Inspiring Future Leaders Graduate with Exciting Visions for the Derwent Valley

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Six community trailblazers have graduated from Loreto Community Housing’s Inspiring Future Leaders program in the Derwent Valley, presenting four innovative project ideas aimed at fostering inclusion, creativity, knowledge-sharing and connection across the region.

Held at the artHouse Café in New Norfolk, the graduation marked the culmination of a 12-week leadership and capacity building journey. This year’s cohort showcased a diverse range of ideas, including:

  • The Neuro Navigators by Erin and Lisa – A proposal to create welcoming environments and tailored activities that support neurodiverse individuals in the Brighton area.
  • Commemorative Bonnets Workshops and Art Installation by Christina – A hands-on arts and craft workshop and display exploring the stories of convict women in the Derwent Valley and Tasmania, blending historical education with creative expression.
  • A Grandparents Group by Jutta – A community initiative designed to bring grandparents and young people together to share experiences, build friendships, and strengthen intergenerational ties.
  • Colour Outside the Lines Art Club by Nicky and Ollie – A safe space for neurodivergent adults to create and connect while gaining confidence and life skills, including commerce through the sale of their creations at local markets.

Each graduate presented their project to an audience of supporters, community members, and local stakeholders. Both the Commemorative Bonnets and Colour Outside the Lines projects have been awarded seed funding and support through Loreto Community Housing, with the backing of the TCF.

Program coach Hollie French said watching the ideas evolve from initial thoughts to fully developed project plans has been a rollercoaster that she is so glad she got to ride.

“Each of them put in the effort, and the results speak for themselves. They’re nothing short of amazing,” Hollie said.

Graduate Lisa said the program has been truly lifechanging.

“I never thought I could do something like this, it was too scary... I now stand here 13 weeks later, with more confidence, resilience, and pride in myself,” Lisa said.

“We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve supported each other through it all. Those experiences wouldn’t have been as meaningful without Hollie’s support and unwavering commitment to our wellbeing.”