Course 18 return from Kimberley experience

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLP) has been running its flagship Leadership Program for the past 20 years. Participants from the latest Course 18 have just returned from their life changing 13 day experience in the Kimberley in northern Australia.

Course participant Vivien Thomson of Muttama NSW says, “I found a part of myself that I didn't know existed when I was sitting on the side of a very steep ridge line in the Kimberley contemplating my fears and my future.” She reveals it was an amazing experience where “I found a confidence that I thought I had lost.”

South Australian Lauren Ganley set off to rugged northern Australia with apprehension and anxiety, not really knowing what was in store for her. “The experience was physically intense and stretched me mentally but it was absolutely rewarding,” she says.  

For David Jochinke of Victoria, the Kimberley setting was an amazing place in which to learn about working in teams and dealing with problems while under duress. He found he " learnt that the journey is as important as the destination.”

The Kimberley adventure is the introductory session to the Program and sets the scene for 17 months of leadership training and experiences that challenge, confront and educate Australia’s rural leaders of the future. 

Queenslander Rohan Corpus explains, “I was pushed to the edge physically, mentally and sometimes spiritually to find my strengths and weaknesses. While acknowledging my vulnerabilities and my emotions I believe I can build a stronger character that could change my behaviour, making me a more resilient leader.” 

The ARLP is Australia’s premier rural leadership development program with an international reputation for producing highly effective leaders who are committed to working for rural Australia and its primary industries. 

West Australian participant Tammie Reid seized the opportunity to focus on her leadership perceptions saying “The Kimberley was a magnificent backdrop for the start of a remarkable development program.  I took away new insights into my preferred leadership style and got to try out other approaches to leadership that were successful for a highly performing group.” 

Brett Hall from Tasmania also appreciated the opportunity for self analysis. “We are often good at analysing other people’s behaviour but don’t review or understand our own. I was fascinated to see the different leadership styles.” 

Newcastle’s Brad Warren also reflected on leadership saying, “The Kimberley session taught me that different leadership styles are appropriate for different circumstances. A good leader will adjust his style to take account of the situation and people’s sensitivities.”

Alice Beilby of Northern Territory reflected that "as leaders, the experience provided us with a challenging environment to become more aware of our skills and reflect on the different leadership styles amongst some very remarkable Australians."

The Foundation’s Chief Executive, Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick says, “After 20 years of ongoing success, the ARLP is still regarded as one of the best leadership programs for rural, remote and regional Australia and it continues to attract a large number of high-calibre applicants.” 

Applications for Course 19 close on 31 July 2011. Application forms are available from the Foundation by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: (02) 6281 0680 or can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website: www.rural-leaders.com.au