Connected. Grounded. Growing.

The Goulburn Murray region is defined by its entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and “can-do” attitude. Our shared connection and the belief that progress is built together are qualities that make our region not only a wonderful place to live, but also a place of opportunity, growth, and innovation.

Every day, I am inspired by people quietly making a difference, the unsung heroes who may not hold titles like CEO, General Manager or Director, but who roll up their sleeves and get things done. They are the mentors, coaches, mothers, and community volunteers who help others rise. Their actions remind us that leadership isn’t defined by position; it’s defined by courage.

Vicki Scott, WOTM Board Secretary & Grants Officer

Over the past few years, our communities have endured extraordinary challenges. The impacts of COVID-19, followed closely by the devastating floods of 2022, have left lasting marks on our lives, our families, and our sense of connection. These experiences are etched in our collective memory, reminders of how quickly life can change and how deeply we rely on one another. In many ways, these events forced a “reset.” They reshaped how we live, work, and care for each other. They also revealed our strength, the quiet leadership of neighbours checking in, women holding families and businesses together, and communities rallying to rebuild. Yet, as we continue to navigate the ‘new normal’, one truth remains clear: empowering others is not just important, it’s vital.

Empowerment builds resilience. When we invest in developing local female leaders, we strengthen the social fabric that holds our towns and regions together. We create communities that can adapt, recover, and thrive, not because we avoid hardship, but because we face it together, with courage and compassion.

As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: are we doing enough to nurture the next generation of leaders across region? Are we genuinely opening doors for young women to take their place at the table, in business, in community life, and in decision-making spaces? At times, I hear that young people aren’t “stepping up.” But perhaps the real challenge lies in ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and seen.

This is where Women of the Murray steps in, creating opportunities through initiatives such as Inspire to Lead and HERizon Future. They encourage women to be brave, not perfect, to take up space, make mistakes, and grow through experience. When we champion this approach, we move beyond traditional measures of success and build a culture that values authenticity, collaboration, and self-belief. Our region holds a vast library of knowledge and experience. True legacy lies in sharing it generously, mentoring, guiding, and empowering others to experiment, stumble, and learn. Progress is made when we have the courage to try and the community to catch us if we fall.

Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl feels confident to lead, contribute, and thrive, not because she’s perfect, but because she’s brave enough to begin.