Just an hour north of Adelaide, Anlaby Station is a real find! Nestled between the Barossa and Clare Valleys, it’s Australia’s oldest working Merino stud.
Anlaby provided a stunning backdrop for ARLP Cohot 31’s third session. The week long session culminated with an alumni and community event. About 30 guests connected with the cohort, heard (and provided feedback) about project ideas, networked and enjoyed the warm hospitality of owners Andrew, Peter, and their team. Afternoon tea in the gardens kicked off the day . It truly felt like stepping into an Aussie version of Pride and Prejudice!
The cohort led a short experiential learning activity that offered guests a tiny glimpse into the ARLF program experience. And without giving too much away, the activity encouraged everyone to embrace their vulnerability in a very short space of time. and helped the cohort step confidently into their hosting role.
Dinner in the barn — with fairy lights, the most fabulous food and a wonderful, collegial atmosphere — was a highlight. The evening opened with a heartfelt toast to ARLF alumni who have passed, featuring special red wines gifted by the family of Karen Ronning and white wines generously provided by cohort participant Nick Haddow.
A toast to honour the memory of alumni who have passed and to recognise their lasting impact…
We raise our glasses in honour of those alumni, some of whom we do not know but whose spirit we recognise all the same. We may not know their name or their story in full, but we do know this: they stood up, they gave back and they led with heart.
As we walk our own paths, we do so by standing on the shoulders of those who came before us — leaders like them, who helped pave the way with courage, compassion, commitment and determination to better the communities and the world in which they lived.
Thanks to the ARLF staff and the Anlaby crew for covering all the details of an event like this with such love and care. Thanks also to Cohort 31 for being such wonderful hosts, as well as being so generous with your time, energy and conversations. And finally, thank you to all alumni, community members and funders for taking the time to join us. We feel so very supported.
Also – a big thanks to ARLF ‘s Melissa Neal and our Changemaker project team for supporting an alumni gathering in Castlemaine, central Victoria in mid-April too. Always love any chance to help foster local connections – and create new ones. Thanks to those who said yes and attended!!
Keen to host an alumni gathering in your area? Reach out julias@rural-leaders.org.au
Upcoming events
Toowomba (QLD) ShEF cohort reunion
We are bringing together Shape your Energy Future (ShEF) alum to meet with our Chief Executive Matt Linnegar and chat about ongoing project work in the energy space.
When: Wednesday, 7 April
Time: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Where: The Rock, 520 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Cost: Free to attend. Registrations for catering purposes is required.
Toowoomba (QLD) alumni gathering
There will also be a breakfast gathering for all Toowoomba based alum on Tues 29th May. ARLF staffers will be in town for a Drought Forum and we know there will be alum travelling to attend. We will be reaching out to local alum with more details shortly.
Canberra (ACT) alumni gathering
With staff in Canberra to help celebrate the gradation of our newest Milparanga Established alumni, we are gathering for a casual alumni breakfast. If you’re in town, or local to Canberra, please join us. We’d love to see you.
Date: Saturday, 10 May
Time: 7.00 – 8.30am
Venue: Lonsdale Café, Braddon
Tickets: $20 – nibbles provided
Webinar opportunity
Thursday, 22 May | 1.00–2.30pm AEST
Join Kalair McArthur, Director of Rural and Remote Development (and current ARLP 31 participant), for an insightful webinar that will change the way you view your community’s economy. Discover how everything is connected—and how thinking differently can unlock new opportunities by leveraging the strengths you already have. You’ll also learn practical strategies to gather the evidence needed to drive change and help your community thrive.
This free event is part of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Drought Ready Network: Leading and Learning online series.
Alum in the spotlight
From red dirt to global conversations
ARLF alumni continue to make their mark internationally.
“Never thought I’d be swapping red dirt for yellow cabs, but here I am in NYC getting ready for the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues — feeling all kinds of grateful.”
These words from Lindsay Davies capture a special moment after he recently travelled to New York to present at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), a major platform where Indigenous voices are heard on a global stage.
Just for context, the UNPFII was established in 2000 and is a high-level advisory body to the UN’s Economic and Social Council. Its mandate is to address Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health, and human rights. Each year, representatives from Indigenous communities across the world gather at UN Headquarters to discuss key issues, share experiences and advocate for change. Lindsay spent the week at the UN Forum, following preparation with Indigenous experts from Project Access Indigenous Partnership, whose Leadership Circle includes alum Mikaela Jade.
Alum Dan Bourchier was also in New York, attending and contributing to this year’s Forum. Dan was a member of a team behind the UNESCO report, Indigenous Peoples in the Media, which was officially launched at this year’s UNPFII. The report explores how media representation impacts Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and inclusion, and offers key recommendations to strengthen Indigenous voices globally.
“This report feels like a starting point for bigger global conversations about the place and role of First Nations’ voices and experiences in the media – and how that sees those voices and experiences reflected back to all communities.” says Dan. Read the full report here.
Sharing sustainable solutions with the world
Meanwhile, across the country in Washington State, Fellow Mary Retallack has been sharing her expertise with the international wine industry. Mary — based in Adelaide, is a third-generation viticulturist, agro-ecologist, and co-founder of the National EcoVineyards Program — was invited to deliver the keynote at the prestigious Ravenholt Lecture at WAVE (Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology). The event brings together industry leaders to explore sustainable solutions around soil health and biodiversity.
From shearing sheds to remote clinics
From farming, shearing, and truck driving to bush nursing, John Wright (ARLP C16) has dedicated his life to supporting the health of remote communities — and now, he’s inspiring the next generation of outback professionals.
John recently featured on the ARLF’s Rural Leaders Podcast, sharing his remarkable life story and how his Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) experience helped shape his path. His story was soon picked up by R.M. Williams Outback magazine and now their podcast, bringing his voice to an even wider audience.
In his conversation, John opens up about the highs and lows of working in some of Australia’s most isolated communities, and how his ARLP experience gave him the leadership tools, confidence and self-belief to tackle challenges head-on. After battling imposter syndrome, John credits ARLP with helping him find his voice and lead with strength and authenticity.
Grab a cuppa and tune in to hear John’s honest, heartfelt reflections on life, leadership, and making a difference where it’s needed most. Listen here to RM Williams podcast.
And if you missed John’s ARLF Rural Unearthed podcast episode from late last year, you can catch up here Nursing where the need is great .
Fundraising update
Graham Smith, our superstar bike rider, made it safely to Hobart in mid-April after setting out from Canberra. We are, once again, so grateful — thank you, Graham!
Graham was riding to raise funds for the Bruce Simpson Scholarship Fund. We don’t have the final total yet — as it’s combined with other contributions to the Bruce Simpson Fund — but we do know his incredible effort has helped bring in additional donations.
Meanwhile, the Larapinta Trail walkers, led by the dynamic Donna Digby, are getting the final bits of their gear together, ready to set off on May 17! Almost $12,000 has already been raised toward their $50,000 goal — and there’s still time to support the crew.
Small acts matter. If you’re keen to donate, here’s the link!
And speaking of our Fellow, Donna Digby — she’s also just been appointed as a Director to the Foundation Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) Board! “Donna is driven to support community leaders to reach their leadership potential by drawing on her lived experience and brings a deep understanding of both regional and remote Australia.”
Donna joins Fellow Georgie Somerset (Director) and long-term sponsor and supporter of the ARLF Tim Fairfax (Chair) on the FRRR Board.
