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Understanding our Political Landscape
Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 June 2010 - Canberra
Participants from the Loddon Murray
Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) spent two inspiring days in Canberra
last week to better understand our dynamic political landscape, build
relationships and develop Australia wide networks.
During the visit the group explored a
variety of themes at Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the US
Embassy, and the Murray Darling Basin Authority. Participants were
privileged to engage in wide ranging discussions with 14 speakers over the
two day visit including a personal dinner with Dr Sharman Stone MP in the
Parliament House Dining Room.
 For
many of the 20 participants who come from diverse backgrounds representing
thirteen shires in regional Victoria, it was their first visit to our
Nation’s capital and they came away with a renewed respect for our
political system.
Cathy McGowan an Australian Rural
Leadership Program Graduate and Order of Australia recipient addressed the
group over lunch in Albury en route to Canberra on Sunday.
“It is inspirational that someone from
such a little place can do so much” said Tricia Brennan of Swan Hill, “you
just need to plan it and do it.”
Scott McLarty of Bendigo was impressed
by the whole itinerary. “It has given us the opportunity to develop
extensive Australia wide networks that we would not have had access to
otherwise and will assist us in developing local leaders and local
community leaders, possibly even a future Prime Minister.”
 Michael
Fitzgibbon of Maryborough agreed whole heartedly stating it was the
“opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Everyone we spoke to spoke honestly
and frankly. It gave us the opportunity to hear the real person. I feel
very inspired again,” says Kristen Dyer of Moama
“Accessibility to politicians is
amazingly not that complicated” commented Melinda Mann of Echuca after
visiting Parliament House, “I encourage all people with a passion to
travel to Canberra and meet with our politicians.”
David Barker of Rochester agreed. “It
is truly our democratic process in action, Senator Ludlam was so keen to
hear what we had to say and what he could lean from us. It was a truly
humbling experience.”
Whilst in Parliament House, the group
took the opportunity to meet with ABC Radio correspondent, Lyndal Curtis,
and many local representatives.
John Forrest MP hosted the group for
afternoon tea in the National Party rooms with special guests, Warren
Truss MP and Senator Barnaby Joyce, providing them with a valuable insight
into the behind the scenes working parliament and dedication to the
democratic and decision making processes that take place.
Shiralee Booth of Bendigo took home
another important message from this session. “The common theme from all
our interactions throughout the entire trip is that actions speak louder
than words. If you feel passionate about something then get up and give it
a go”.
 “The
opportunity to witness Question Time live was a great experience” said
Sharon Fullex of Goornong who was able to witness all the behind the
scenes activity not normally seen on the nightly news footage.
“Steve Gibbons MP providing the group
access to areas of Parliament House not accessible to the general public
within was a real highlight of the trip” said Brent Heitbaum of Kerang.
“The sheer scale and coordination of the resources required to run
Parliament House was immense.”
Scott McLarty of Bendigo also enjoyed
this session. “It was a privilege to meet with Steve Gibbons MP in his
office and see how we can take a regional perspective and expand that to a
national perspective.”
Dinner with Dr Sharman Stone MP in the
Parliamentary Dining Room provided the group to relax and converse on a
completely different level. David Vivian of Castlemaine said he “was
impressed with the honesty and desire for our leaders to understand us,
our issues and where we see our communities in years to come, it was as
though the questioning was reversed. The necessity for both us and
politicians to maintain strong links with the community was very strong.”
Lunch at the Murray Darling Basin
Authority, including a presentation by the Executive Director of the Basin
Plan Dr Fraser McLeod, provided the group with the opportunity to
understand the complex social and moral issues surrounding the management
of our countries scarce water resources. Lacey Quinn a dairy farmer from
Pyramid Hill said “the management complexities over such a large area
presented a real challenge for irrigators, in these difficult time we must
remain vigilant and manage this resource to the best of our ability. The
work being done by the authority will go a long way to achieving this
goal.”
Kim Hanlon of Inglewood expressed her
gratitude to the US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich when he offered the group a
rare impromptu meeting at the US Embassy, prompting a barrage of questions
from participants. Louise Bewley of Wedderburn commented on the close ties
between Australia and the US and the intricacies foreign trade between the
two countries.
The Australian war Memorial also had a
significant impact on the group with many confessing a desire to return at
some time in the near future with their families. The groups attendance at
the closing ceremony prompted an emotional response from many. “We have a
lot to appreciate, the closing ceremony is a very moving experience” said
Suzanne Blume of Harcourt.
“The enthusiasm of our tour guide at
the war memorial was admirable” said Rachel Paterson of Heathcote,
“Leadership and passion for what we do as members of our community and
Australia can take be shown in many ways.”
The next step in the program is in
Kerang on July 5, when participants will meet with local health care
professionals and continue their exploration of regional issues and
community leadership.
This story was prepared by 2010 LMCLP
Participant, Brent Heitbaum |
