What enables communities to keep moving forward when distance, disruption and changing conditions shape everyday life?
Our 2026 AVCLP cohort recently headed to the Upper Murray to explore community-led action, drawing on the experience and perspectives of Cr Andrew Whitehead; Nic Martin, The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival; and Sarah Lebner, Upper Murray Inc.
The day’s conversations circled the influence of place and identity on local leadership; what enables people to come together around a shared endeavour and sustain it over many years; and how the Upper Murray is shaping its future through innovation, social capital, investment in people and the capacity to adapt.
The weather also proved perfect for a picnic at Playles Hill, where Elise Hill shared reflections on the bushfires and what that experience meant for the Upper Murray community.
Across the day, we were reminded that community-led action is not the work of one person or organisation; it is made possible through relationships, shared purpose and people prepared and able to contribute, organise and turn ideas into action.
