Committee for Echuca Moama was delighted to sponsor Macey Phegan to complete this year’s Fairley Leadership Program.
Macey, an occupational therapist, was chosen as this year’s Peter Marks Scholarship recipient, which honours the memory of Peter, a long-time C4EM board member and recognised community leader.
The Fairley Leadership Program has been running since 1997 and explores leadership and community building and enables participants to realise their potential and demonstrate community leadership in action.
The following excerpt is from Goulburn Murray Community Leadership’s 2024 Yearbook.
How the Fairley Leadership Program has enhanced my community leadership involvement
The Fairley Leadership Program has increased my community involvement by helping me build strong networks with other like-minded individuals. Through the program, I have integrated more deeply into the community, connecting with leaders who share a passion for creating positive change. These connections have not only enriched my understanding of the challenges our region faces but have also provided opportunities for future collaboration on community initiatives I am passionate about.
Overall, the Fairley Leadership Program has provided me with a foundation to continue building my leadership capabilities and skills. While I am grateful for the new perspectives and relationships I have gained, I am eager to build upon this foundation with more targeted experiences. My aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to projects that support people with disabilities in rural communities, ensuring they have access to the services and support they require, and to continue fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and empowerment within the broader community.
Program reflection
The Fairley Leadership Program has provided meaningful opportunities for learning and connection, and while some aspects did not directly align with my current community roles, the experience has nonetheless offered valuable perspectives that I look forward to building upon in my ongoing leadership journey.
Most inspirational speaker and why
Sonia Boland from AIS Performance at the Australian Sports Commission was the most inspirational speaker for me. Her leadership journey resonated deeply as we have both worked in similar areas of health. I particularly connected with her insights into the benefits of having a generalist skill set, which aligns with my own experience as a generalist Occupational Therapist. Her ability to translate broad expertise into impactful leadership was both encouraging and relevant to my own professional path and leadership journey.
Key takeaway message
The program highlighted how having a broad range of skills allows leaders to navigate diverse challenges, foster innovation, and create more inclusive environments.
Future aspirations
My future aspirations for leadership are centred around continuing to make a positive impact in my community through inclusive, evidence based and person-centred approaches.
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