Together for Young People: Central Ranges LLEN’s 23rd AGM
The Country Club Hotel in Yea set the perfect scene on May 20th for our 23rd Annual General Meeting. Members, community leaders, educators, and passionate advocates came together, united by a shared vision: strengthening pathways for young people across our region.
Our CEO and emcee, Nicky Leitch, opened with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, paying respects to the Taungurung people and the Waring-illam-balluk clan of the Yea area. This recognition reinforced CRLLEN’s ongoing commitment to working in solidarity with First Nations communities, supporting Victoria’s treaty and truth-telling journey, and uplifting Aboriginal young people as leaders in our schools and communities.
Strategic Vision in Action
Board Chair Faye D'Helin captured the spirit of our current trajectory perfectly:
"It's really exciting to have developed our Strategic Plan and to see our strategies for success moving into action. I am very proud to present the 2024 Annual Report. The work of Central Ranges LLEN is not just about providing immediate opportunities for young people but also laying the foundation for long term economic growth and social cohesion in our local communities. By supporting young people to discover their aspirations and uncover their capabilities, LLENs are helping create a brighter future for individuals and communities alike."
We’re also proud to have established our main office at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health in Romsey, while keeping a presence in Wallan through Bendigo Bank’s generous support. This strategic positioning ensures we remain accessible across our diverse region.
Outstanding Presentations
This year's AGM shone a spotlight on the Murrindindi Shire, exploring how young people are navigating opportunities in the region and what the future holds for local employment and growth. We heard from:
Isabella Weston
Isabella Weston, Youth and Community Development Officer, shared compelling insights from the Murrindindi Shire Youth Voice Survey, drawing on her extensive background in health promotion and mental health advocacy. The survey revealed that young people are seeking more opportunities, support, and diversity in their community while navigating multiple pressures around education, mental health, and employment. Isabella highlighted their specific needs: mixed-gender sports, after-school hangout spaces, leadership pathways, and better mental health support. Most telling was one participant's reflection: "We're scared of what the world will become—we just want to enjoy what we have now," emphasising young people's need for guidance and community action from adults.
Ben Harnwell
Ben Harnwell, Manager Economic Development, shared his extensive knowledge as a recognised industry expert and thought leader. His cross-disciplinary expertise spanning tourism, events, arts, grants, venue management and cultural development painted a comprehensive picture of economic possibilities for young people in the region.
Their ideas have already sparked concrete action. CRLLEN is now collaborating closely with the Shire to implement the S2W portal as a central hub for coordinating work experience and School-to-Work opportunities. We're particularly excited about exploring pathways in Agriculture and Aquaculture, Health care, and Early Childhood sectors.
Inspiring Keynote: The Power of Hospitality
Our keynote speaker, James Carlin, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Latitude 37 Pubs, shared how hospitality can be a rewarding, community-driven profession. James and his partner Val have created something special with their family-owned pub network across country Victoria's 37th latitude. Their mission is beautifully simple yet profound: ensure every guest leaves happier than when they arrived.
Drawing from over 20 years in hospitality, James shared stories that illustrated the industry's potential for meaningful careers. His two key messages resonated long after the presentation ended: "Buying local is supporting local" and "Give smiles to get smiles" - principles that extend far beyond hospitality into community building itself.
Celebrating Local Champions: Our 2025 Award Winners
Christine Cox Trailblazer Award
Recognising an individual or organisation demonstrating leadership, excellence, community impact, or significant partnership with Central Ranges LLEN across Macedon Ranges, Mitchell or Murrindindi Shires. Recipients receive $1,000 for professional development or relevant future activities.
Winner: Eadaoin Wright, Mitchell Shire Council
Eadaoin has been the driving force behind strengthening CRLLEN's partnership with Mitchell Shire Council's Economic Development department. When our CEO, Nicky, was new to the area, Eadaoin stepped up to help build and deepen these crucial relationships. Her instrumental role in re-establishing the Mitchell Business Network has been transformative - working alongside Nicky to ensure young people remain central to business members' thinking.
The Mitchell Business Network had been particularly challenging to establish professionally, but Eadaoin's dedication and follow-through have attracted new businesses and exposed them to opportunities for supporting local youth. Her efforts have enabled CRLLEN to explore deeper partnerships across Economic Development, Youth Services, and other departments, resulting in shared Youth Awards processes and regular showcasing of School-to-Work Learning and Work Experience opportunities through council's business newsletter. Eadaoin’s leadership reminds us what’s possible when local councils and LLENs collaborate closely to put young people first.
Inaugural Sue Marstaeller OAM Education Influencer Award
The AGM commemorated Sue Marstaeller OAM, who passed away in August 2024. Sue's decade on our board, including her recent term as Chair, made a lasting impact on our organisation and community. To honour her dedication to youth and education, we established an award recognising educators who positively shape young people's careers, pathways, or wellbeing in our three shires.
Winner: Jana Ash, Seymour Flexi School
Jana embodies everything this award represents. As a dedicated team member at a Flexible Learning Centre, she creates pathways for students who often face barriers in traditional systems. Her work is deeply student-centred, always focused on ensuring each young person receives the best possible opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.
What makes Jana exceptional is her consistent, enthusiastic, and impactful involvement with LLEN activities. She doesn't just participate - she passionately advocates for her students, organising hands-on learning experiences, supporting career exploration, and fostering essential connections with local industry and community. She makes things work, even if it means driving across the county with a van full of teenagers and snacks.
Jana's quiet determination and deep belief in every young person's potential sets her apart. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure her students don't just make it through school but thrive in ways that matter to them. Her influence builds confidence and self-worth, making her an education influencer in every sense of the word. Jana’s work shows how flexible learning and genuine care can change lives.
Governance and Growth: Strengthening Our Foundation
The AGM saw important board developments as we welcomed new members while acknowledging departures. We bid farewell to John Walsh after an impressive 14 years of service to the organisation, and Rebecca Stockfeld, both of whom made significant contributions to our mission.
Our current board now includes:
Chair - Faye D'Helin
Deputy Chair - Nigel Lyttle (Education) - Principal of Alexandra Secondary College
Treasurer - Laura Crozier (Community) - YACVic youth diversity advocate
Secretary - Buffy Leadbeater (Government) - Manager Life Stages at Mitchell Shire Council
Education Representatives - Rhonda Cole (Senior Education Improvement Leader, Department of Education) and Kyle Medley (Career Advisor with GOTAFE)
Government Representatives - Councillors Sue Carpenter and Sandice McAulay from Murrindindi Shire Council
Community Representative - Carol Fisher (Careers Practitioner and employment consultant)
The AGM also confirmed the re-election of Rhonda Cole in the Education category and Laura Crozier in the Community category, maintaining continuity within the governance structure.
A Year of Remarkable Growth
Nicky reflected on the organisation's momentum: "I am super proud of the year CRLLEN had in 2024. While I thought we couldn't get busier, 2025 has started as a whirlwind. We are excited to be fully engaged with all of our schools and we welcome the chance to work in partnership with them. That planning led to our Careers and Jobs Expo in Seymour as they wanted something focused locally. Project Ready continues to be a terrific work readiness program that is so much more than just VET CertII VET in Active volunteering. It is a full year of support for those students who struggle in the mainstream schooling world and we encourage schools to reach out to us for more information."
Expanding Our Reach
We celebrated notable developments in team expansion and partnership growth. Vicki Turner was appointed as the Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster Coordinator, under whose guidance the cluster has experienced significant progress. Geraldine Lewis also joined the Goulburn Cluster, employed by Goulburn Murray LLEN and collaborating with the Lower Hume VET Cluster, supported by CRLLEN.
Our VET Clusters continue proving their worth as essential components of vocational education, with the Transport Fund playing a critical role in rural student success. We've seen VET numbers increase directly because of Transport Fund support, removing barriers that once kept students from accessing opportunities.
Special recognition went to the Campaspe Cohuna Partnership, which is achieving remarkable things in that region and expanding north to Mildura.
A Standing Ovation
We wrapped up with our 2024 highlights video — a moving reminder of the collective impact we’re having together. The response was overwhelming, a standing ovation said it all: our small but mighty team, partners, schools, employers, and community leaders are making real change happen.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, presented, and continues to champion young people in the Central Ranges region.
Download Presentations
We are pleased to provide the presentations from the AGM for download. Click the links below to access each presentation:
Interested in joining Central Ranges LLEN? Reach out to us at officemanager@centralrangesllen.org.au
We acknowledge the contributions of partners, sponsors, and community members. Through collaborative initiatives, we have positively influenced youth throughout the shires. The photographs below provide an overview of the event.
We look forward to another year of growth and collaboration as we help every young person discover what’s possible.
