Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program

The 2008-09 AVCLP participants were given a Graduation Dinner on Thursday 28th May 2009 to acknowledge the efforts and teachings they had undergone since July 2008.

With over 60 speakers through 17 full program days including 3 Skills Workshops, plus three 2-day retreats we covered many aspects of community life throughout North East Victoria while learning how diverse we are and the complexities that are involved in keeping our regional community together and active.

The Graduation night was emceed by David Ryan - a past participant and Inspector in the Victorian Police force - who ably steered the 151 guests - from throughout North East Victoria, including the Mayors of each of the eight shire councils involved - through a full agenda. Key speaker - Anne Leadbeater - was inspirational as she demonstrated her own leadership abilities through her efforts as part of the post-Black Saturday devastating fires in the Kinglake area. Anne showed that by being straight-up with the local community it was able to handle the situation better and understand how it can move forward - no matter the circumstances.

Following the delicious mains served by the ably capable staff at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, the graduation ceremony commenced. Each graduate was asked to attend the stage who was then presented their Certificate and Alumni pin by Patron John Brown AO while two participants from the previous year - Kim Scanlon and Cristina Perra - read out a short bio of each graduates community history to date.

The evening was also punctuated with reports by David Roff - Chairman of the AVCLP Board - on behalf of the Board, and Jeanie Farrington - Executive Officer and program coordinator for 2008-09. Both thanked the generous support by the sponsors and in-kind supporters throughout the year.

Following an extensive photo session of the graduates and their peers, the evening was brought to a close with many guests staying on to congratulate and talk with the new members of the AVCLP Alumni - now totaling 191 in number. A great night was had by all who attended.

Malcolm Bradbury
2008-09 AVCLP Graduate

How to apply

Each program runs from July to the following May. Applications are sought between February and April each year from people who:

• Have the capacity for leadership
• Possess broad ranging interests
• Are self motivated
• Have the ability to commit the time and energy required to participate fully in the program
• Have confidence in the region, in its capacity to prosper and in themselves to effect change in local communities
• Possess a record of civic activity or the ability to express a genuine interest in becoming more involved in their community

Candidates need to be of sound character and display a high level of honesty and integrity and be willing to consent to a police check.

Candidates who are applying solely to enhance their careers and/or who show a lack of commitment to their community will not be considered.

Application Form

If you would like to apply for the Program you can download an application form (pdf format, 78 kB)

Applicants can also download some information for applicants (pdf format, 32 kB)