WangNET congratulates all of the community members who recently graduated from the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program.

Graduates in the program are located throughout North East Victoria and participated at various regional centres with a myriad of locally based speakers on a variety of local topics over 17 program days, three weekend retreats and a trip to Melbourne.

The Graduation Dinner was held on May 28th 2009 with guest speaker Anne Leadbeater from Kinglake talking about her role as a leader during the Black Saturday fires in February this year.The Alumni of AVCLP has now grown to 191 graduates and continues to develop the future community leaders of North East Victoria.

2009 Graduates include: Sue Arndt - Mansfield, Sandy Belgre - Wodonga, Brett Bevan - Porepunkah, Malcolm Bradbury - Wangaratta, Julia Cocks - Bright, Kym Goodman - Barwidgee Creek, Cath Hattersley - Milawa, Phil Horner - Harrietville, Paul Horton - Oxley, Gayle Hughes - Eurobin, Brian Jones - Moyhu, Grant Jones - Wangaratta, Justin King - Benalla, Lisa Mangelsdorf - Albury, Chris Morris - Wangaratta, Kelvin Neal - Thoona, Matt O'Connell - Wodonga, Colleen Reynolds - Mansfield, Wayne Rotherham - Wodonga, Joanne Ryan - Bundalong, Chris Tate - Myrtleford, and Kristy Youman - Albury.

All of us have been affected by the recent bushfires in some way. Even if not directly affected, we all know people that have suffered great loss. Many of us are looking for information on how we can help. Here is a brief summary:

• To donate to the Red Cross Bushfire appeal visit the Red Cross website or phone 1800 811 700.
• To donate Blood at your local Red Cross Donation centre: phone 13 14 95
• To register your interest in volunteering, register at Community Skillsbank; alternatively phone 1300 366 356 or fill out the Registration Form on the Volunteering Australia website.
• The donate to the Salvation Army Appeal for Families: www.salvationarmy.org.au

Fire and road information

• The CFA: www.cfa.vic.gov.au; 1800 240 667 (bushfire hotline)
• Road information: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au