Hosting the Summit in Halls Gap was a massive coup for the Northern Grampians Shire Council.

The delegates explored what contributes to successful rural communities, as they participated in group discussions and listened to several keynote speakers.

The theme for this year's Summit was 'Standing out from the flock: is difference the key to success in rural communities?' Several presentations were made during the Summit that addressed local government and rural community issues including harnessing entrepreneurialism and innovation, building momentum for a youth led rural renaissance and celebrating diversity.

Among the speakers were two great innovators and thought leaders - Sir Bob Parker, the former Mayor of Christchurch City, New Zealand and SBS's Matthew Evans, Tasmanian 'gourmet farmer' and local food advocate, sharing their very different perspectives on priorities for thriving communities.

A panel session was held on Thursday and featured several high profile community leaders from within the Grampians region.

Among the panel members was Tom Guthrie, owner of Grampians Estate Winery in Great Western.

Tom and his wife Sarah produced their first wines 20 years ago. Since then they have steadily built a small business based on quality wines and a cellar door specialising in friendly professional service. With more than 30 trophies for its wines, Grampians Estate has established a fine reputation, further reinforcing that of the Grampians Wine Region being one of Australia's leading shiraz regions.

Shelley Green and her husband Alan, along with their son Lachlan farm 1300 hectares at Great Western and Lake Fyans.

In 1999 they commenced Free Range Egg Production with 2000 birds and now run 37,000 birds along with cattle and sheep.

They produce 17,000 dozen eggs a week selling directly to restaurants, cafes, providores and independent supermarkets.

Deirdre Baum owns and operates Laharum Grove/Deirdre's Restaurant. Deirdre grew up on a sheep farm in the south of New Zealand, and later graduated as a physiotherapist.

Deirdre has travelled extensively and lived in overseas locations for 14 years.

Searching for a country lifestyle, they purchased a 300 acre organic olive grove nestled against the north western escarpment of the Mount Difficult range in the Grampians National Park. This is now known as Laharum Grove, where they produce award winning extra virgin olive oil.

Meg Blake from Bellellen Grampians Organics completed the panel. Meg and her husband Rod Blake are growers of fine herbs and vegetables all year round.

They are popular traders at the Victorian Farmer's Markets, including St Kilda VegOut, Collingwood Children's Farm, Gasworks and The Convent Slow Food.

The panel session was one of the many highlights of the Rural Councils Summit, which concluded on Friday with an address from the Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford and messages from Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, Rural Councils Victoria Chair, Cr Rob Gersch and MAV president Cr Bill McArthur.