The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s continued commitment to rural resilience, following the recent announcement of a four-year, $36 million extension of the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program.
The funding, announced by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, will support people living in agriculture-dependent regions to strengthen their social resilience to the ongoing impacts of drought.
The ARLF, together with long-time partner the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), will continue to deliver locally tailored leadership programs and community projects across the country.
Building strong networks to lead through uncertainty
“This is exactly the kind of long-term investment rural, regional and remote Australia needs,” said ARLF Chief Executive Matt Linnegar.
“The effects of drought reach far beyond the farm gate impacting families, small businesses, and the social fabric of entire communities. With continued funding, we can support people on the ground to lead through uncertainty, build strong networks, and adapt to change.”
The Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program is a joint effort between the ARLF, FRRR and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). It has already supported thousands of participants to build local capacity and lead collaborative, community-led solutions to the challenges of drought and climate resilience.
In her announcement, Minister Collins echoed the importance of investing in people, not just infrastructure.
“We know drought doesn’t just impact farmers – it can flow out to the rest of the community, with small businesses, local groups and not-for-profits all feeling the strain.
“I’m so pleased we’ve been able to continue the valuable work of the FDF Communities Program, because it recognises the way people in rural Australia work together and gives them the means to put their ideas into action.”
Standing with rural communities through testing times
The announcement comes as many rural South Australian, Victorian and southern NSW communities brace for challenging conditions over the coming months. The continued funding will allow the ARLF and FRRR to deepen their support in high-need areas, while expanding activities in new locations.
“It’s a vote of confidence in the importance of local leadership,” said Mr Linnegar.
“This program isn’t about parachuting in solutions. It’s about equipping communities with the tools, networks and confidence to support one another and shape their own futures.”
The ARLF and FRRR will share further details about the next four years of the program in the coming months, as the current funding round draws to a close.
