Nadia Bish, of Wycheproof, is preparing to utilise her newly developed leadership skills to implement a natural tourism innovation project in 2024.
The Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP), also often referred to as LEAD Loddon Murray, is well regarded across Australia, an initiative building the capacity of individuals to drive change and foster the growth of vibrant and sustainable rural/regional communities. The program covers ten local government areas.
Nadia is an active contributor in her local community, in particular across the Wycheproof-Narraport Football Netball and Hockey Clubs and is a member of her local Landcare Network. Nadia was a graduate participant in the 2023 LMCLP program, sponsored via the Buloke Shire.
Team based learnings
The program boasts a team learning culture, and Nadia was an integral member of the LMCLP’S “Team Magpie” (one of Australia’s iconic birds known for its bold personality, wit, and extraordinarily high IQ).
This team was composed of individuals who worked closely together, sharing ideas and inspirations for project completion throughout the learning journey, recognising the varied leadership styles of one another and investing in longer term relationships to benefit their future projects.
The “Najalen” project
Nadia utilised her program learnings to develop a plan focused on creating a tourism asset attraction aimed towards encouraging longer stays in the Wycheproof area and ultimately influencing economic impact. She is now actively preparing to showcase her learnings, via her natural tourism project titled “Najalen”, an exciting business innovation with a planned tangible impact for the wider community.
The project aims to foster a native bush food forest, aligning with tiny-house style accommodation alongside kitchen facilities.
Complementing this ideology, Nadia plans to devise and promote a themed workshop calendar relative to preserving, composting, permaculture and much more.
Longer term, Nadia aspires to foster creatives to holiday in the area and capture photography, write their next book and become more engaged in farm life.
Feature award
Nadia strives to be an inspiring community leader – and had the opportunity to embrace her potential via the program. She was one of a selected group of 2023 graduates from the program to be presented with funding support recognition.
Nadia said; “Being able to put into practice the many varied learnings of LMCLP, I hope will enable me to show others the LMCLP is a wonderful program that gives individuals the skills required to make their passions a reality.”
What’s next?
It’s an exciting 2024 and beyond for Nadia. Utilising her networks and learnings the months ahead will be a busy time.
“I intend to create a food-based farm stay to lead the way in bringing men/women back to their roots, relearning that they have the ability to become less reliant on big-chain corporations,” said Nadia.
The Buloke community extends congratulations to Nadia on being a graduate of the program, and looks forward to seeing her plans for a nature tourism project become a reality.
To learn more about LMCLP visit www.leadlm.org.au
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 9 February 2024.
