In the heart of Victoria’s Great South Coast, a new generation of leaders are rising, driven by a shared commitment to community and industry. Through the Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) Program, aspiring leaders are gaining the skills and connections needed to shape the future of their region.

This year, two remarkable women from the dairy industry have taken on this challenge, contributing to their communities in impactful ways.

The LGSC Program, an annual initiative designed to cultivate leadership across the Great South Coast region, draws participants from diverse sectors, including business, community, and government. By bridging these areas, the program fosters a unique environment where emerging leaders can develop a comprehensive understanding of the region’s challenges and opportunities.

For 2024, the Gardiner Foundation sponsored Aylish Tobin-Salzman from WestVic Dairy and Rebecca Faris, a rural veterinarian from Warrnambool. Both have embraced the program’s rigorous demands, translating their learnings into tangible community projects that address critical local issues.

Aylish Tobin-Salzman’s project tackles a pressing concern – the declining numbers and aging population of Country Fire Brigade (CFA) volunteers in regional towns. Recognising the importance of maintaining a robust volunteer force, Aylish and her team developed the CFA and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) State Firefighter Championships Masterplan. This strategic document is designed to support local CFA brigades in lobbying to host the State Firefighter Championships in the Great South Coast.

“The masterplan will assess existing facilities, supporting infrastructure, and required economic input, providing recommendations for improvements, current and potential capacity of the region, and the economic benefit of the championships,” Aylish explained. “This project is a practical way to help our local brigades attract new volunteers and promote the vital role they play in our community.”

For Aylish, the LGSC Program has been more than just a leadership course—it has been an opportunity to build lasting relationships with a diverse group of individuals from across the region.

“Meeting and getting to know this wonderful group of people, whom I might not have met otherwise, has been one of the highlights of the program. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, professions, and stages of life, and there’s so much to learn from them all,” she said.

Rebecca Faris, on the other hand, focused on a project that would foster storytelling and cultural connection through art. This initiative will culminate in the creation of a public artwork and be a permanent installation replicating the ‘Six Seasons’ artwork by Indigenous students at Warrnambool College. This installation will stand in a prominent public space in Warrnambool City, serving as a testament to the enduring connection between the local Indigenous community and their country.

“This project will foster storytelling through a public artwork created by local Indigenous youth, showcasing their culture and ongoing connection to country with the wider community,” Rebecca shared. “The program has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, especially in learning to pitch my ideas and handle feedback—skills that are crucial for any leader.”

Rebecca’s journey through the LGSC Program has been both demanding and rewarding. “This program has been time-consuming, challenging, inspiring, and sometimes emotional,” she reflected. “But it has also empowered me to speak openly with leaders in the veterinary and dairy industries about my passions for women’s leadership, rural sustainability, and the future of our communities.”

The LGSC Program’s emphasis on real-world application has been a defining feature for both Aylish and Rebecca. Whether managing budgets and risks or engaging in strategic planning and community outreach, participants are encouraged to translate their leadership skills into actionable outcomes. Through immersive workshops, volunteering opportunities, and a visit to state parliament, they have gained valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and governance.

As the 2024 cohort of the LGSC Program continues their journey, the impact of their projects will undoubtedly be felt across the Great South Coast. It also enables leaders like Aylish and Rebecca to not only grow in their own capacities but to also make significant contributions to the communities they serve—ensuring a brighter future for all.