News

New group in leadership program

By Shepparton News

May 20, 2025

Program participants Kuldeep Randhawa and Blediona Shkembi from Shepparton, with the guest speakers at the inaugural meeting, Lutfiye Kavci and Kristy Rudd.

Program participants Belinda Senini from Shepparton, Caroline James-Wilson from Toolamba, Teroni Pathira Arachchilage from Shepparton and Jacquetta Sloane from Berrigan.

Cr Sam Spinks congratulated the group on taking the first step in the leadership program.

Greater Shepparton City Council launched the 2025 Community Leadership Program at the Peter Copulos Community Centre in Kialla on Wednesday, May 14.

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A total of 20 community participants will take part in the 2025 program facilitated by Shane Garner consulting.

Mayor Shane Sali welcomed the new cohort, praised the guidance of facilitator Shane Garner and reminded the group that he had been a graduate of the program.

“I had no intention of becoming a mayor or councillor when I first joined the program, but I am so proud to acknowledge that as a grassroots leadership program this has given me so much,” he said.

“I commend you for taking up this opportunity.

“You will genuinely see an improvement in yourself.”

Now in its 12th year, the council-funded program welcomed the participants, who will take part in a series of workshops and coaching sessions designed to build leadership skills and strengthen local community involvement.

The program runs from May to August and includes seven in-person workshops, online mentoring and a graduation event later in the year.

Key topics of the program include public speaking, goal setting, communication preferences, resilience, and understanding community and diversity.