Leadership to strengthen local government
Across rural, regional and remote Australia, councils are at the coalface of challenge and opportunity. From disaster recovery to workforce shortages and energy transition, communities are looking to local government for direction, connection and action.
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are looking to partner with local government to grow practical leadership skills, build networks, and help councils create impact that lasts.
Leadership is what makes communities and industries capable of change
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation equips individuals with the skills, networks, and mindsets to lead boldly, ensuring rural, regional, and remote Australia thrives in the face of complexity.
A national leadership program proposal for local government
The ARLF proposes a national leadership initiative for local government—developed in consultation with the Australian Government, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), and local government associations (LGAs).
This will be the first cross-regional leadership development program of its kind, aiming to build leadership capability, foster social cohesion, and enhance collaboration across 300 rural, remote and regional councils.
We’re inviting you to help shape it. Your feedback will help the ARLF build a strong case for funding a new initiative to support local government. It will strengthen networks, build skills and prepare councils to lead through change.
Tell us what would help you lead with impact
Explore leadership offerings
Whether you’re just starting out or already influencing change, the ARLF’s leadership programs are designed to meet you where you are. From two-day workshops to immersive leadership development, each program helps you build the skills, confidence and connections to lead with purpose. You’ll strengthen relationships, broaden your perspective, and take practical steps to create positive change, locally and beyond.
Find out how you can lead with impact in your local community with these ARLF leadership offerings:
Changemaker Workshops
Two-day local intensives to build confidence, connection and practical steps for change. Tailored for time-poor staff and councillors navigating disruption or transition.
Community Leadership Program
A five-day immersive experience focused on collaboration, resilience, communication and real-world application in your local context.
Enquire about a Community Leadership Program
Leadership Action Initiatives
Short, sharp interventions that bring together diverse local stakeholders to co-design actions on shared challenges.
Enquire about a Leadership Action Initiative
Australian Rural Leadership Program
Our flagship 15-month experience for established decision-makers ready to deepen their leadership, grow systems awareness and strengthen national networks.
Equip your council to lead through change
Why leadership matters
From industry transformation to climate resilience, strong leadership is the key to unlocking solutions and fostering innovation, resilience, and collaboration in rural, regional and remote communities. ARLF’s programs develop leaders who take action, empower others, and drive lasting change.
Support decision-makers to lead through complexity and change
Empower councillors and staff to navigate disruption and disaster
Build stronger networks within and across regions
Create space for reflection, learning and action
Help councils retain and grow future leaders
Hear from our local government participants
Local government participants from across rural, regional and remote Australia share how ARLF programs helped them shift perspectives, strengthen relationships, and lead with more confidence and clarity—both in community and within themselves.
“My key takeaway is that everybody was there for a common good, and that’s to make a difference in some small or large way.
That’s our common goal. At the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to do a good thing in our communities.”
Kylie Bourne, Deputy Mayor, Western Downs Regional Council
(Shape Your Energy Future)
“I always thought leaders needed to be driven, strong, bold or dominant, but I found these qualities challenging and conflictive to my nature.
I wanted to find my own style and stand confidently in my own leadership space. The LARC program was the opportunity I was seeking, I just didn’t realise it until it arrived.”
Tracey Rathbone, Deputy President, Shire of Coolgardie
(LARC program)
“We talk about the value of leadership programs from a professional and community perspective, but we don’t always question if our values at home align with those we have in public.
When I give the best of me away at work and in community—who am I bringing home to my family? This kind of training gives you a different perspective of your own behaviour and that of others.”
Dean Sutton, Connected Communities, Baw Baw Shire Council
(LARC program)
“In the past I saw lots of problems, especially in my job people would ring me all the time, they’d have problems and I think that rubbed off onto my mindset.
Now I don’t see problems, I see challenges – that’s probably the number one thing that the program has taught me”
Darren Everard, former Deputy Mayor, Fraser Coast Regional Council
(Leadership for our Regions)
How we support change
For communities
Leaders who mobilise people and resources to address local challenges.
For industries
A pipeline of skilled, adaptable professionals ready to navigate disruption.
For businesses & philanthropy
Meaningful investments that lead to measurable impact.
For alumni
A lifelong network of changemakers shaping the future of rural, regional and remote Australia.
For governments
Policy outcomes driven by local leadership and collective action.
Latest ARLF news
23 May
How do we lead with reconciliation in mind?
19 May
Ten years of impact: agribusiness leadership that changes systems, not just individuals
29 Apr
What’s happening in the ARLF alumni network May 2025
Add impact to your inbox
Stay connected to our community of rural leaders. Subscribe now and never miss an ARLF leadership update!
