Resources
News and events
There’s always something happening in the NML community. From leadership workshops to speaker events, alumni projects or initiatives, partnerships, project launches, volunteering opportunities and regional/networking dinners – we bring people together to connect, grow, enable and lead.
Our calendar is full of opportunities to get involved: whether you're an alumni looking to reconnect, a local curious about leadership, or a business keen to support regional impact.
Follow us on Facebook or check back here to see what’s next – from program milestones to community celebrations. Because leadership doesn’t stop after graduation – it continues, in community.
Brendan Cullen (The Desert Swimmer) is coming back to Mildura
We are bringing Brendan Cullen (The Desert Swimmer) back to Mildura following the incredibly strong feedback from his story and his involvement in our recent Laps for Locals event.
Originally, we had planned to align this event alongside Laps for Locals, however due to capacity at the time (myself and one of the key collaborators), we needed to postpone and bring it together properly — and now we have that opportunity.
The event will be held at 400 Gradi, Mildura on Friday 8th May, from 6pm, and I am aiming for 25 of the 50 tickets to be filled by NML alumni and connections.
This is where I need you. This isn’t just about one event — it directly supports:
Ongoing funding opportunities
Demonstrating alumni strength and growth
Building local collaborations and networks
Strengthening the future of NML
I’ll be honest with you — this role can be tough. It’s constant advocacy, chasing funding, writing grants, and trying to get bums on seats. But I believe in what we’re building, and I know alumni are the key to showing that impact.
So my ask is simple:
Please SAVE THE DATE now
Reach out within your program year and come along as a small reunion (please try to target 3 from each year)
Bring a friend or colleague
If we can show strong alumni attendance at events like this, it gives us the data and confidence to say we are moving forward — not backwards.
Ticketing via 400 Gradi’s website
If you’ve been thinking about re-engaging — this is the moment
Kelly Wandel.
Mallee Community Wellbeing Week 2026 – Save the Date – Wednesday 20 May
Northern Mallee Leaders is proud to be part of the second year of the Mallee Community Wellbeing Week, a collaborative regional initiative bringing together organisations across the Mallee to strengthen conversations around health, resilience and community wellbeing.
Across several days, local partners will deliver a range of events, workshops and conversations designed to create safe, inclusive spaces for learning, connection and open dialogue.
Together, these events aim to support a stronger, more connected and resilient community.
NORTHERN MALLEE LEADERS – MAIN EVENT DAY
📅 Wednesday 20 May 2026
📍 Mildura
Featuring Ben Pettingill and Mike Rolls (Real Life Resilience – “Talkin’ Tough”)
Ben and Mike share powerful lived experiences of navigating life-changing health challenges. Through storytelling, humour and practical strategies, they explore resilience, mental health and what it really means to be “tough” — particularly in regional communities.
SESSION PROGRAM (SAVE THE DATE)
☀️ 7:00am – Business Breakfast
Mildura Business Network – The Grand Hotel
A session for business and community leaders focused on building resilient workplaces and supporting staff wellbeing.
Book today
🎓 10:00am – Youth Resilience Session
For Year 9–10 students
Supporting young people with tools to navigate change, challenge and mental wellbeing.
Book today
🏟️ 1:00pm – Community Resilience Event
Mildura Sporting Precinct (doors open 12:45pm)
Book today
PART OF A BROADER COMMUNITY HEALTH WEEK
This event forms part of a wider program of health and wellbeing activities delivered across the region throughout the week. Additional sessions, workshops and partner events will be announced soon.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
Full program details, ticketing and additional sessions will be released shortly and will be available via Humanitix.
In the meantime:
✔ Save the date
✔ Share with your networks
✔ Follow along for updates
LEARN MORE
Sunraysia Thrive Festival
Our multi-day event in Mildura in May 2026 aims to enhance community resilience and wellbeing by bringing individuals, organisations, and leaders together through shared learning, collaboration, and connection to build a more inclusive and thriving Mallee.
“Building Resilience, Strengthening Wellbeing.”
Applications close 7th June – don’t miss out. Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program
We wanted to share an exciting leadership opportunity with our Northern Mallee Leaders (NML) community. While we don’t currently run a formal leadership program ourselves, this is a fantastic external opportunity that aligns strongly with what we stand for—and we’d love to see members of our network apply.
Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program (MDBLP)
The Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program is now open for applications for its 2026–2027 cohort. This is a 10-month program bringing together 24 leaders from across the Basin to build skills, connections, and impact.
Key details for our region:
📍 Face-to-face sessions:
Mildura (5 days – March 2027)
Canberra (5 days in 2027)
👥 Small cohort (24 participants)
⏳ 10-month leadership journey
📅 Applications close: 6 June 2026
How to apply
The process is simple:
Register your Expression of Interest (EOI)
You’ll receive a link to complete the full application
A short video is required as part of the application introducing:
Your name
Where you’re based
Where you work
What you’re connected to
Why this matters
This program is a great fit for people connected to regional communities, agriculture, water, environment, or leadership across the Murray–Darling Basin.
If you’ve been looking for a way to:
Grow your leadership capability
Expand your network beyond the region
Contribute to Basin-wide conversations
…this is well worth exploring.
Learn more & apply
Program overview: https://rural-leaders.org.au/murray-darling-basin-leadership-program/
Apply here: https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/mdblp
At NML, we’re always keen to support our alumni and community to step into opportunities like this. If you’re thinking about applying and want to chat it through, feel free to reach out.
We’d love to see someone from our region in the next cohort.
Monash University Industry Event - Addressing regional engineering & STEM challenges
Monash University and the Mildura-Wentworth Chamber of Commerce & Industry warmly invite you to an industry event to engage in discussion regarding attracting and retaining engineering talent.
Mildura Industry Discussion
If your business has engineering or STEM talent gaps or you require such technical solutions in your organisation then this event is for you!
This will be an opportunity for you to learn more and ask questions. It will also be an opportunity to offer ideas and suggestions about how Mildura can grow and retain engineers in the region.
You will hear more from the Faculty of Engineering staff at Monash University on their concept to bring a regional Engineering Cadetship Program to Mildura and the broader region.
Above all, please come and network with fellow Chamber members and community stakeholders.
Light food and beverages will be served
FACILITATED BY:
Peter Alexander, CEO
Mildura-Wentworth Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MWCCI)
OUR PRESENTERS:
Professor Chris Lawrence
Director Indigenous Space Innovation and Security Capabilities
John Crozier-Durham
Executive Advisor Leadership, Innovation & Research sitting at the intersection of research, technology and industry.
Dr Alexander Gregg
Senior Lecturer, Director of Education, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Location:
Alfred Deakin Centre,
Benetook Room,
180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
5.30pm - Registration & Networking
6pm - Opening remarks from Peter Alexander, CEO - MWCCI
6.10pm - Presentation on opportunities to bring engineering and talent capability to your business - Monash University Faculty of Engineering
6.40pm - Q&A and Open Discussion
7pm - Networking & Light refreshments served
Regional Business Matters: Budget, Rates & the Future of Regional Victoria
Federal and Victorian State Budgets have landed. Interest rates remain under pressure. Inflation risk, rising costs and global instability continue to challenge business confidence.
At the same time, Australia is entering one of the most significant political realignments since Federation — and regional communities are right at the centre of it.
Join us at the June MWCCI Breakfast featuring:
David Robertson, Chief Economist, Bendigo Bank
Jade Benham MP, Member for Mildura
This important breakfast briefing will unpack:
✔️ Federal & Victorian Budget impacts
✔️ Interest rates, inflation & business confidence
✔️ Regional infrastructure, roads, health & education
✔️ Political shifts shaping regional Victoria
✔️ What it all means for local business and our future
This is an opportunity to hear directly from key decision-makers and economic leaders while connecting with regional business owners, employers, advisers, government representatives and community leaders over a full hot buffet breakfast.
📅 Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026, 7am - 9am
📍 Hosted by: MWCCI
🎟️ Tickets:
MWCCI Members – $39
Non-Members – $49
👉 Book now
Strong regional communities rely on strong regional business networks. Your support helps MWCCI continue to advocate, connect and grow opportunities for our region.
We look forward to seeing you there.
🚀 AI Unlocked: Two Unmissable Events. Two Days. One Incredible Opportunity.
Curious about AI? Wondering what it means for your industry, business or career?
This is your chance to learn from expert speakers, connect with like-minded people, and explore how AI is transforming industries across our region and beyond.
We're bringing together leaders, professionals, business owners, educators, innovators, farmers, students and community members for two exciting events that complement each other perfectly.
Attend one or attend both – each event delivers valuable insights and experiences in its own right.
Why You Should Attend
✔ Learn from expert speakers and industry leaders
✔ Discover practical AI tools and applications you can use now
✔ See innovation and technology in action
✔ Connect with fellow professionals, leaders and changemakers
✔ Expand your network and share ideas
✔ Support the growth and sustainability of high-quality industry and leadership events in our region
As Northern Mallee Leaders graduates and alumni, this is also a fantastic opportunity for us to reconnect, strengthen our network, and continue supporting learning, innovation and leadership across our region.
If you think others in your workplace or network would benefit, please share this invitation. If you need approval to attend, speak with your manager about this valuable professional development opportunity.
DAY 1 – AI Unlocked: From Hype to Hands-On
📅 Tuesday 28 July
🕚 11:00am – 5:30pm AEST
AI is everywhere—but what does it actually mean for your work, business and future?
This engaging and practical session will cut through the hype and provide real-world insights into how AI is already improving productivity, decision-making, innovation and business outcomes.
Whether you're completely new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this session is designed to leave you informed, inspired and ready to take the next step.
DAY 2 – AI Unlocked: SuniTAFE Smart Farm Visit
📅 Wednesday 29 July
🕘 9:15am – 12:30pm AEST
Take your learning beyond theory and see innovation in action.
Join us at the SuniTAFE Smart Farm to explore how AI, automation and emerging technologies are being used in agriculture and regional industries.
Hear from experts, see cutting-edge technology firsthand, and gain valuable insight into how innovation is shaping the future of farming and regional enterprise.
Attend One or Attend Both
These events have been intentionally designed to complement one another.
Day 1 provides the understanding, ideas and practical applications.
Day 2 showcases real-world innovation and technology in action.
Together they offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, collaborate and be inspired.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of our region.
Places are limited. Register today and bring a colleague, friend or fellow graduate along.
Supporting Community Wellbeing Across Balranald Shire
At Northern Mallee Leaders, we are always pleased to share opportunities that support stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
Please see the flyer for a series of free Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshops being held across Euston, Clare and Balranald from 28–31 July. These workshops will focus on building resilience, finding balance, understanding mental health and wellbeing, burnout, anxiety, self-care and rural readiness.
This opportunity may not be for you directly, but it may be valuable for someone in your network, workplace, family or community. Please feel welcome to share it with anyone who may benefit.
Registrations, venues, dates and times are included in the flyer.
For further information, please contact Kathleen Harris, Project Officer for the Strengthening Communities Access, Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory
Committee – Balranald Shire Council: projectofficer@balranald.nsw.gov.au
‘Thriving Women. Thriving Agriculture. Because communities don’t flourish by accident.’
This year’s Thriving Women 2026 Conference theme, speaks to the heart of our industry’s future.
We’re proud to support an event that creates space for women in agriculture to build confidence, capability and connection, strengthening communities from the ground up.
Thriving Women 2026, presented by WoTL
10-11 August
All Seasons Resort Hotel, Bendigo VIC
Find out more at: thrivingwomen.com.au
Save The Date: Don’t miss this celebration of Mallee stories
One of the most powerful lessons within the Northern Mallee Leaders Program is that leadership begins with listening — to people, to place and to the stories that have shaped our region.
Our history helps us understand who we are. Storytelling preserves knowledge, creates connection, and ensures the experiences and wisdom of local people are not lost.
That is why we are pleased to share this special upcoming event from The Mallee’s Living Histories team and warmly encourage our NML community to attend.
Conversation, Connection, Community Forum
Saturday 3 October 2026
10.30 am–3.00 pm
SuniTAFE Mildura Auditorium
Light lunch provided
This inspiring forum will bring together community leaders, researchers, writers and storytellers to explore:
how storytelling builds caring and connected communities
why conversation and storytelling are important to ageing well
the art of writing and the joy of reading
how communities can capture and preserve their own histories.
The program features Peter Kenyon OAM, Dr Sean MacDermott and much-loved Australian children’s author Phil Kettle, together with panel conversations and stories from those involved in The Mallee’s Living Histories project.
More than a history event
This is an opportunity to reflect on identity, belonging and the connections that make our region stronger.
For NML members and alumni, it is also a wonderful opportunity to continue learning about our region, hear different perspectives and better understand the people and experiences that have shaped the Mallee.
We would love to see a strong Northern Mallee Leaders presence in the room, so please save the date and encourage others in your network to do the same.
Everyone has a story, and every story is important. Let’s make sure our region’s stories continue to be heard, valued and shared.
This forum is presented by The Mallee’s Living Histories and proudly supported by Mildura Rural City Council. Northern Mallee Leaders is pleased to share this community opportunity with our members and alumni.