TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program
TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program
Leadership development that goes beyond the classroom
Build confidence, self-awareness and practical leadership skills
The TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program is a challenge-based leadership development experience designed for emerging leaders across rural, regional and remote Australia. Through a structured and immersive seven-day journey, participants build practical skills in communication, decision-making and collaboration, while deepening their self-awareness and leadership capability.
Participant Information
Blending outdoor experiential learning with workshops, panel discussions and real-world scenarios, TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program creates a dynamic environment for growth. Participants explore adaptive leadership practices, reflect on their behaviours and values, and develop the confidence to lead with purpose in complex and changing contexts.
A strong emphasis is placed on connection and shared learning. Participants engage with a diverse cohort, experienced facilitators and guest speakers, gaining fresh perspectives and building lasting professional networks. These relationships extend beyond the program, supporting ongoing collaboration and leadership development.
Grounded in real-world challenges, the program equips participants with practical tools and a clear vision for their leadership journey – empowering them to step confidently into leadership roles and create positive impact across their organisations, industries and communities.
Designed for emerging leaders from any industry across rural, regional and remote Australia. It is suited to individuals who are stepping into leadership roles or looking to expand their leadership capability and influence.
Participants typically bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, with a shared motivation to lead positive change within their organisations, industries or communities.
The program welcomes people who are open to challenge, committed to personal growth and eager to learn alongside others.
Whether nominated by an organisation or self-funded, applicants should demonstrate a clear desire to strengthen their leadership practice and contribute meaningfully to rural and regional Australia.
This program is an intensive, seven-day experience delivered face-to-face in and around Canberra, combining outdoor and residential learning environments.
Participants undertake five days of immersive outdoor, challenge-based learning alongside two days of workshops, discussions and collaborative sessions. This format encourages deep reflection, skill development and the application of leadership practices in real-world contexts.
In addition to the program itself, participants are expected to fully engage in all activities, contribute to group learning and commit to applying their insights and skills beyond the experience. The program also provides access to an ongoing alumni network, supporting continued connection and leadership growth well after completion.
Dates: TRAIL will run for 7 days from March 10 – 16 2027.
Location: Wee Jasper NSW, Australia
There are two ways to take part in the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.
Be nominated by an organisation or sponsor
Many participants are sponsored by employers, industry organisations, community groups or funding partners who want to invest in emerging leadership capability.
If your organisation supports professional development or leadership growth, consider speaking with them about sponsoring your place in the program.
Self-fund your participation
Individuals can also choose to fund their own participation in TRAIL.
Many participants see the program as a valuable investment in their personal growth, leadership capability and future contribution to their workplace, industry or community.
If you are ready to challenge yourself, build lasting networks and grow your confidence as a leader, TRAIL may be the right next step for you.
Grow your leadership through challenge, connection and real-world experiences
Scholarships Available
Six fully funded scholarships are now open for the 2026 TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program, thanks to the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
If you’re aged 21–35 and passionate about making a difference in your community or industry, this scholarship is for you. You don’t need a title – just curiosity, commitment and courage.
You’ll join a national cohort of emerging leaders from rural, regional and remote Australia for a seven-day hands-on learning experience: five days camping in the bush and two days in Canberra connecting with national changemakers.
All program and travel costs are covered.
Sponsor Information
Communities and industries across rural Australia face evolving social, economic and environmental challenges. TRAIL responds to this need by developing adaptable, self-aware leaders who can think critically, collaborate effectively and influence outcomes in uncertain environments.
The program also addresses the importance of connection and collective leadership. By building strong peer networks and linking participants into a national alumni community, TRAIL fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing and long-term impact across sectors and regions.
Ultimately, the program exists to empower emerging leaders to become confident advocates and changemakers who can contribute meaningfully to their communities, industries and the broader rural landscape.
TRAIL helps emerging leaders build the confidence, self-awareness and practical capability needed to contribute positively in workplaces, industries and communities.
Through immersive outdoor experiences, shared challenges and reflective learning, participants strengthen their ability to communicate, collaborate and lead through complexity. They also build lasting networks with people from across rural, regional and remote Australia.
For many participants, TRAIL becomes a defining experience that shapes how they approach leadership, relationships and contribution long after the program ends.
Sponsoring a participant is a meaningful investment in both people and long-term organisational capability.
Organisations often see participants return with greater initiative, stronger communication skills and increased confidence working with others. TRAIL can also support staff development, succession planning and leadership pathways within teams and communities.
Sponsors become part of a broader national network committed to strengthening leadership across rural, regional and remote Australia, while demonstrating a genuine commitment to investing in people and regional futures.
You can nominate an employee, industry representative, community member or emerging leader connected to your work.
Once you nominate a participant, ARLF will guide them through the onboarding process and make sure they understand what to expect.
Sponsoring a participant is simple and our team will support you through the process.
Book a place for your nominated participant
If you already know who you would like to sponsor, use the booking form below to reserve a place in the program for your nominated participant.
Once submitted, our team will guide you and your participant through the next steps, including onboarding and program preparation.
Talk to our team
If you would like to discuss the program, sponsorship costs or whether TRAIL is the right fit for your organisation or community, you can book a time to speak with our team via the booking form.
We are happy to answer questions and help you explore the best option for your participant.
Explore the latest program report to understand the outcomes, experiences and impact of the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.
Invest in people who will shape the future of rural Australia
Hear From Our Alumni
Reflections from those who have experienced the journey
Interested in finding out more?
Places on this program are either nominated by sponsoring organisations or available to self-funded participants.
Fill in the form below to find out more.
Want to recommend this program to someone? Go to our Shoulder Tap.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that we haven’t answered below? Get in touch with our friendly team. We’re happy to help.
A place in the TRAIL Emerging Leaders program costs $12,012 plus a $220 participant contribution. Your place in the program can either be funded by an organisation sponsoring an employee or a participant themselves. Participants may also need to cover some travel or incidental costs. More information on this is provided after the selection process.
Yes, of course. If you work in rural, regional, or remote Australia, then the TRAIL Emerging Leaders program is an excellent opportunity for professional development.
Planning to ask your employer to support you? Here are some tips:
Different organisations have different processes and policies regarding employee development and training. You can find this kind of information in your employee handbook or on an intranet platform. Otherwise, contact your human resources (HR) team.
If you’re working in a smaller organisation, you may just need to chat with your direct manager.
Chat with them about your career and leadership development. It’s different for everyone and calls for an adaptive learning approach.
Talk to your manager about your career path and where you can develop. Then, you can initiate a conversation on how best to achieve your career goals in line with your organisation’s goals.
With these kinds of questions, you usually just need to ask the question. You can do this via email or in person.
To help you, we’ve prepared a template email to send to your relevant decision-makers.
Hi <insert name>,
I’m emailing you as I’d like to discuss my career and leadership development within our organisation. I would like to develop my leadership capabilities and my networks within the sector by undertaking a leadership program.
One opportunity I have identified is the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program. It is a bespoke leadership development program for emerging leaders in rural, regional, and remote Australia who wish to increase their impact on the businesses and communities in which they live and work.
The 7-day program initiates structured pathways for future leadership development and offers access to a diverse, national alumni network of over 2200 rural, regional and remote leaders.
The dates and locations are:
– INSERT SESSION DATE
The program is an opportunity for me to meet and learn with influential agribusiness leaders and examine the complexity, challenges and opportunities for the Australian agribusiness sector. I would also build connections across a supportive network of leaders across the breadth of the sector.
The cost of the TRAIL is $12,012 (+ GST). I would pay the participant contribution of $220 (+ GST).
As the registration deadline for the program is INSERT DATE, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
<insert name>,
If you would like us to contact your organisation directly, please contact us.
Yes, it may. Our programs are intentionally designed to foster deep learning, resilience, and growth by including elements of challenge and uncertainty. These experiences are created with inclusivity in mind, ensuring a safe space to navigate discomfort. The uncertainty is deliberate—it mimics the unpredictable challenges leaders often face, helping you develop the skills to adapt and thrive in the face of the unknown.
We take your safety seriously, and so we hope you won’t become sick or injured. We have first aid officers available for each program we deliver in the case of an emergency. If you do unfortunately contract COVID, we have a response plan in place that allows us to get you home as quickly as possible.
Working on the program will make a big impact on your ability to focus and get the most from the program. It may also be quite difficult, due to the location and schedule of the program. So, we do ask that you make prior arrangements with your employer and inform them that you won’t be able to work during the program period.
We provide an immersive program experience, therefore, mobile phones will be removed for periods to enhance your engagement and experience. Your family will be provided with contact information to notify our facilitators in the event of an emergency.
There are a few different ways to get a place in the program. Most places are purchased by organisations for their employees. At the same time, employees are encouraged to complete an application for these places. Alternatively, you’re also welcome to self-fund your place.