Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program

Thoughts from some Program Graduates ...

"The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program puts a focus on the value of local leadership and the need to encourage people to step forward and take responsibility for the future direction of their community. The program gave me the belief that I could help to make a difference and the confidence to then stand for local government."...

Irene Grant, Mayor - Rural City of Wangaratta AVCLP 1999

"Our AVCLP program provided, with a strong emphasis on 'Community', an awareness for me of the unique dependency we have on one another in our business and social structure. An increasingly valuable resource available on a daily basis."

Marian Dowling, Mansfield AVCLP 2001/02

"Quite apart from the friendships, the AVCLP gave me wonderful contacts with people useful to my work, and some understanding of sectors that I don't normally work in. Being part of a group as it develops into a team is a great experience."

Rob Carolane, Whitfield AVCLP 2001/02

"I applied for AVCLP, based on my involvement in the King Valley community groups and my Employment Services employment, to develop relationships and networks to further both facets of my life's contribution to the North East Victorian community. To my delight, the long lasting networks established have enriched my personal, community and professional development. My employers, Worktrainers Ltd, have been a keen and ehthusiastic supporter of the program via sponsoring a day each year as well as sponsoring a participant.

A totally fulfilling and worthwhile exercise for all concerned."

Mick McInerney, King Valley AVCLP 1999

"For me the program was immensely enjoyable. Over the course of the year my outlook on leadership was developed to where I now consider the most important aspect of leadership is to get in and have a go, don't leave it to someone else. It doesn't matter what area of community you are involved in, so long as you are involved."

David Ryan, Bundalong AVCLP 2002/03

"My experiences and additional skills gained during the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program gave me greater confidence and an ability to take on a leadership role during the 2003 drought in the Upper Murray. I was closely involved with the co-ordination and delivery of assistance to the farming community as directed by the State Government Drought Taskforce"

Bruce Dwerryhouse, Tumbarumba AVCLP 2001/02


“The AVCLP was quite a life-changing experience. As well as building my confidence and introducing new friendships, there were many occasions to explore issues of public and even global significance which we don’t often get to discuss in an everyday environment. This challenged me to get involved where possible. It was a privilege to gain real insight into such a variety of organisations, businesses and government, but it was a joy to encounter and learn from inspirational leaders.”

Tracy Pirie, Regional Co-ordinator, Northeast Volunteers & Community Visitors Scheme, The Centre for Continuing Education AVCLP 2003/04

At middle management level in the health field, the leadership program expanded my networking skills and also encouraged me to connect with a mentor. I find our time together invaluable and she is always encouraging me to challenge myself. The program also worked insidiously, giving me the courage to make some momentous professional and personal decisions, the benefits I am enjoying today. Embrace all that they put in front of you and you will be pleasantly surprised. I have also made some strong friendships and the camaraderie that we enjoy has come from the “about me” sessions and the sharing of hardships and joy.

Janet Bell, Practice Nurse, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service Inc. AVCLP 2004/05

Since completing the program in 2003/2004 I have used the skills and knowledge gleaned from the program on many occasions.   I have encouraged a number of people I have met to undertake the program so that they may also grow from its experience.   I do have one regret……….I can’t do the program a second time!

Barry McIntosh, Acting Inspector Wodonga District, Victoria Police    AVCLP 2003/04

The AVCLP was an invaluable opportunity to have access to an incredible range of leaders who gave freely of their knowledge and vision of community engagement and leadership. It was an enjoyable experience that challenged and inspired my own sense of community contribution both in the short and long term. The friendships and networks that were formed as a result of the program are lasting, supportive and extensive. To have this valuable program within our region is an exciting opportunity not to be missed and I encourage anyone with a sense of community to get involved in the program.

Paul Sladdin, Executive Officer, Mansfield Adult Continuing Education     AVCLP 2004/05