We’re thrilled to welcome the latest group of graduates from the 2025 TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program into the ARLF alumni network.
Facilitated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), TRAIL is a challenge-based leadership program for emerging leaders living and working in rural, regional and remote (RRR) Australia. Over the past 17 years, TRAIL has built a strong reputation for shaping connected, courageous leaders who are ready to step up for their communities and industries.
From 6 to 12 March 2025, participants undertook a week-long experience designed to stretch their thinking, build their confidence, and strengthen their connection to self and others. Through a blend of classroom learning and outdoor challenges – including rock climbing, bushwalking, camping, and even a conversation with Australia’s new Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC – they explored what leadership means in today’s world.
For the first time in 2025, the ARLF ran two TRAIL cohorts under the same banner. Alongside our core program, a second group of 20 participants joined the experience thanks to funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Future Drought Fund.
This year’s participants came from a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, Landcare, research, and community services. Each brought a unique perspective and a shared commitment to creating positive change and fostering opportunity across RRR Australia.
To our newest alumni: welcome. You now join a network of more than 2,900 changemakers across the country. We can’t wait to see where your leadership takes you next – and we look forward to seeing you at future ARLF events.
Meet the cohort
Name |
Location |
Sponsor |
|
Andric Lu |
Mount Isa, Queensland |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Bonnie Armour |
Mount Barker, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Brittany Bickford |
Swan Hill, Victoria |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Charlene Cressbrook |
Cairns, Queensland |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Christine Plummer |
Buronga, New South Wales |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Dale Macdonald |
Tamworth, New South Wales |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Dimity Betts |
Moonbi, New South Wales |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Emma Frankel-Vaughn |
Loxton, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Frances Kirby |
Naracoorte, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
John Butler |
Mount Barker, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Kelsie Prowse |
Mount Gambier, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Kimberley Kunde |
Murgon, Queensland |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Krystie Bremer |
West Lyons River, Western Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Linda Vernon |
Mukinbudin, Western Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Lucy Gallagher |
Attunga, New South Wales |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Rebekah Haase |
Georgetown, Queensland |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Remy Malet |
Perth, Western Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Renee Bester |
Georgetown, Queensland |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Sarah Tsai |
Alice Springs, Northern Territory |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Tammy O’Malley |
Jabuk, South Australia |
Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund |
|
Amy Hunter |
Bruce Rock, Western Australia |
CHB Group |
|
Angus Dunne |
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
AgriFutures Australia |
|
Emma Wostear |
Booie, Queensland |
Pakadringa Feedlot |
|
Gabrielle Marshall |
Narrabri, New South Wales |
Syngenta Australia |
|
Jesse Janes |
Craisbrook, Victoria |
Australian Eggs |
|
Joe Gibson |
Boosey, Victoria |
GoFARM |
|
Joshua Petty |
Beebo, Queensland |
Whyalla Beef |
|
Madison Tims |
Sydney, New South Wales |
AgriFutures Australia |
|
Michelle Ware |
Moa Island, Torres Strait |
Torres Strait Regional Authority |
|
Sharna Holman |
Toowoomba, Queensland |
Cotton Research & Development Corporation |
Interested in TRAIL?
If this sounds like the program for you or someone you know – bookings are now open for the 2026 intake via the TRAIL webpage.
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