November 23, 2020

LEADERSHIP Wimmera's 2020 graduates have marked the end of their program year. 

Graduates of the Regional Leadership Skills and Business Leaders programs celebrated a year of self-development and leadership learning when they gathered in Horsham on Friday and Saturday night. It came after graduates shared their experience by way of prepared speeches last month, via Zoom. 

Leadership Wimmera program manager Jessica Grimble said 28 people from 19 organisationshad developed skills to contribute effectively and positively in workplaces and community. For many, the weekend’s dinners were their first in-person meeting since the program began in February.

“Our 2020 participants have spent most of their year-long program online – and it would not have been the year they expected, but one that likely brought many opportunities to learn and grow that were totally unexpected back in January,” Ms Grimble said. 

“Participants in a program such as Leadership Wimmera will get as much out of it as they put into it. 

“Completing the program during the COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly posed challenges for everyone – from participants to facilitators and those behind the scenes – and we don’t take away from that. But it also offered people a support network and chance to learn new ways to navigate the challenges that came their way.” 

Leadership Wimmera is auspiced by Wimmera Development Association. It began in 2002 and has supported the development of almost 600 emerging leaders in the Wimmera Southern Mallee. 

The Victorian government is the major financial contributor to Leadership Wimmera. Philanthropic and business support also assists in delivering subsidised learning opportunities to Wimmera Southern Mallee residents. 

Expressions of Interest for Leadership Wimmera’s 2021 program are open now. People wanting more information can visit www.wda.org.au/leadership-wimmera or phone Jessica on 0429 811 744.

November 20, 2020

SHOWCASING Wimmera Southern Mallee produce is the aim of a new initiative for the festive season.

Wimmera Development Association is co-ordinating A Taste of the Wimmera.

Project manager Vernetta Taylor said at least 10 producers of oils and dressings, salts, coffee beans, preserves and honey and pulse products would supply items for a range of gift boxes.

“This initiative is not for profit; simply a way to celebrate and give people a chance to sample what the region has to offer. As they are mystery boxes, you won’t know what you’re sampling until they are gifted or unboxed at home,” Mrs Taylor said. “The response from food producers has been extremely positive – people are so excited to showcase their products to the region in this way.”

Axis Works will pack the gift boxes, which will be available at the Horsham and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, located at the Horsham Town Hall, from December 1.

“Wimmera Development Association has made a commitment to support Wimmera food producers through its Seeds of Growth program, supporting people with existing or budding ideas and maximising the potential of their produce,” Mrs Taylor said. “As part of that, we wanted to offer an opportunity for food producers in the region to showcase their product so the community can be more aware of the amazing and diverse range of products made locally. What better time than Christmas to offer a gift – particularly for that hard-to-buy-for person – that gives people a ‘taste’ of the Wimmera to share with family and friends.”'

Wimmera Development Association supports businesses, promotes economic development opportunities to investors and is a key link between industry and governments, lobbying for improved infrastructure and for regional priority issues.

October 6, 2020

Leadership Wimmera is preparing a reinvigoratedcommunity leadership program for 2021. 

Expressions of interest for the program open this week and organisers say there is no better time to invest – in yourself and the community. 

It comes after a challenging 2020 year. Not immune to the challenges and changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, Leadership Wimmera quickly transitioned participants to online learning and ensured that supporting the development of emerging leaders continued during a vital period. 

“Strong community leaders are vital – especially during a crisis, and there is none more poignant than COVID-19,” program manager Jessica Grimble said. 

“Participants in our 2021 program can equip themselves with the tools they, and their communities, need to navigate the impacts of COVID-19 – by rallying others, building resilience and with innovative thinking.” 

The 10-month Leadership Wimmera program will offer blended and experiential learning opportunities. 

Participants will put learned leadership fundamentals into practice through working on co-designed community projects. The program weaves education about the region and regional priorities into program sessions and project development. 

“Leadership Wimmera has a proven record for excellence in leadership development – and plans for 2021 take the program to the next level,” Ms Grimble said. 

“Participants will learn more about themselves and their communities and from different perspectives. By investing in their own learning and development, they can become effective, impactful and innovative leaders.” 

Learnings through Leadership Wimmera’s community leadership program continue following the initial 10-month program – with graduates becoming members of its Graduate Network and accessing opportunities that supportlifelong learning. 

These have included training in governance, communications and public speaking, and seminars on topics such as resilience, community leadership, engagement and change management throughout 2020.

Leadership Wimmera is auspiced by Wimmera Development Association. It began in 2002 and has supported the development of almost 600 emerging leaders in the Wimmera Southern Mallee. It is one of nine community leadership programs across regional Victoria. 

With support from Regional Leadership Australia, Leadership Wimmera and its sister programs collaborated to host learning opportunities such as a virtual Federal Parliament education session with ministers and key staffers last month. The collaboration – which has grown during this year’s pandemic response - also opened opportunities to share ideas among executive officers and program managers and promote learning opportunities for the benefit of local programs. 

• People wanting to register their interest for the 2021 Leadership Wimmera program can go to https://wda.surveysparrow.com/s/2021-Leadership-EOI/tt-a64218

November 19, 2020

AN OPPORTUNITY to participate in a Wimmera Southern Mallee food innovation program remains open to existing and hopeful producers. 

“Seeds of Growth” – a 12-week program that will equip participants with the skills to transform an idea into a revenue-generating business – is due to start in February.

The Wimmera Development Association and Food Innovation Australia-lead initiative will help businesses commercialise new revenue streams and adopt new technology. 

Wimmera Development Association project manager Vernetta Taylor said people would benefit from the program – regardless of their circumstance. 

“Participants can be at different stages of their food production journey – that being an idea or already being a player in the industry wanting to escalate and expand,” she said. 

“Delivered virtually, the weekly workshops give participants a chance to hear from business people already working in the industry. It also means people can work together and strengthen relationships with other food producers in the Wimmera Southern Mallee. 

“An e-learning platform is available for participants to drive their own learning, and weekly challenges will give participants an opportunity to put their learning into practice.” 

Innovation agency Beanstalk Ag will deliver the program. 

Participation fees are largely subsidised through Food Innovation Australia, Wimmera Development Association and Wimmera Southern Mallee councils. Participants pay a $100 fee; each place is worth about $4000.

Mrs Taylor said businesses identified as ready to take their idea to the next level would be offered one-on-one mentorship for 12 weeks following the initial program. 

“The Wimmera Southern Mallee is very diverse and we have a lot of untapped opportunity. We want to give producers in the region the support to take their ideas and their produce to the next level and showcase what the region has to offer,” shesaid. 

“The program will offer networking and support for those working, or wanting to work, in this area.” 

Mrs Taylor said Expressions of Interest would close on November 30, with participating businesses finalised in December. She said people wanting more information could contact her on 0419 114 274 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

November 17, 2020

WIMMERA Development Association has welcomed a state government cash boost for social housing in the region. 

At least $15 million is allocated to Horsham Rural City as part of the government’s four-year, $5.3 billion Big Housing Build initiative announced this week. 

Mark Fletcher, the association’s regional development project manager, was hopeful neighbouring shires would also benefit from the initiative to increase social housing properties and replace old public housing units; build new affordable and low-cost homes tohelp low to moderate income earners live closer to where they work and provide options for private rental; and to upgrade and maintain existing housing. 

“Our region is experiencing significant shortages when it comes to housing access and availability, and this funding is a step in the right direction to ease those stressors,” Mr Fletcher said. 

Wimmera Development Association supports businesses, promotes economic development opportunities to investors and is a key link between industry and governments, lobbying for improved infrastructure and for regional priority issues.

It has conducted the Wimmera Southern Mallee Housing Study throughout this year, to gain a greater understanding of available housing for rent and purchase at entry, mid-range and executive level; documentingemergency housing and properties held by businesses in the region that might be underutilised; and identifying future investment opportunities.

Mr Fletcher said the study showed demand for emergency housing remained so high that agencies would utilise caravan parks and motels to provide assistance to those in need. He said people could wait many months, and up to more than a year, to access ongoing housing solutions – depending on their circumstance. 

“Caravan parks would often be used for emergency housing – but during the COVID response and with shared amenities, this became an issue,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“Other times, people are living in homes that are not suited to their individual circumstance, adding pressure tothe bigger picture demands.” 

Mr Fletcher said private rentals were hotly contested, often receiving numerous applicants for one property. 

“This leads to constraints for employers wanting to attract and retain staff, due to a lack of affordable and fit-for-purpose accommodation in the region,” he said. 

Mr Fletcher said the initiative would create an average of 10,000 jobs statewide across a four-year period. The homes will meet a seven-star energy efficiency rating. 

“WDA is looking forward to potential opportunities for local trades to become involved in this project - whether for new builds or maintenance work as standards are raised,” he said. 

“There is a lot of movement from the Victorian government in relation to housing this week.” 

A new government agency, Homes Victoria, has been established to work across government, industry and the social housing sector to deliver this record housing growth and to manage existing public housing.

“Eighteen regional areas are highlighted for this work – and Horsham municipality is one of them,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“Homes Victoria will develop a 10-year strategy to manage the housing stock to meet demands, and will work with local government to learn about those demands. The WDA report will feed directly into that.” 

Results of the association’s housing study will be available soon.