Four Grampians’ Wimmera women have returned from a powerful and inspiring three-day National Changemaker Gathering in Cairns, hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation under the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund initiative.
The national event brought together 47 leaders from across rural, regional and remote Australia to strengthen a growing network of drought-ready and community-focused changemakers. Among those attending were West Wimmera Shire Councillor Helen Hobbs, McKenzie Creek empowerment coach Sally Pymer, Yaapeet lawyer Alexandra Craig (originally from Alice Springs), and Choosing Harmony Founder Caroline Smith from Mount Cole Creek.
Over three transformational days, participants took part in immersive and experiential learning sessions, deep listening practices, systems-thinking tools such as the adaptive cycle and polarity mapping, and future-building frameworks including the 3 Horizons model and the Cone of Plausibility.
“The gathering offered exactly what I needed: space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with purpose. It was incredibly inspiring to meet and learn from leaders across the country who are working to create meaningful change in the communities they love. The honesty, vulnerability, and shared passion in the room were deeply energising,” said Alexandra Craig. “It’s a rare privilege to be in a space where people say ‘yes and’ instead of ‘yes but’—where everyone genuinely wants to contribute to a better future for their communities,” added Cr Helen Hobbs.
Caroline Smith said “Attending the National Changemaker Conference was a transformative experience that reawakened a deep sense of purpose within me. Surrounded by passionate individuals committed to justice, inclusion, and community innovation, I was reminded that real change often begins with a single courageous conversation—and grows through collective action. As the founder of Choosing Harmony, I have long been dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals and families through ethical, person-centred practice. Yet, the conference sparked something new in me: a fire to move beyond individual support and begin shifting systems. Listening to stories of grassroots change, I saw the power of lived experience and community collaboration. I left with a notebook full of ideas, but more importantly, a heart full of resolve. I began asking myself—what if Ararat could become a model for inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming communities? What if we could reimagine services, schools, and spaces to truly honour every voice, every need?”
Caroline continued “Since returning, I’ve initiated conversations with families, service providers, and local leaders. I’ve begun co-designing community workshops on low-arousal approaches, neurodiversity inclusion, and ethical behaviour support. I’m reaching out to other changemakers in my region—many of whom have been waiting for someone to start the conversation. This conference reminded me that change doesn’t need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes it starts with listening more deeply. Showing up more boldly. Creating safer spaces for others to be heard. I am stepping into this role not just as a practitioner, but as a connector, a learner, and a relentless advocate for equity. The Changemaker Conference didn’t just inspire me—it activated me. And I’m committed to carrying that spark into every corner of my community.”
For empowerment coach Sally Pymer, the gathering was equally energising. “I feel extremely grateful and privileged to have had the opportunity to attend. To be amongst 47 like-minded people from all over Australia was truly amazing—people who genuinely cared about their communities and were a sponge for information. I’ve come back so excited about the people I met and the positive possibilities ahead for our region.”
The National Changemaker Gathering was facilitated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation with support from the Australian Government Future Drought Fund. Cr Helen Hobbs said the adaptive cycle model especially resonated with her.
“It helped me to understand that each town in the Wimmera is in a different part of the cycle—growth, maturity, collapse or renewal—and these phases are always shifting. We were reminded not to rush the discomfort of the collapse phase, because that’s where creativity and change often emerge.” Participants also explored tools for listening with presence and curiosity.
Alexandra Craig reflected, “This experience has recharged my leadership batteries. While the future is always uncertain, I feel grounded and confident in my role as a changemaker, ready to keep showing up, having tough conversations, advocating for community-led solutions, and helping to drive change from the inside out. Thank you to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, FRRR, and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for making this gathering possible, and to everyone who shared their stories, their hearts, and their love for their regional and remote communities.”
Cr Helen Hobbs summarised, “It was a surreal experience and so great to connect with a room full of visionaries. I walked away with clarity of thought, a deeper appreciation for ‘story’, and a renewed belief in the importance of collaborative communication.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 16 July 2025.
