A Powerful Morning of Regional Collaboration, Leadership Insights and Connection. 

The Australia Day Council of South Australia, in partnership with Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR), proudly delivered the inaugural gathering of the newly formed Regional Alliance at an exclusive leadership breakfast in Murray Bridge. From Sustainability to Strength: Leadership Insights on Business and Community brought together over 50 stakeholders for a powerful exchange of ideas and inspiration. 

This landmark event set the tone for long-term, transformative change, uniting business leaders, community champions, government representatives, and strategic partners from across the region. Attendees reflected on how to unlock opportunities across four emerging priorities: water resilience, community wellbeing, circular economy innovation, and regional enterprise. 

We were honoured to hear from two of Australia’s most respected leaders. Commissioner Grant Stevens APM LEM, 2025 SA Australian of the Year Nominee offered reflections on the importance of strong, resilient communities and the collective leadership needed to support them. Elements that make up strong functioning communities include empathy and respect for those we work with and in our environments, active participation, a sense of belonging and connection with each other. Leadership for strong functioning communities includes the courage to do the right thing when not always easy, authenticity and transparency, genuine communication, agile adaptability in making decisions, and strong role-modelling,  

Barry Irvin AM, Executive Chair of the Bega Group, delivered an energising keynote about transforming a small dairy cooperative into a global enterprise through collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. 

Following the keynote sessions, attendees participated in a facilitated dialogue about how the Regional Alliance Strategic Program Partnership can help realise a shared vision for the region’s future. This dynamic exchange focused on building momentum around four key Strategic Programs already underway: 

• The Southern Food, Energy and Water (SoFEW) Precinct partnership has submitted a business case funding proposal to help drive innovation in agribusiness and sustainability. 

• PIRSA is advancing a business case to support SA River Murray Communities in planning for water transition. 

• The Dark Sky and Space program, backed by local councils and tourism partners, is developing investment opportunities to grow South Australia’s space economy in regional areas. 

• A new Regional Resilience and Wellbeing program is gaining traction, supported by a wide array of health and community initiatives. 

Our CEO, Jan Chorley, closed the event with a call to recognise and celebrate leadership within our communities. She encouraged guests to nominate changemakers for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards or the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, reinforcing the power of local stories to inspire national pride. Nominations are open now at  

This exclusive breakfast was part of a two-day program in Murray Bridge, presented in collaboration with RDAMR, the Rural City of Murray Bridge, and Murray Bridge High School. It was followed by a vibrant community forum and student summit that continue to amplify voices, foster dialogue, and support regional growth. 

Thank you to all our speakers, partners, and participants for their leadership and commitment to shaping a brighter future for the Murraylands and Riverland. 

The Australia Day Council of South Australia proudly acknowledges the partnership of Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland in presenting this impactful event.