Applications are now open for the 2026 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program. Since its inception in 1998, the program has been instrumental in enabling over 500 graduates across the North East and Border regions to find their potential, and strengthen their ability to shape and engage with change. AVCL executive officer Madeline Hines said the program remained a cornerstone for building local capacity. "Our communities are complex and constantly changing," she said. "This program gives people the opportunity to explore their potential, strengthen their capacity, and build new connections to work across sectors and perspectives. "The result is not just individual growth, but people within places that are better able to collaborate on the issues that matter most to them." From February to November, participants take part in place-based learning days, retreats, and a Melbourne study tour, exploring values-based leadership while building skills in governance, advocacy, collaboration and communicating for impact. Evaluation shows the program has lasting impact, with more than 90 per cent of recent graduates strongly agreeing it increased their confidence to contribute locally, and deepened their understanding of regional issues and opportunities. A 2025 AVCLP participant, Laura Thompson, said the experience had helped her develop a greater appreciation for and understanding of the community groups and organisations operating across the region, and what they provided for local communities. "I have a deeper understanding of my own leadership style, and how this may impact others in my team," she said. "I’m looking forward to evolving as a leader to make a meaningful contribution within my community, and applying the learnings from the many great speakers in the program." Ms Hines said the program was resourced through philanthropic partners, businesses, industry, and community groups, reflecting a shared investment in the region's future. "We are pleased to offer pathways to share in enabling leadership development that is meaningful, visible and impactful," she said. "This includes supporting individual participation through workplace or scholarship funding arrangements, or enhancing collective impact by sponsoring a program day, retreat, or event." Applications for the 2026 program close at the end of September. For more information about applying or supporting the program, visit www.avclp.org.au or contact program manager Irene Pritchard at leaders@avclp.org.au or executive officer Madeline Hines at eo@avclp.org.au.
