Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Inc.

Annual Report 2015 - 2016

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Our Vision:

“Empowering people to shape their communities’ future”

Our Purpose:

 Provide the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program, an experience and skills based program that enhances the leadership capacity of people and organisations in North East and border regions  Develop a range of leadership programs and workshops in response to community needs

 Develop and strengthen regional community leadership networks

 Promote community conversations about issues affecting our region

 Enable people to make a difference and enhance their contribution to community

 Provide support services to rural communities

Our Values:

Excellence: In the development and delivery of our activities

Agility: Being proactive and relevant to the changing needs of our communities

Innovation: Fostering creative ideas and identifying opportunities to strengthen our communities

Collaboration: Building relationships and partnerships that deliver mutual benefit and value

Integrity: Displaying transparency and accountability to our stakeholders

Respect: Conducting our relationships with honesty, trust and compassion

3 Our Partners

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Inc. acknowledges and thanks the following organisations for their support. Their assistance is both valued and appreciated.

Major Sponsors

Our Partners

ACRE Goulburn Murray Community Shadforth Financial Group Alpine Shire Council Leadership Steph Ryan MP Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Holbrook Landcare Network Tammy Atkins Consulting Forum Hugh Williamson Foundation The Centre Community College Alpine Health Indigo Shire Council The Communications Department Australian Institute of Company Into our Hands Foundation The Regional Development Company Directors June Canavan Foundation Tim McCurdy MP Belmores Accountants Lindenwarrah at Milawa Twin Prism Consulting Bill Tilley MP Lingford Consulting Tourism North East Cathy McGowan MP Lions International Upper Murray Development Board Charles Sturt University Mansfield & District Community Bank Upper Murray Health & Community DAIS Mansfield Shire Council Services Department of Justice & Regulation MIND Victorian Healthcare Association Department of Economic Develop- National Landcare Programme Victoria Police ment, Jobs, Transport & Resources North East Health Voices for Indi Department of Education & Early North East Support and Action for VRCLP Secretariat Childhood Development Youth (NESAY) WWWART Design Services Department of Health & Human North East Water Winton Wetlands Committee of Services Parks Victoria Management Environment Protection Authority Quest Wodonga Yooralla FRRR Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway Gardiner Foundation Renee Paola Graphic Design Gateway Health Regional Development -Hume … and our extensive network of Goulburn Murray Hume AgCare Committee alumni, presenters, friends and GOTAFE Rotary International associates of AVCLP Goulburn Broken CMA Rural Training Initiatives

4 AVCLP Board

Clare Kiely Anthony Griffiths Ty Caling Chair Deputy Chair Treasurer

Emma Avery Robyn Farley Jemma Galvin

Lisa Mangelsdorf Adam Morrison Dr Kevin Powell Kirsten Williams (Res. March 2016) AVCLP Staff

Kim Scanlon Karlie Langdon Susan Benedyka Sheree McKenzie Executive Officer Program Coordinator Facilitator Bookkeeper AVCLP Patron

“In a year when elections are pending for both the Federal and Local Governments it is important to consider the criteria for leadership that delivers good governance. Good governance inspires people to give their best effort and work the for the greater good. Maintaining morale and self-esteem are critical in developing effective partnerships. Waste and error will then be minimised. Excellent negotiating skills allow “win-win” outcomes and should be based on facts and data. Most importantly, those we elect should behave with integrity, dignity, honesty and respect. If we John G Brown, AO make our choices on these traits we can have maximum confidence that we will be well governed”.

5 Chair’s report

2015-16 has seen another successful year for AVCLP.

In January 2016 Karlie Langdon joined AVCLP as the At the centre of our work, we have delivered another Annual Program Coordinator. Karlie moved back to her very successful Community Leadership Program ‘ home ’ region after working and living in Geelong, and producing 23 graduates who will join the 340 plus brings with her tremendous experience and skills in alumni already in our community making our vision community leadership. of Empowering people to shape their communities’ Given the significant changes to the Executive Officer future” a reality. role, and in line with good governance, the AVCLP Board advertised the new role. The incumbent Kim We have continued to build on our Community Scanlon was successful in being appointed to the new Landcare and Agriculture Leadership Program. This Executive Officer role. Kim’s wealth of knowledge, skills year, AVCLP and North East Catchment Management and relationships across the North East of Victoria will Authority (NECMA) have extended their partnership to greatly benefit the future of our community leadership include Goulburn Murray Community Leadership and offerings. the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Author- ity (GBCMA) to offer the program to 19 participants. The changes in the Executive Officer role will now allow us to explore further opportunities for growth and In partnership with the Australian Institute of Company development, and continued State Government funding Directors (AICD) we have jointly offered two courses of will enable us to implement our new AVCLP Strategic Governance Foundations for Not for Profit Directors. Plan. We see this course as AVCLP’s way of supporting the All this could not be achieved without the dedication of continued leadership that is offered in our community our staff and volunteer Board, and I would like to by a range of Not for Profit organisations. acknowledge and thank them for all their work and During the year the commitment to this great organisation. This year, three approached us to design and deliver a new Community of our long standing Board members will be retiring. I Leadership Program for residents. The objective was to would particularly like to acknowledge their ‘Strengthen the Voice’ of grass roots community contributions and dedication. All three are alumni of volunteers. The program has encouraged participants the AVCLP and being on the Board is a great into pathways for future leadership training, and demonstration of their continued leadership role in our developed their confidence to step up and join community. They are: community Committees of Management and Boards. 1: Lisa Mangelsdorf who joined the Board in 2011 Four programs have been delivered this year, after graduating from AVCLP in 2009 averaging 12-14 participants in each session. The feedback has been extremely positive. 2: Emma Avery who joined the Board in 2013 after graduating in 2011. In partnership with the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) we ran a two day 3: Jemma Galvin who joined the Board in 2014 ‘Introduction to Social Enterprise’ course in September. straight after graduating from the Annual program. I would also like to thank all our supporters and As an organisation we’ve continued to grow. A sponsors of AVCLP. Your contributions are very much restructure has allowed us to create a new position of appreciated. Program Coordinator of our Annual Leadership Program, and to significantly change the role and Clare Kiely responsibilities of our Executive Officer role. AVCLP Chair 2015-2016

6 Executive Officer’s Report

The Annual Program  In partnership with the North East Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Broken It is said that the only constant thing in life is change, Catchment Authority and Goulburn Murray and so it has been for AVCLP this year. Our Annual Community Leadership we delivered a third, very Program has once again supported a fantastic group popular Community Landcare & Agriculture of 23 community minded citizens to explore their Leadership Program. personal leadership potential whilst developing their leadership networks and being inspired by what this  In partnership with the Rural City of Wangaratta terrific region has to offer. Council we designed and delivered a new Community Leadership Program for RCoW The structured program of guest speakers, site visits residents that serve on, or aspire to join, and skills workshops allowed our participants the community committees. time and space to reflect on their personal values, and to work out how they can most effectively  In partnership with the Williamson Foundation contribute to their community. Most importantly we offered a small grants program to community AVCLP provided the inspiration for participants to projects where groups are working with young “get out there and have a go” and to not be afraid of people in the environment and arts sectors. change. The Organisation This year’s cohort had to cope with an enforced change as AVCL Inc. as an organisation grew. A year Continued Government funding has supported us to of hard work by the Board and staff resulted in a develop a new three year Strategic Plan. The Plan restructure of the organisation, with a new Program outlines how we will continue to expand the range of Coordinator being appointed halfway through the courses, workshops and events that the organisation AVCLP year. The 2015-2016 participants handled offers, into the future. Our aim is to become a key this change to the dynamic of the program with regional resource for leadership development, training grace and enthusiasm, and the transition to Karlie and special events. Langdon taking over the role of Annual Program Coordinator was seamless. I have no doubt that our Our programs attract participants from government, graduates will be involved in creating many positive private enterprise and community organisations and changes in our region in years to come. the diversity of the people that participate in our courses provides a special dimension for participants. Short courses We look forward to continuing our relationships with Highlights of the year included programs that our existing partners and to developing new partner- evolved from partnerships. ships so that together we can deliver new and  In partnership with Australian Institute of innovative programs to the region. Company Directors we delivered affordable My thanks are extended to Karlie, Sheree and Susan for governance training for Directors of Not for their hard work and dedication to the organisation, and Profit Boards. to the AVCL Inc. Board for their support and vision. It’s  In partnership with ACRE (Australian Centre going to be an exciting period for the organisation in for Rural Entrepreneurship) we hosted new coming years. training for Australia- “Understanding Social Enterprises” Kim Scanlon Executive Officer AVCLP

7 Participants 2015-2016

Name Home Organisation Dispute Mediator Margaret Anderson Wangaratta Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria Human Resources and Governance Officer Lisa Basler Bright Parks Victoria Programs support Officer Catriona Brown Rutherglen North East Catchment Management Authority Aged Care Assessment Officer Nicola Burns Wangaratta Rural City of Wangaratta Media and Communications Officer- Simon Crase Wangaratta Cathy McGowan Federal Member for Indi Disability Advocate Michelle Critchley DAIS (Disability Advocacy and Integration Service) Adolescent Health Nurse Andrea Davidson Beechworth Department of Education and Training Team Leader, Communications and Media Kellie Davies Albury Council Health Promotion Officer Emma Ghys Wodonga Alpine Health Team Leader- People and Workplace Victoria Griffiths Albury City of Wodonga Council Store Manager Lauralee Hogg Biggara Murray Goulburn Community Work Program Coordinator Renae Johns Katunga Department of Justice Operations Manager Matthew Kennedy Cheshunt MIND - Typo Station Team Leader- Compliance Strategy Ben Kneebone Everton Environment Protection Authority Small Business owner Rosemary Koop Glenrowan West Sheep/Cropping Farmer & Arts Advocate Assistant Service Leader Renee Leary Mansfield Yooralla Community Development Officer Erin O’Connor Wangaratta Department of Health and Human Services Waste Management Coordinator Jason Perna Wangaratta City of Wodonga Council Small business owner Carolyn Sammon Wangaratta North East Survey Design Small Business owner Victoria Schmidt Bright Business consultant- Marketing Building Management Officer Allan Thrum Wangaratta Rural City of Wangaratta Team Leader- Speech Pathology Courtney Ward-Jackson Wangaratta North East Health Wangaratta Small business owner Andrew Whitehead Towong Upper Beef Farmer/Mechanic Small Business owner Fiona Wigg Beechworth Vigneron- Madman’s Gully Wines

8 AVCLP Program: 2015-2016

Date: 2015 Event Venue Location

Friday/Saturday Albury Opening Retreat Albury Lake Hume Resort 17 & 18 July Day 1 Friday 31 July Brown Brothers Milawa The Regional Economy Friday 14 August Skills day 1 Lakeside Community Centre Benalla Day 2 Friday 28 August Mansfield Shire Council offices Mansfield Community Development Day 3 Upper Murray Health & Community Friday 11 September Corryong Health and Wellbeing Services Dept. Economic Development, Jobs Friday 25 September Skills Day 2 Rutherglen Transport & Resources Day 4 Friday 9 October Wangaratta Regional Study Centre Wangaratta Young People Day 5 Friday 23 October Alpine Shire Council offices Bright Tourism Day 6 Friday 6 November Beechworth Correctional Facility Beechworth Justice Friday/Saturday Mid-year retreat YMCA Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre Falls Creek 20& 21 November Date: 2016 Event Venue Location

Wednesday Skills Day 3 Wang Central offices Wangaratta 20 January Day 7 Friday 5 February North East Water Headquarters Wodonga Community Advocacy Day 8 Friday 19 February Rural City of Wangaratta offices Wangaratta Government Friday 6 March Skills day 4 Mudgegonga Community Hall Mudgegonga Monday/Tuesday/ Days 9/10/11 Various locations in the Wednesday 21/22/23 Melbourne visit Melbourne CBD March Day 12 Friday 15 April Environmental Winton Wetlands Winton Sustainability Day 13 Yackandan- Friday 29 April Yackandandah Sports Park Small Towns/ Big Ideas dah Friday/Saturday Final Retreat Lindenwarrah at Milawa Milawa 13 & 14 May Thursday 26 May Graduation Gateway Quality Hotel Wangaratta

9 Regional Leadership Development

Alumni

AVCLP now has an alumni network of over 345 community leaders. AVCLP alumni contribute to their local communities, the region and at state and federal levels in a variety of ways, including as  Government, industry and community Board members  Regional representatives, reference and advisory group members  Local government councillors  Managers of community projects  Guest speakers and MC’s at regional leadership and community events  Community mentors RCoW Community Leadership Program graduates with CEO  Volunteer organisation members including Brendan McGrath and Administrators Ailsa Fox and Irene Grant welfare, tourism, emergency management, environmental sustainability, health services, Wangaratta Leadership Program economic development, and agribusiness This year, the Rural City of Wangaratta Council  Volunteers for overseas aid projects commissioned AVCL Inc. to design and deliver a new  Charity and philanthropic initiatives civic participation Community Leadership Program for residents of the municipality. Designed for community Projects and Partnerships members serving on, or aspiring to serve on AVCLP continues to build regional leadership community committees of Management, Council capacity through the delivery of short course leader- Advisory Committees and the like, the four day ship projects and skills workshops, delivered in various program encouraged participants to “Strengthen their locations across the region. These projects are Voice ”. The programs examined: designed to address specific leadership needs in our  Personal Leadership skills region and AVCL Inc. acknowledges the support of our  Community Leadership many project partners to deliver these initiatives.  Governance of Committees and Boards

 Understanding Government Understanding Social Enterprises  Leading change In partnership with the Australian Centre for Rural Four of these programs were delivered between Entrepreneurship (ACRE) AVCL Inc. was proud to host October 2015 and May 2016 and participants deemed an introductory course to the region- “Understanding the programs a great success. Social Enterprises” This two day course attracted a range of alumni and community members, and was facilitated by guest presenters from the Scottish Social Enterprise Academy, who have delivered their award- winning training throughout Scotland since 2004.

10 Regional Leadership Development

Show us your Pitch Governance for NFP Board Directors With funding support from the Hugh Williamson In partnership with the Australian Institute of Foundation’s Bug Blitz program, AVCLP offered Company Directors, this year AVCLP delivered community groups a chance to bid for part of a another two of the popular Governance Foundations $10,000 pool of funds that supported the for Not for Profit Board Directors The three module implementation of small community projects that program examined: benefited environmental development, the arts and/  Duties and responsibilities of the Not for Profit or young people. Board Director The applicants pitched for their share of the funding  Strategy and Risk Management through a “Shark Tank” style of presentation, some- what like those made on the television show. Of the  Financial Management many, varied submissions that were received, three This course is really contributing to improving the projects were funded: governance capacity of many of our regional Boards,  Bring Ya Bug Along- Petaurus Education Group and it is our intention to continue to offer this implemented a field day at a local wetlands where training at least once or twice annually. experts could identify the bugs that children collected. The collection was photographed and Landcare Leadership Program collated into books for regional school libraries Another of our highly acclaimed Community Land-  Sensory garden for Wodonga Flexible Learning care and Agriculture Leadership Programs was Centre- Students planned, landscaped and delivered this year, in partnership with North East decorated a corner of the school yard to create a Catchment Management Authority (NECMA), peaceful student retreat. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority  The Centre Youth Photographic competition- VCAL (GBCMA) and Goulburn Murray Leadership. The students organised a photographic competition program attracted 19 participants from across North where young people expressed their version of “My East Victoria and the . Environment” through digital photos. This project provided AVCL Inc. with the opportunity Designed for those working in the Natural Resource to reach a number of new community organisations Management and Agribusiness sectors, the seven and assist a number of small community organisations session program included sessions examining: doing great work in their respective communities. It  personal leadership also increased the brand awareness of AVCLP, Bug Blitz and the Williamson Foundation in our region.  group dynamics  community leadership  resilience and capacity building  innovation and entrepreneurship  communication skills and networking A two day field trip to the Holbrook Landcare region provided the highlight of the program. The culmination of the program included a program day and dinner held at the Winton Wetlands, where graduates celebrated their achievements with representatives from all of the partnering

Photo winner: “Cloud Tower” by Katherine Box : 11 years organisations.

11 Financial report: 2015-2016

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 AVCLP Programs: 2015-2016

Annual Program

Sensory garden Social planning Enterprise Training

“Bring Ya Bug Along” Project

RCoW Community Leadership Program

Community Landcare & Agriculture Leadership Program

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