DOZENS of regional leaders have gained valuable insights into making change at a two-day forum held in Natimuk as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought project.
Not only did they learn about the importance of curiosity, compassion and courage, they spent hours analysing and reframing local issues.
Run by Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, it included participants from West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Southern Grampians and Moyne shires.
The group worked through the processes of positioning for change; looking for fresh perspectives, learning to change and then growing with it.
Presenters Dr Werner Vogels and Gwen Myer highlighted the critical importance of deep listening and constant feeding back, so speakers felt heard.
Participants identified a range of community issues and challenges which were then examined and discussed at length.
These included support for volunteering, improving residents’ health outcomes, regional development barriers, collaborative approaches to online study and renewable energy changes.
By better understanding and then reframing a problem, groups were then able to view the problem with new eyes and move to sometimes unexpected solutions.
The Change Makers workshop is one of 11 drought resilience projects being coordinated by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.
Event facilitator Binesh Tholath said the two-day forum had been an excellent event for thought, connections and learning.
“Participants have all shared contact details and I look forward to seeing what is next for these local change making leaders.”
“WSM Development will also be holding another a five-day residential leadership program spread over May and June 2025, as part of the drought resilience project.”
Details of this event will be released early in 2025.
Find out more about the WSM Drought Resilience Program here