General News
25 September, 2025
Lehmann bestowed with Churchill Fellowship
La Vergne Lehmann has been a recipient of the prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship, a boon for regional sustainability.
Her project will provide her with the opportunity to travel across the globe on a study tour to investigate how to adapt circular economy principles and actions to rural and regional locations. This subject has sparked her growing interest over the years.
Ms Lehmann said the process has taken months, with her application being submitted back in April.
"An ex-colleague, who also received a fellowship 20 years ago, encouraged me to apply," she said.
"I thought it was time to give it a go."
Another motivation was the work that the Dimboola Lions Club has been doing with the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), and the recycling of cardboard and bulka bags.
"It's become an income stream for many local programs," she said.
Ms Lehmann said she travelled to Melbourne twice for interviews in June and July and was notified in mid-August that she made it onto the recommended list.
"It's very exciting," she said.
"It's great to have the opportunity to look elsewhere and see what we can implement in our communities."
She has been working in the waste sector for 15 years and is now working at the Yarriambiack Shire Council.
Looking back on how her work in the waste sector began, Ms Lehmann said she's always had an interest in it.
“I believe the environment and economy can work together,” she said.
"A lot of resources end up in the landfill, and the dynamic needs to be changed, whether it be bringing back refill stations."
Her study tour will take her to Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom at the end of May 2026.
"Everywhere is different," she said.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
Ms Lehmann will soon venture to Canberra for an onboarding event, where she will also have the opportunity to meet the other 99 fellowship recipients.
“The support from everyone has been great,” she said.
“I don’t do this to be recognised, but it is nice to be recognised."