Annual Program (AVCLP)

Be The Change

Applications for the 2027 AVCLP are now open to 18 October.

Since its inception in 1998, the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP) has equipped over 500 graduates with the tools necessary to grasp decision-making processes, understand community dynamics, and influence significant change.

Using the North East and Border regions as a living learning environment, participants explore diverse communities and engage with leaders and decision-makers from across sectors, broadening their perspectives and strengthening their capacity to lead.

The Details At A Glance

Over ten months, you'll step beyond your usual environment and engage with people, places and perspectives that will broaden the way you think about leadership, community and your own role within it.

ELIGIBILITY
  • Aged 18+
  • Be committed to personal growth and reflective learning
  • Be motivated to lead and contribute to positive change
DATES

10 months of the year from February to November, made up of 15 in-person days

LOCATION

North East Victoria and Border Regions

You Can Expect To:

  • Experience different settings right across the region, alongside retreats and a Melbourne study tour
  • Join a peer group of diverse experiences, perspectives and connections
  • Engage with leaders, practitioners and people shaping our region
  • Experience site visits and skill building, connecting development with local issues
  • Find space to reflect, challenge ideas and grow alongside others
  • Be exposed to different approaches to leadership across community, business and government

You Will

Think Differently & Explore Possibilities

Learning alongside people with different experiences will broaden your thinking and help you question assumptions, recognise opportunities and explore new approaches to community challenges.

Build & Sustain Strong Relationships

You’ll build connections across the region while developing your ability to work with others, build trust and bring people together around issues that matter.

Consider Your Purpose & Direction

By exploring your values and what motivates you, you’ll gain a clearer sense of where you want to contribute and what leadership can look like in your life, workplace and community.

Understand Community Dynamics & Systems

You’ll deepen your understanding of the relationships and systems shaping our region, considering how local experiences connect with wider issues and influence the possibilities for change.

Sharpen Your Leadership Practice

Through shared learning and experiences, you’ll develop your judgement and ability to navigate complexity, consider different perspectives and make better decisions.

Enhance Self-Awareness & Broaden Horizons

You’ll better understand your strengths, habits and impact on others, helping you recognise how your approach to leadership influences the people and situations around you.

The program has challenged my thinking, pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and helped me see the unique value I bring to my community - not just as a dairy farmer or a mum, but as a leader with lived experience, insight, and something real to contribute. One of the most valuable shifts for me has been redefining what leadership looks like. It’s no longer just about formal titles - it’s about showing up with purpose, using my voice, and recognising the influence we each have in our communities.

Laura Thompson
AVCLP 2025

This process has profoundly impacted me, fostering personal growth and increasing my confidence in my actions, thoughts, and intentions. Professionally, it has sharpened my focus, and in my community involvement, it has enhanced my sense of purpose and direction.

Olga Davis
AVCLP 2024

Being encouraged to explore the ‘why’ behind what we each do within our communities, and being able to share and discuss our self-realisations and observations has been more beneficial to my development than I could have ever imagined.

Rho Fry
AVCLP 2022

Significant changes from attending the AVCLP include a building of my ability to guide conversations in an authentic manner.

Skye Rhodes-Mitchell
AVCLP 2023

Willingly leaving my comfort zone became a key driver for me to get the most out of this program.

Olivia Noto
AVCLP 2021

Reflecting upon my journey, I can see that I have grown myself and increased my network amongst my peers.

Pahal Man Bhattarai
AVCLP 2021

What has changed is the way I present information and engage in conversations with others in the hopes of building relationships and working effectively.

Kate Clark
AVCLP 2022

Since participating in the program, I have observed that I am more inclusive in my thinking and the various management styles which I can utilise to adapt to the situation.

Mick Savage
AVCLP 2023

I have gained a greater appreciation and understanding of many positive community organisations and groups across our region that offer so much for communities.

Nicholas Wright
AVCLP 2022

I have been exposed to strategic thinking and government practises I hadn’t delved into in the past. I have been inspired by initiatives that began through someone, or people caring.

Kate Walsh
AVCLP 2023

The discussions that evolve at program days and the authentic sharing of personal stories has been a real highlight.

Sean Barrett
AVCLP 2023

The most significant part of the journey has been the connections and inspiration I have gained from the cohort. The course has been transformational and allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, be challenged, and grow!

Paige Zamperoni
AVCLP 2023

Engaging with the cohort and meeting inspirational leaders sparked my desire to do more within my own community. I have listened and absorbed ideas and passion and know that I am continuing to grow as an individual.

Romina McEwan
AVCLP 2023

I feel I have gathered a real understanding of the current issues of the region. It has been great to be inspired by so many different presenters who have created some wonderful and sustainable community enterprises from a simple idea that has continued to grow.

Kane Fitzpatrick
AVCLP 2023

The most rewarding part of being involved in the program has been the people. The cohort has been incredibly generous, welcoming and encouraging.

Jenny Corser
AVCLP 2023

Through this program, I have gained confidence and self-awareness and, most importantly, recognised the value of myself, and what I bring to a role or team.

Al Winters
AVCLP 2021

The deep feeling of belonging and the innate sense of trust that the cohort environment brings you is unique.

Jo Turner
AVCLP 2021

What has touched and changed me the most is the enduring connections that I have already made with the cohort.

Gianna Verdini-Fensom
AVCLP 2023

I have realised my passion for making a positive impact in the world, whether it’s through small gestures to individuals, or within community groups.

Domenica Hunkin
AVCLP 2023

My confidence and ability to talk to a wider variety of groups has improved immensely. The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the feeling of belonging and trust that the cohort environment brings is rare.

Maisie Pilli
AVCLP 2022

I’ve recognised more about myself this year and have seen my confidence shift in my work and volunteering role, recognising my own strengths as important and valued.

Megan Hunt
AVCLP 2022

AVCL’s reputation is what attracted me to the program. I knew of the diversity of speakers on offer and their widely differing fields and the active and diverse presenters who would stimulate my better understanding of our region.

Peter Kenyon
AVCLP 2021

The AVCLP has been unlike any other leadership program I have participated in. By far the highlight of the program thus far has been the friendships developed across the whole cohort.

Sarimah Hellyer
AVCLP 2023

Eligibility Criteria

The program takes place across the North East and Border regions of Victoria, and whilst applicants may live or work in other local government areas, we encourage applicants who live, work or contribute to communities within the local government areas of: Alpine Shire, Albury City, Benalla Rural City, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire, Moira Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, Towong Shire and the City of Wodonga.

  • Aged 18+
  • Be committed to personal growth and reflective learning
  • Be motivated to lead and contribute to positive change
  • Have the time and energy to commit to the challenges of the Program
  • Live, work or contribute to communities in North East Victoria & the Border region

Investment

Participation can be funded by your employer, self-funded or supported through a scholarship.

A range of scholarships are available, with eligibility based on criteria such as location, industry, community involvement or supporting access for people from diverse backgrounds.

The standard participant contribution is $1,250 + GST, which may be paid by your funding organisation by agreement. Some scholarships are fully funded, with no participant contribution.

If cost is a barrier to participation, or you’d like to explore which scholarships you may be eligible for, please get in touch.

Primary placement
In addition to the participant contribution, the placement investment is:

  • Standard placement: $9,250 + GST
  • Co-invested placement: $6,250 + GST, available for a limited number of places.

 

Commitment

  • A minimum of 80% of the Program days must be attended; opening retreat must be attended.
  • 15 in-person days across the region, including 2 overnight retreats, and a multi-day regional study tour in Melbourne, individual program days across the region, several online skills sessions, and a launch and graduation event.
  • Contribute to a respectful, curious and collaborative learning environment

Dates

2027 Program Dates

Date Mode Location
Tuesday 9 February Online, 6:30–8:00pm Online
Thursday 11 February In person, 4:00–6:00pm Wangaratta
Friday 19 & Saturday 20 February In person Bright
Friday 12 March In person Milawa
Friday 16 April In person Kergunyah
Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 May In person Melbourne
Thursday 21 May Online, 6:30–8:30pm Online
Friday 28 May In person Wangaratta
Friday 18 June In person Mansfield
Thursday 24 June Online, 6:30–8:30pm Online
Friday 16 July In person Wodonga
Thursday 29 July Online, 6:30–8:30pm Online
Friday 6 August In person Benalla
Thursday 19 August Online, 6:30–8:30pm Online
Friday 27 August In person Beechworth
Friday 10 September In person Corryong
Friday 8 October In person Yackandandah
Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November In person North East
Wednesday 10 November In person, 6:00–10:00pm Wangaratta

AVCLP Graduates

Jen Allan
Kara Chanter
Bhakti Dhamala
Tori Ferguson
Daniel Flack
Owen Johnstone
Lisa Logan
Andrew Manning
Ebony Mull
Allison O'Keefe
Gemma Robinson
Craig Ross
Georgia Saunders
Kirsten Seeto
Laura Thompson
Haley Tudor-Harrop
Lisa Vlacci
Judy Charlton (Hon)

Tasman Clingan
Amy Daeché
Olga Davis
Sally Day
Blake Edwards
Cassandra Elliott
Amanda Giason
Ilona Goswell
Alison Kirkwood
Zoe Konkoly
Rachael Mackay
Joanne Nicholson
Rachel Paton
Vaun Shearer
Joanne Tanner
Werner Vogels
Melanie Von Blanckensee
Daniel Warner
Narelle Watters

Sean Barrett
Kirsty Branagan
Jenny Corser
Irene Day
Gianna Verdini Fensom
Kane Fitzpatrick
Sarah Glass
Sarimah Hellyer
Matthew Hicks
Amanda Hore
Domenica Hunkin
Lauren Kelly
Maria Kraus
Romina McEwan
Katrina Pawley
Skye Rhodes-Mitchell
Mick Savage
Rosie Suter
Lisa Turner
Kate Walsh
Paige Zamperoni

Tegan Allen
Kristin Beggs
Steve Belli
Kate Clark
Nathan Fenton
Rho Fry
Brendan Grigg
Kerissa Heritage
Elise Hill
Rachel Hogan
Tanya Howard
Megan Hunt
Maisie Pilli
Cazz Redding
Maureen Rogers
Kellie Sutherland
Joanne Turner
Aaron Wallace
Jane Witherow
Nicholas Wright

Justin Armstrong
Tamara Barton
Laura Benson
Pahal Man Bhattarai
Anthony Cheesman
Peter Christison
Bonnie Clark
Natalie Flay
Hayley Hollis
Sally Hughes
Andrew Jones
Pia Kennedy
Peter Kenyon
Lee Manning
Olivia Noto
Melinda Pentreath
Edith Peters
Helen Sellar
Tegan Sharwood
Jennifer Sleep
Julia Vesval
Maria Wadley
Gemma Whitehead
Allison Winters

Glenn Allan
Murray Bennett
Elita Briggs
Jackie Broughton
Thomas Carberry
Anita Chennell
Valissa Clarke
Trish Crockett
Jane Diplock
Alyce Fisher
Julie Hancock
Monique Hillenaar
Dave Hume
Jill James
Diarmuid Kelly
Mim McGowan
Bobbi McKibbin
Glenn Mercer
Brett Mugridge
Jack Nelson
Amy Northwood
Bronwyn Parker
Laura Sutherland
Craig Thorp
Shane Tomkins
Suzanne Vilé
Tim Wallis
Rachel Wolfe

Cassandra Campbell
Leon Carter
Mal Clarke
Shane Crispin
Rebecca Damm
Simon Eakin
Sophie Enders
Jodi Finlayson
Lesley Forman
Kerri Imlach
Rupinder Kaur
Jesse King
Emma Knights
Liam McMahon
Jessica Oldmeadow
Rachael Richards
Rebecca Sacco
Hayden Sharp
Justine Shelton
Francine Stacey
Sue Thornton
Patricia Van De Paverd
Lucie Wallis
Trish Winzer

Judith Ahmat
Natalie Ajay
Aida Baharestani
Tanille Bailey
Maria Berry
John Chanter
Alice Colclough
Lisa Dekeling
Libby Dowling
Sven Erikson
Julia Fitz-Gerald
Ashlee Fitzpatrick
Jane Gehrig
Kelly Harwood
Heidi Hodge
Dave Jenson
Kerryn Lee
Kym Lechel
Swathi Mahendran
Celia Piesse
Dan Purcell
Emma Williamson
Nicola Winter
Kim Woosman

Helen Clark
Luke Chilcott
Sandra Duffy
Catherine Clarke
Karen Gunner
Ben Hawkins
Will Jeremy
Alison Lloyd
Troy Mahoney
Katie Moore
Nicole Murphy
Richard Paschke
Chris Rogers
Jacqueline Smith
Tammy Smith
Nicole Stephens
Kimberley Taylor
Ryan Thomas
Shane Tucker
Tamara Watson
Amy van de Ven

Margaret Anderson
Lisa Basler
Catriona Brown
Nicola Burns
Simon Crase
Michelle Critchley
Andrea Davidson
Kellie Davies
Emma Ghys
Victoria Griffiths
Lauralee Hogg
Renae Johns
Matthew Kennedy
Ben Kneebone
Rosemary Koop
Renee Leary
Erin O'Connor
Jason Perna
Carolyn Sammon
Victoria Schmidt
Allan Thrum
Courtney Ward-Jackson
Andrew Whitehead
Fiona Wigg

Deanne Burge
Michelle Burrowes
Jane Carney
Bronwyn Chapman
Matthew Currie
Vidura Delpitiya (Del)
Mark Ditcham
Elizabeth Ellis
Dianne Ferguson
Tahni Froudist
Jenny Griffiths
Sue Harris
Allan Hooper
Nicholas Jordan
Owen Lappin
Kirsten Lingard
Steven Martin
Bonnie McIntosh
Kerryn Mitchell
Courtney Naughton
Lucy O'Dwyer
Kevin Powell
Rigtje Raadsveld (Rikki)

Elisha Barry
Paul Blackshaw
Steven Burke
Lisa Cartledge
John Cavedon
Elizabeth Frazer
Jemma Galvin
Sally Hayden
Michelle Hudson
Jeanie Keeton
Richard Merton
Trish Mom
Martina Moore
Kerrie Mountford
Craig Murphy
Kyle Oxley
Will Read
Tania Weller
Anthony Wilson
Brendan White
Gary Wingrave
Elise Wood

Tessa Archbold
Charlotte Bisset
Deanne Campbell-Brown
Suzanna Christison
Lyn Clark
Chris Cumming
Michael Donehue
Stephen Gemmill
Craig Grant
Angela Harders
Joanne Hughes
Kitty Knappstein
Cate Kirk
Lisa Linton
Michael Nardella
Kevin Newton
Mayssa Powell
Bruce Ray
Peter Sacco
Jennifer Sinnott
Jennifer Star
Vanessa Stitz
Jackie Thompson
Geraldine Torpy

Jacqui Bright
Ann Maree Christian
Tracey Cooper
Garry Corcoran
Sandra Dalton
Kevin de Henin
Deb Donkers
Julie Folan
Judy Griffiths
Bridie Guy
Lauren Landman
Narelle Martin
Sara Reid
Sandra Ross
Grant Saunders
Kate Simpson
Bart Smith
Cheryl Smith
Michael Vanderzee
Karen van de Sande
Maree Warnett
Bindy Welsh
Bronwen Wilson

Luke Brock
Leanne Bussell
Ashley Campbell -Brown
Kevin Cosgriff
Karen Daglish
Pat Doyle
Adele Earl
Racheal Edis
Emma Fuchsen
Cheryl Impink
Andrew McGranahan
Kate Marshall
Leon Newton
Austin Nicholas
Sally Rodgers
Birgit Schonafinger
Faye Smart
Melanie Walker

Jenny Ashby
Graeme Blake
Gwenda Canty
Matthew Charles-Jones
Anthony Cole
Ross Grant
Alice Gratton
Cherie Gottschling
Tegan Lithgow
Helen Langborne
Lauren McCully
Emma McPherson
Shane Martin
Diane Martin
Wendy Porter
Judith Samways
Charmaine Stefani
Craig Turton
Helen Vey
Mary Anderson

Sue Arndt
Gillian Belle
Sandy Belgre
Brett Bevan
Malcolm Bradbury
Julia Cocks
Kym Goodman
Catherine Hattersley
Phil Horner
Paul Horton
Gayle Hughes
Brian Jones
Grant Jones
Justin King
Lisa Mangelsdorf
Chris Morris
Kelvin Neal
Matthew O'Connell
Colleen Reynolds
Wayne Rotherham
Joanne Ryan
Christopher Tate
Kristy Youman

Roy Baird
Robert Bon
Felicity Brooke
Tim Clune
Kerry Craig
Shane Downie
Sarah Flamsteed
David Guy
Gwen Holford
Carolyn Humby
Melissa Ivone
Barbara Martin
Lisa McInerney
Kerry Moylan
Cristina Perra
Alison Pockley
Greta Quinlivan
Vicki Robinson
Lizette Salmon
Kim Scanlon
Celia Turnbull

Helen Allan
Tracey Appleby
Susan Bull
Paul Brady
Jeff Carboon
Angela Craven
Sarah Daniell
Trish Gallagher
Leanne Harris
Anne Hiskins
Lynne Jones
Jacinta Ludeman
Sue Lukins
Jackie Mooney
Anthony Nicholson
Michele Padbury
Tony Rebetzke
Leonard Redfern
Helen Robinson
Shay Simpson
Travis Smith

Neil Aird
John Antonello
Tammy Atkins
Allan Findlay
Will Flamsteed
Lynn Gibson
Paul Greaves
Anthony Griffiths
Kris Harrison
Chris Hepner
Kaye Hildebrand
Nell Kell
Catherine Kent
Jan Kowarzik
David Larkman
Renee Palmer
Elaine Paton
Mary Prowse
Judy Seymour
Caitlin Sheehan
Aaron Vanegmond
Debbie Watts

Helen Al Helwani
Janet Bell
Andrew Briggs
Erin Brooks
Trish Curtis
Graham Daglish
Lauren Elvin
Kevin Freeman
Kate Green
Christine Jewell
Sue Leavold
Sonia Lewis
Sue McCabe
Gariele Moritz
Gary Nicholls
Katie Park
Doug Paton
Hugh Pason
Sue Salau
Peter Scales
Ralph Scalso
Paul Sladdin
Julie Wilkins

Anneshka Brown
Wayne Donehue
Tracey Farrant
Phillip Gardner
Phil Garoni
Roger Gregory
Andrew Holm
Gavin Kelly
David Kidd
Carol Hill
Michele Lee
Barry McIntosh
Henry McKenzie
Colleen O'Brien
Tracy Pirie
Deb Radich
Pamela Simpson
Chloe Southern
Michelle Wilkinson
Robert Williams

Mandy Allen
David Briggs
James Burgess
Debbie Corbett
Yvonne Evans
Karen Hayes
Karen Jones
Kristy McCormick
Marilyn McKenzie-McHarg
Leesa Milne
Kevin Murphy
Betty Murtagh
David Ryan
Graham Scott
MariJana Southern
John Stapleton
Tanya Tatulaschwili
Geoff Turnbull
Owen Bassett
David Briggs

David Bell
Jenny Bradley
Jill Breadon
John Bridges
Rob Carolane
Lyn Coulston
Faith Damm
Marian Dowling
Bruce Dwerryhouse
Rick Felton
Helen Haines
Bev Hoffmann
Phil Howard
Heather Ingpen
Veronica Lanigan
Shaun Lawlor
Denis Martin
Steve Morell
Lucy Pizzini
Graeme Pollard
Jo Saggers
Rob Steel
Rainier Van Dyk

Lachlan Campbell
Jenny Evans
Mark Felton
Irene Grant
Tracey Hooper
Jocelyn Lyon
Dianne Mangan
Marion Rak
Grant Scale
Maureen Titcumb
Neil Clydsdale
Nola Evans
Simon Glass
Roger Haddrell
Don Jackson
Mick McInerney
Philippa Noble
Michael Ressom
Jon Temby
Shane Wright

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