We recently celebrated the graduation of 21 amazing individuals from this six-month Community Changemakers Leadership Program. This transformative journey, focusing on personal growth, leadership, and community impact, has brought profound changes to the lives of course participants.

The graduation event was a vibrant mix of culture, recognition, and reflection, featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Wurundjeri Man Thane Garvey, along with an inspiring opening address by Mayor Todorov. Their words honoured the participants' dedication, emphasising their sustained commitment to the program. Adding a special touch to the celebration, five participants from the 2021 course shared insights into their personal leadership journeys within the community.

The 2023 course comprised 10 in-person/online sessions, exploring topics such as community engagement and development, cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion, the role of local government, advocacy, positive group dynamics, and public speaking. Participants generously shared their skills and insights throughout the learning journey.

As our 2023 graduates set out to inspire positive change, their projects—ranging from exploring a BMX/skatepark in Montrose, safe pedestrian crossings in the Upper Yarra, volunteering projects, to championing environmental education and advocacy in the Dandenong Ranges, reflect the diverse ways they aim to make a difference.

The graduation isn’t an end; it's the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another in the ongoing journey of Community Changemakers. Participants will be invited to co-design a leadership network, with aims of providing ongoing support for their journey.

Here's to a Good News Story that resonates with the power of positive change and the enduring spirit of leadership!

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated course facilitators, community leaders, Councillors, and Council staff who contributed to this experience.

  • Yarra Ranges Resident (we will need you to provide your address)
  • 18 years or over
  • Available to attend all sessions

There are a maximum of 20 places available for the Yarra Ranges Community Changemakers Program.

Step 1- Interested Yarra Ranges residents submit applications by 5pm, Sunday 14 May 2023.

Step 2- Applications reviewed by Council Officers to ensure eligibility criteria (as above) have been met.

Step 3 –Applications will be considered against the selection criteria

Step 4 – Short-listed applicants will be invited to an informal, 15 minute interview (online)

Step 5 – Successful applicants emailed letter of offer, with an acceptance deadline.

Course participants, as far as possible, will be representative of the community, with reference to:

  • ability;
  • age;
  • gender and gender identification;
  • cultural background; and
  • socio-economic status.

Yarra Ranges Council invites our residents to participate in the Yarra Ranges Community Changemakers Program. This free program will provide engaging learning opportunities in a supportive group environment, so that participants can develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and networks required to create positive change in their communities.

We are looking for Yarra Ranges residents who are aged 18 or over, who care about the wellbeing of their local community. They will be people who are motivated to give their time and talents to build healthy, connected, vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities. They will have the courage to begin a journey of discovery and growth – to learn about themselves, others, and the potential of the places in which they live.