour hosted by Cara and Cam then offered deeper insights into the scale and complexity of industry operations.
We will next convene in Bright, exploring the timely theme of climate and resilience, and how changing conditions are experienced and what they reveal about how our communities adapt, respond and continue to shape their future.
