Held at Parklake Shepparton, the summit saw representatives from local government, community organisations and businesses exploring this year’s theme: ‘Celebrating what is working: The connections, actions and community-led initiatives already driving meaningful change’.
Executive officer Jesse Mitchell said she was excited to deliver the summit in Shepparton.
“The Regional Mobilisation Summit highlights what can happen when local leaders unite around shared challenges and opportunities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It takes courage to collaborate and step outside of comfort zones, share ideas and build something bigger than any one person or organisation.”
She said the summit showed the collective power of people who cared deeply about their communities and were ready to act.
“Mobilisation isn’t just about momentum; it’s about courage in connection because that’s where real, lasting impact begins,” Ms Mitchell said.
The day opened with Karen Corr from Make a Change Australia, who shared insights and data from GMCL’s Community Action Network Insight Sessions, which captured voices and priorities from across the region.
Ms Corr highlighted how communities could harness connection and momentum to lead their own local transformation.
A highlight of the program was the ‘Doing Good Stuff’ panel, facilitated by Scott Ko, featuring inspiring community leaders including Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project founder Lisa McKenzie, Winter Blues Festival chair Laurelin Berick and GMCL board member Warren ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ Davies.
The panel shared powerful stories of how small, community-driven actions could evolve into region-wide movements that built resilience, wellbeing and pride.
Themes of finding your champions, the importance of place-based education and the value of a shared community vision resonated throughout the discussion.
In the afternoon, Mr Ko led a hands-on workshop called Get Clear, Get Resources and Get Mobile, which encouraged participants to transform ideas into tangible projects through collaboration, leadership and resource mobilisation.
“The sense of connection and momentum in the room was incredible,” GMCL programs co-ordinator Kimberley Chu said.
“People left not only with new insights, but with practical ideas and collaborations to take back to their communities.
“We are excited to see how these project ideas evolve and the impact they’ll create across the region.”
Now in its second year, the summit continues to strengthen connections between local changemakers and drive region-wide collaboration.
Building on nearly 30 years of impact through the Fairley Leadership Program, GMCL remains committed to empowering people to lead, advocate and create change across the Goulburn Murray.
