Now in its third year, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL) is again delivering a local Disaster Recovery and Climate Change Adaptation Program.

The program, which is fully funded by the Australian Government as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, will immerse participants in eight program days from April through to August, and include site visits in Beechworth, Dederang, Wangaratta, Wodonga and an overnight retreat in Corryong.

Facilitated by Chris Mirams and Dr Gary Saliba, the program focuses on the development of leadership and strengthening the capacity of participants in leading change, particularly as it relates to disaster recovery and climate change adaptation.

"Prior to participating in this leadership program I would not have been able to identify the types of leaders and leadership styles that I have experienced or modelled," Graduate of the 2022 program and acting emergency management coordinator at Moira Shire Council, Kate Goldsmith, said.

"However, the flood emergency event in late 2022 proved to be the biggest learning experience for me as a leader.

"My official position at the time, was as an administration officer to support the emergency response leaders of Council.

"During the flood event though, I was fortunate to have been able to take up the role of deputy municipal emergency management officer, one of the most senior roles of the flood response operation and what I now know to be an emerging leader.

"I was able to step into this role and lead our response to the situation.

"Through the program, I developed the assertiveness and self–reliance that I was lacking, in addition to growing my networks.

"I have also developed my sense of self confidence, which has become evident to many others within the organisation."

"This is a really exciting program, taking participants across the North East to visit different businesses and communities, and supporting them to explore a range of different themes – such as developing adaptive capacity in response to climate change, and leading community development for resilience," AVCL executive officer, Jacqui Bramwell, said.

"Climate change adaptation and disaster recovery is now at the forefront in many of our communities across the North East, so it‘s an excellent opportunity to learn more and help lead the way forward."

Applications for the program are now open, closing on Friday 17th March.

Further information, including the program schedule dates and application form, can be found on the AVCL website: https://bit.ly/2023drcca.