LEAD Network

Leadership, Engagement And Development Network

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation has over 500 Fellows (mainly graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program). They are the cornerstone of a growing group of rural Australian leaders who are supported by the Foundation. They (and other invited members) make up the LEAD Network. They play vital leadership roles in their communities and in remote, regional and rural businesses.

Members of LEAD have a commitment to rural Australia and have demonstrated leadership in their community, industry or sector. Collectively, they form a network of rural leaders dedicated to working for rural Australia.

The Foundation encourages its LEAD members to continue in their leadership work throughout their life and to draw on others in the Network for support, ideas and inspiration.

Why a Network?

LEAD provides a vehicle for members to explore and address the many, and often difficult, issues and challenges that rural Australia faces. Through its members, Fellows can link with others to be more effective in leadership roles, and seek information and support. It also helps them to stay in touch with colleagues and friends.

LEAD members contribute to remote, rural and regional Australia by:

supporting local communities
primary production and its support
developing and implementing projects that address important issues
contributing to change and development in primary industries at regional, state and national levels
taking part in policy development and social or structural change
maintaining their skills and capacity for leadership
working with those who have sponsored them to give-back to rural Australia
working with the Foundation and in its leadership programs so it can be effective, well advised and responsive

LEAD members across the country

An interactive version of this map is available for LEAD members.

Who can be a member of LEAD?

Individuals eligible to be members of LEAD include:

Fellows of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and the Murray Darling Basin Leadership Program
Honorary Fellows of the Foundation
Associate Fellows (TRAILblazers graduates, State & runner up Finalists of the RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year)
Members (graduates of other Foundation programs such as TRAIL, industry specific programs and tailored programs conducted by the Foundation).

Does LEAD have membership fees?

Fellows and Honorary fellows are granted Life Membership of the LEAD Network and do not pay annual membership fees
Associate Fellows and Member pay an annual membership fee of $110 (incl. GST).

Membership fees are tax deductible in Australia as a self-education or work related expense.

For more information in regards to membership, please contact Philippa Woodhill, Manager: Leadership, Engagement & Development

Click here to download a copy of the LEAD Membership Application form.

What are the benefits for active LEAD members?

The benefits available to active LEAD Network members include:

being part of an active community of 500+ Foundation Fellows & members
access to the LEAD Network's online Forum to link with other primary producers and rural leaders on issues related to an industry or areas of concern
listing personal or professional details on the on-line Leadership Bureau, so that they are accessible to those who need particiapnts for industry development groups, forums, panels, boards and expert consultations
access to the Foundation's regular e-newsletter which lists conferences, events and leadership and professional development opportunities
participation in LEAD events such as Regional Roundups, leadership program associated events and professional development LEAD days

How do LEAD and the Foundation work together?

The Foundation has a role in maintaining and supporting LEAD. However, like any Network, members only get out of LEAD what they put into it.

LEAD is the central point of reference for leaders who have completed the Australian Rural Leadership Program (Fellows of the Foundation) or other recognised rural leadership programs and awards.