What Happens After Fairley?
The Fairley Leadership Program has inspired and equipped over 745 leaders across the Goulburn Murray region for the past 30 years. But what happens when the program finishes?
Join us for an inspiring conversation with four Fairley Fellows who have transformed ideas, passions, and community needs into meaningful initiatives creating positive change across the region and beyond.
Facilitated by GMCL, this session will feature Fairley Fellows Ali Al Battaat FF’23, Jarvis Atkinson FF’25, Liz Hayes FF’25, and Stacey Taylor FF’25 as they share the stories behind their projects, the challenges they encountered, the partnerships they built, and the lessons they learnt along the way.
Join the Conversation
Every community project starts with an idea, but turning that idea into reality often requires leadership, persistence, collaboration, and courage.
This panel discussion will explore the journeys behind a range of community-led initiatives and provide practical insights for emerging leaders looking to create positive impact in their own communities.
Whether you're considering a community project, leading a new initiative, working within the not-for-profit sector, or simply curious about how change happens at a grassroots level, this session will offer inspiration, practical advice, and honest reflections from those who have walked the path.
Event Details
📅 Date: 17 June 2026
⏰ Time: 12pm – 1pm
🖥 Online
🎟 Cost: Free
What You'll Learn & Do
In this panel discussion, our Fairley Fellows will explore:
How community projects and initiatives begin, from identifying a need to developing an idea
The challenges, setbacks, and opportunities encountered throughout the journey
The role of partnerships, collaboration, and community engagement in achieving impact
Practical lessons on influencing, advocating, and bringing others along the journey
How leadership evolves through project delivery and community action
Advice for emerging leaders looking to turn ideas into meaningful outcomes
Reflections on the lasting impact of Fairley and the role leadership plays in strengthening regional communities
About the Panellists
👤 Ali Al Battaat FF’23
Ali came to Australia in the year 2000 by boat as a refugee from Iraq with his family. Ali has been in the community sector for many years, he started his journey as a volunteer and than worked for major organisations across Shepparton whilst completing his Bachelor of Human Services and Master in Social work. Ali is a young person of colour and culture, an Iraqi/ Australian Social Worker, advocate and activist for young people.
Ali's advocacy work previously was an advisor of the My New Neighbour campaign, an anti racismAmbassador for Amnesty international and sits on many boards and committees in Regional Victoria such as the Victoria Multicultural Centre Regional advisory committee.
Ali is the Founder and Director of his own NDIS business GV All Abilities Care and co-owner of Pablos Burgers in Shepparton.
In his free time Ali enjoys travelling, gym and horse riding.
👤 Liz Hayes FF’25
Liz Hayes is a physiotherapist, community leader, and passionate advocate for rural communities and agriculture. As a 2025 Fairley Leadership Program alumna, she is committed to strengthening leadership, wellbeing, and connection across regional Victoria.
Living on a farm with her husband and their three children, Liz understands firsthand the unique challenges and strengths of rural life. She combines her professional experience in healthcare with a strong commitment to supporting the wellbeing and resilience of regional communities. Liz is actively involved in her local community and is passionate about creating opportunities for connection and support networks, including through her involvement in Farmers Day Out, which brings rural communities together and highlights the importance of wellbeing for farming families.
Through her leadership and community work, Liz is dedicated to fostering strong, connected, and resilient rural communities.
👤 Stacey Taylor FF’25
Stacey is the Founder and managing director of Women of the Murray, NFP social enterprise across VIC and NSW, creating opportunities for connection, confidence and leadership for women across regional communities. Through storytelling events, self-defence programs, networking and social gatherings, her work focuses on building strong, connected communities.
A graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program, Stacey is passionate about community-led impact and the power of local leadership. She is also a first year secondary teacher and Teach For Australia Associate studying her Master’s in Teaching in regional Victoria.
👤 Jarvis Atkinson FF’25
Jarvis Atkinson is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Shepparton and Cummeragunja, dedicated to strengthening First Nations and broader communities through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. He currently serves as the North East representative on Gellung Warl, which includes the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the democratically elected group of Traditional Owners representing and making decisions on behalf of First Peoples across Victoria.
Drawing on strong lived experience and deep community connections, Jarvis brings authenticity, passion, and a commitment to creating positive change. A proud father of three, he is focused on building understanding, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities that benefit both First Nations and non-Indigenous communities.
During this session, Jarvis will share the story behind Nanyubak Dungudja, including how the initiative came about, the partnerships and community engagement that have supported its development, and the lessons learnt along the journey.
🎤 Facilitator
Host from Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL)
About Goulburn Murray Community Leadership
GMCL believes you only need to look within your own backyard to see the passion and resilience required to innovate and continue building the momentum of this region. The Goulburn Murray is in an amazing position to become a stronger region balancing the growth, well-being, and economies of local communities. There are many individuals and organisations innovating and leading change to do this, however, regional resilience requires a focus on succession and continual development of emerging community leaders.
We believe in the power and necessity of community leadership and place-based change making to ensure we have a strong, innovative, and sustainable Goulburn Murray region. We partner and collaborate with a diverse range of organisations to deliver programs that develop emerging, experienced, and accomplished leaders in the Goulburn Murray region.
Why Attend?
Many people have ideas that could make a difference in their community, but taking the first step can often be the hardest part.
This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Fairley Fellows who have navigated the journey from idea to impact. You'll gain practical insights, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead meaningful change.
Whether you're a current Fairley participant, alumni, community leader, volunteer, professional, or aspiring changemaker, you'll leave with valuable lessons and renewed motivation to create impact where you live, work, and lead.
Secure your spot and join the conversation on turning ideas into community impact.