Emerging leaders from across the Goulburn Murray region have explored the people, projects and partnerships helping shape the future of Greater Shepparton as part of the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program.

The program brought participants together for a day of site visits across Tatura and Mooroopna, where they met researchers, business leaders, educators and community organisations working to strengthen the region through innovation and collaboration. The experience was designed to provide future leaders with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Greater Shepparton.

The day began at Agriculture Victoria's Tatura Smart Farm, where research leader Dr Ian Goodwin and senior research scientist Mark G. O'Connell showcased the latest advances in horticultural production and agricultural technology. Participants learned how research into irrigation, crop management and emerging technologies is helping maintain Greater Shepparton's reputation as one of Australia's leading horticultural regions.

The cohort then met Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Linda Nieuwenhuizen, who spoke about the region's economic strengths, future opportunities and the importance of promoting local success stories. She highlighted how strong partnerships between government, business and the community can help drive investment and sustainable regional growth.

Another key stop was Family Haven Mooroopna, where participants explored early intervention programs supporting vulnerable families. Representatives from the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project explained how place-based approaches are improving education, wellbeing and long-term community outcomes through collaboration between multiple organisations.

The group also met with leaders from the Shepparton Education Plan, who discussed how coordinated partnerships between schools, government agencies and community organisations are helping improve educational opportunities for local children and young people. Organisers said long-term collaboration is essential to delivering lasting positive change across the region.

The program concluded with reflections from McPherson Media Group chairman and Fairley Leadership Program patron Ross McPherson, who shared the history of the leadership initiative and encouraged participants to invest in their communities through strong leadership and collaboration.

Participant Carolyn Nigro, Sustainable Irrigation Program Manager at Goulburn Broken CMA, said the experience demonstrated how organisations across Greater Shepparton are working together to solve local challenges.

She said what stood out most was the willingness of different groups to collaborate, from world-class agricultural researchers to grassroots organisations supporting families. According to Ms Nigro, the program reinforced that resilient communities are built through shared leadership, innovation and a commitment to creating positive change.

The Fairley Leadership Program has been developing regional leaders for many years, helping participants strengthen their leadership skills while gaining practical insight into issues affecting northern Victoria. Organisers hope graduates will continue contributing to stronger communities, economic development and regional innovation.

The visit highlighted how Greater Shepparton continues to build its future through research, education, business development and community partnerships, demonstrating that innovation extends well beyond technology to include collaboration, local leadership and community-focused solutions.