Australian Rural Leaders Selected

Rural leaders from all states of Australia have been selected as part of a group of 30 to participate in Course 18 of the prestigious, internationally respected Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP)

The successful candidates were part of a highly competitive national selection process and will undertake the 17 month Program that provides a unique opportunity to develop high-level leadership skills as well as business, strategic planning, and inter-personal skills.

Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation was pleased with the diversity of participants saying they are an excellent group of candidates for the program. 

“Participants have been selected based on their commitment and interest in addressing complex issues in rural Australia and we know that our candidates will use the opportunity to prepare themselves to be more effective as leaders,” said Dr Fitzpatrick. 

“Positions on the ARLP are highly sought after,” she said. “The program provides an opportunity to join the Foundation’s influential network of over 550 graduates who make a real difference to rural Australia,” she said. 

Participants receive scholarships from a wide range of rural and related industry organisations, philanthropic donors, research and development bodies, the private sector and the state and federal governments. 

“The benefits of the Program extend beyond the individuals who complete it to significantly impact rural Australia as a whole,” Dr Fitzpatrick concluded. 

Course 18 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program will commence in May 2011 and conclude in September 2012. Applications for Course 19 are now open and will close on 30 July 2011.

The ARLP is in its 19^th year and aims to produce a network of informed, capable and ethical leaders who are able to work collaboratively to advance the interests of their industries, communities and rural Australia in general. The hands-on Program over 17 months includes challenge-based education, workshops, discussions and an overseas field study. The program works to improve the capacity of rural leaders to engage wherever a challenge is best addressed and wherever they can contribute most effectively. This may be within communities and industries, in the political arena or in team-based roles.