Mike Beckingham

Mike was one of the driving forces behind the Foundation. Mike realised that people living beyond the cities needed investment to develop skills they could take back to their communities. This was to help address the enormous change going on in these communities. Thus the Australian Rural Leadership foundation was born. It was through his drive, enthusiasm and ability to communicate with the right people to gain the support for the initial programs that set the base for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. His legacy lives on today in the current organisation and in the many fellows that continue to make a difference in many areas across rural and regional Australia.  Mike was awarded Honorary Fellowship in November 2009.