We were very saddened to hear about the of the passing of ARLF Fellow Karen Ronning after a brave battle with cancer in early June. Karen completed the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), our flagship program, with Cohort 13 in 2007.
We heard that Karen was kind, thoughtful, hardworking, dedicated, professional, patient and hugely supportive of others and reached out to Karen’s cohort to gather some reflections on her.
With such qualities, it seems like Karen was a perfect addition to Cohort 13. “It was a pleasure to complete the ARLP with Karen, to know her and to work with her.” said Fellow Alum James Smith.
Like we hear so often, Alum Jane Stewart and Karen became instant and lifelong friends after meeting on ARLP. “I first met Karen when we were paired in a room after the trek across the Carr Boyd Ranges” said Jane. “We became instant friends as we laughed about the state we were in and how luxurious we considered the simple motel with its bed and shower.”
Over the next 18 months, Jane and Karen got to know each other even better after their shared program experiences. “Karen was fun! Karen was cheeky! And Karen was always up for an adventure. Of course, Karen was also smart and capable and passionate about her work in building sustainable agribusinesses.”
Post program, their friendship continued. Meeting up in various locations when they could. Seeking advice about life and work from each other over the phone whilst “often reminiscing about our ARLP adventures and catching up on news about fellow C13’ers” said Jane.
Reflecting on Karen’s battle with cancer, Jane said “Even though her circumstances were so tough, she was always upbeat, and she faced her health challenges bravely and without complaint”.
“I know Karen valued her time with the ARLF and the many friends she made along the way.”
Looking at Karen’s contribution to regional Australia during her lifetime, she is reminiscent of so many of our alumni as someone absolutely dedicated and committed to the communities she served. With an obvious passion and flair for the tourism sector, she worked as the Destination Director – Southern Great Barrier Reef for Tourism and Events Queensland, as well as the Tourism Manager for Kiama Council in NSW. Karen was the Executive officer of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association when she completed the ARLP back in 2007.
Karen was most recently employed by the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as a Senior Advisor in the Tourism Events and Visitor Economy area.
We send our heartfelt sympathies to Karen’s partner Michael, her family, close friends and all those who loved her.
