LMCLP EXPLORES BOORT
Monday 12th of April at Boort
Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program participants recently visited Boort and met with local sculptor John Piccoli.
LEADERS GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Community leaders met in Boort on Monday 12 April as part of the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) to gain first hand knowledge of the region. Twice a month the group comprising representatives from 13 shires meets in a different Victorian town. The Boort discussions and activities focused on increasing confidence and knowledge of our indigenous culture.
During their time in Boort the group enjoyed a presentation from North Central CMA Indigenous facilitator, Mark Peitzch, and a tour of heritage sites with Paul Haw, President of the Boort Interpretive Centre and soon to be author of a book on the rich indigenous culture and artefacts in the region.
“Paul Haw was a wealth of knowledge” said LMCLP participant and Castlemaine resident, Sue Grimes. “He not only knew about the aboriginal history, he was really enthusiastic and passionate about the Boort district and future.”
The participants also participated in a Public Speaking Workshop with Swan Hill local Maren Chandler AM, who has a long history of civic involvement with the Girl Guides and in 1985 was named Victorian of the Year. "Surround yourself with people who say you can do it" was the key message Maren passed onto the group.
In addition to improving her skills, Calivil resident, Jacinta Hicks, is finding the program of real value in many different ways.
“This is the third regional community that we have visited with the LMCLP and we are learning what makes communities tick. The LMCLP gives participants the opportunity to visit neighbouring communities and talk with their community leaders and take the knowledge back to benefit their own communities,” said Jacinta. “A highlight of today’s bus tour was meeting local farmer, bird breeder and artist John Piccoli who makes amazing sculptures from old spanners. John’s achievements and passion were so inspiring considering he has been in a wheelchair since contracting polio as a child.”
Already participants are looking forward to the next program day at Cohuna on 30th April where the focus will be on water in our communities.
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