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This article was published on Thursday, 19 June, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Free Emergency Leadership Training and Development Opportunities now open to the Greater Shepparton community

In Summary

Council is offering two free emergency leadership training opportunities in partnership with Red Flag Leadership during July and August 2025.
The Community Emergency Scenario Sessions (9 & 30 July) will build skills in local emergency response and planning for participants aged 11 and over, with dinner provided.
The Answering the Call Leadership Course (9, 10, 23 & 24 August) is a four-day program for participants aged 16 and over, focusing on leadership, decision-making and communication in emergencies.
Both programs are open to the community, fully catered, and aimed at building resilience, confidence and collaboration across Greater Shepparton.

These programs are designed to empower residents with the skills and confidence to support and lead their communities before, during and after emergency events.

Community Emergency Scenario Sessions – July 2025

The first initiative is a two-part interactive training based on local emergency response scenarios. Open to community members aged 11 and over, these sessions will help participants gain a realistic understanding of emergency response, build connections, and strengthen local emergency planning. Anyone aged 11 and over is more than welcome to take part in the workshops; however, if you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also attend.

Session 1 – Local Community Emergency Scenario
Date: Wednesday 9 July 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Location: Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC),
Catering: Dinner included

Session 2 – Local Scenario Exercise
Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Location: Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC),
Catering: Dinner included

Participants will explore local agency roles – including CFA, Parks Victoria, FFMVic, Victoria Police and Council – while developing practical skills for supporting their communities in real-world emergencies.

Register here now

Answering the Call – Leadership Course – August 2025

The second program, Answering the Call, is a free four-day leadership development course specifically designed for community members and emergency responders. Open to participants aged 16 and over, the course fosters leadership, decision-making and communication skills useful not only in emergency situations, but also in day-to-day work and family life.

Course Dates and Times:

Saturday 9 August – 9.00am to 8.30pm (includes night training)
Sunday 10 August – 9.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday 23 August – 9.00am to 3.00pm
Sunday 24 August – 9.00am to 2.30pm

Location: North Shepparton Community and Learning Centre, 10/14 Parkside Drive, Shepparton
Catering: Meals and snacks included
Certificate: Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an exclusive course cap

Participants must attend all four sessions to be eligible for the certificate. The program supports collaboration between locals, emergency agencies and Council, helping communities build resilience and confidence in the face of emergency events.

Register here now

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged the community to sign up for these valuable sessions.

“These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for our community to build resilience and leadership at the grassroots level. Red Flag Leadership’s programs help equip everyday people with the practical knowledge, relationships and confidence to support their neighbours in times of crisis,” he said.

“Whether it is a local flood, bushfire or another emergency, we know that strong local leadership and collaboration can make a huge difference in response and recovery. I encourage residents of all ages and backgrounds to take part, not only will you gain useful skills, but you will also help strengthen community bonds.”

For more information, contact Jamie MacKenzie at jamie@redflagleadership.com.au or phone 0437 808 086.

For further information, please contact Council on (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.