May Newsletter

May 2015

Graduate Reunion Dinner

The Leadership Wimmera Graduate Network invites you to join us for a Reunion Dinner to celebrate the third anniversary of the launch of the LW Network at 6.30pm on Wednesday 17th June at Horsham Golf Club. Come on your own/bring your partner/organise a table of your LW year group. $30pp for a 2 course dinner. Drinks at own cost. Don't miss out. RSVP to Sue by 10th July sboddi@wda.org.au or 5381 6507.

Invitation to Lunch with Bruce Sullivan

Leadership Wimmera is sponsoring (in part) next month’s Lunch with Bruce Sullivan which Business Horsham has organised.
We have 10 complimentary tickets available for this event on Wednesday 3^rd June to be held at the Wimmera Trade Training Centre from 12pm-2pm.
Flyer has all the details: Lunch with Bruce Sullivan
Be quick to secure your place at the LW table. Phone Sue on 5381 6507.

Governance Foundations for Not for Profit Directors

Leadership Wimmera in partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors presents:
Governance Foundations for Not for Profit Directors 1.5 day Workshop 9th & 10th July 2015. Discounted rate $750pp for LW Network members and Wimmera community group representatives.
Note: We have a limited number of scholarship places available @ $250 per person. Written applications to sboddi@wda.org.au including details of Boards/Committees you have been/are a member of and a paragraph giving reasons for wanting to participate. (100 words max.)

AICD Special Offer for LW Network Members

Did you know that as a member of any VRCLP-affiliated program you are entitled to some exclusive offers from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (Company Directors)? This includes discounted rates on various products and services to assist on your professional development and leadership journey.
Company Directors is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide leadership on director issues and promote excellence in governance to achieve a positive impact for the economy and society. With over 35,000 members, we are the largest governance organisation in the world, providing resources and education for directors. Our flagship course – the Company Directors Course – is widely regarded as the pre-eminent qualification for directors in Australia.
As a new VRCLP member, you are now entitled to join Company Directors at a reduced rate of $524 (a saving of $220) More information

Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Awards

Do you know a future leader in agriculture?
The Emerging Leaders in Agriculture (ELVA) awards, conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), are designed to motivate, inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders in agrifood and fibre. They recognise individuals under 40 years of age who have demonstrated leadership qualities and make a contribution in their profession or to the wider industry and community.
Award recipients receive up to $5000 to put towards their professional development and the invaluable opportunity to network with fellow industry leaders through RASV's calendar of events.
Submissions are now open with RASV calling on employers, colleagues and friends of those in the food and fibre industry, to nominate an outstanding young person who they believe deserves recognition and opportunities to further their career.
Entry guidelines and nomination form are available online, with all submissions to be completed by Thursday 16 July.

Creekside Food Fest!

Reminder about the Creekside Food Fest! Sunday May 31 from noon
Live music, activities for the kids, live cooking stations, boutique wine and beer and fireworks! See you there!!

WDA Newsletter Items:

Regional Victoria Living Expo

The 2015 RVLE saw 10,156 Melbournians looking to relocate to regional Victoria come through the doors over the 3 days.
150 people completed registrations forms for jobs available in the Wimmera with another 20 people showing interest in the businesses for sale.
The prime position at the front of the venue gave us the opportunity to consult with people both as arriving and leaving. It was also found that several people returned on the way out to ask further questions.
The updated regional branding truly showcased the fantastic ability of the Wimmera to work together. We are often the envy of other councils as mentioned at the expo.
The regional hub greatly appreciates the support provided by WorkCo and Wimmera Uniting Care through their attendance on the regional stand. The Hon Hugh Delahunty also attended the expo for the 3 days as a regional ambassador. We thank Hugh and Judie for their attendance and the fantastic job they did promoting the region.
Over the 3 days we handed out:
1400 Wimmera magazines
1000 Wimmera Windmills
600 USB sticks loaded with regional information.

National Families Week

Wimmera National Families Week was celebrated during the week of May 15^th - 21^st 2015.
This year the theme of “Stronger Families, Stronger Communities” highlights the important role families play in all of our communities. The week is a time to celebrate and share in the enjoyment of family activities within the wider community and a time to reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow.

Thank you to Jane Freak and her staff from Wimmera Uniting Care who visited the Migrant Families playgroups in both Nhill and Horsham during the week. They were able to assist with activities, provide information and resources for families and the playgroup as a whole.

The families who attended both playgroups thoroughly enjoyed the activity of making a Family Tree along with the enthusiasm shown by the staff of Wimmera Uniting Care when working alongside the families.

National Refugee Week

National Refugee Week will be celebrated during the week of June 14th - 20th 2015.

Refugee Week is Australia's peak annual activity to raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees and celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. Originally celebrated in 1986, Refugee Week coincides with World Refugee Day (20 June).

The theme for Refugee Week for 2015 to 2017 will be "With courage let us all combine". Taken from the second verse of the national anthem, the theme celebrates the courage of refugees and of people who speak out against persecution and injustice. It serves as a call for unity and for positive action, encouraging Australians to improve our nation's welcome for refugees and to acknowledge the skill and energy refugees bring to their new home.

Further information on National Refugee Week including a Resource Kit and poster highlighting Australia's first Afghan-born surf life saver Imtiyaz Saberi at Edithvale Surf Life Saving Club can be found at www.refugeeweek.org.au

AMES "Small Towns Big Returns" launched

A study into the economic and social impact of the Karen resettlement in Nhill has generated a lot of media interest.
The study identified significant social outcomes stemming from the resettlement program, including: the arrest of population decline; revitalised local services and increased government funding; and, an increase in social capital across both communities.
It found the necessary factors in the success of the Karen resettlement included: the availability of employment and accommodation; strong leadership in the host community; a welcoming host community; support for the new families; management of the degree and complexity of ‘cultural adjustment’ on both sides; and, settlers prepared to adapt to a new environment.
The report was also featured on television’s ‘The Project’ View the video here
The report may be accessed on the WDA website www.wda.org.au

Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Investment Plan

Minister for Regional Development Hon Jaala Pulford launched the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Investment Plan at Parliament House this week. The plan articulates the priorities for government investment for the region and provides local government and regional organisations with an advocacy document to target both Victorian and Australian Governments.
WDA Chairman Cr Kevin Erwin said “The WSM Regional Investment Plan includes our key regional priorities, including

Critical infrastructure such as road and rail freight and telecommunications
Freight efficiency projects to support our exporters
Advocacy projects, picking up key regional issues related to jobs and growth
- Mining and renewable energy
- Housing, childcare and training
- Building on regional advantage- SUPL, Grains Centre of Excellence, improving our weather information

“The plan demonstrates collaboration and commitment between Councils in the region, and identifies individual Council priorities. It will be updated regularly and provides a consistent focus for regional advocacy to government.”
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Investment Plan is available here