In last month’s column, I shared that the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is moving through a significant period of change. Our leadership restructure, designed to strengthen our focus, sharpen our strategy, and set us up for the future is now well underway. New roles have been filled, onboarding is in progress, and the shape of our future team is beginning to emerge.
This isn’t a change we’ve taken lightly. It’s part of a long-considered evolution to ensure we can continue to deliver on our mission – supporting people in rural, regional and remote Australia to grow their leadership, strengthen their communities, and respond to complex challenges. The restructure is one part of a much broader commitment to walk our own talk. If we ask others to embrace change, build adaptive capacity, and invest in long-term leadership development, then we must be willing to do the same.
Last week, our team came together for our annual staff retreat. As always, it was an important moment to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with our purpose and each other. This year’s retreat took on added significance, with so many new faces and new goals ahead of us. Once again, we were joined by ARLF Associate and long-time facilitator Benny Callaghan, whose steady guidance helped us navigate big conversations with openness and courage.
We did the work. We challenged assumptions. We explored how this next chapter might stretch us and how it might allow us to deepen our impact. And most importantly, we built trust and relationships to carry that work forward.
In my last article, I mentioned we’d share more details with our network about the restructure and what it means. That information will certainly come in full, and in time. But for now, I’d like to take a moment to honour two people whose leadership has helped bring the ARLF to where it is today.
Philippa Woodhill and Lockie McDonald have each made a profound contribution to the ARLF and to the broader landscape of leadership in rural, regional and remote Australia. As Director of Partnerships and Engagement and Director, Corporate Services, respectively, they’ve led with integrity, vision and heart. They’ve championed our programs, supported our team, and played a central role in shaping the relationships, systems and values that underpin our work.
Philippa has served the ARLF in a myriad of roles across a staggering 19 years. I wanted to take this opportunity to truly appreciate Philippa’s dedication, service and friendship over that time – she has left an indelible impression on me and the ARLF and I am sure she has left a lasting impact with many of you.
Lockie is a graduate of ARLP Course 17, served on the ARLF Board for a number of years and finally as a member of the staff team for five years. Lockie is a champion for the work of the ARLF, a strong voice in WA and beyond and will be missed by all.
Change is never easy. And farewelling two senior leaders who have given so much is not something we do without reflection. And in every transition, there is also an opportunity to acknowledge what has been, to celebrate what’s been built, and to invite others into what comes next.
On behalf of the Board, the team, and the ARLF community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to both Philippa and Lockie. Their impact will be felt for years to come in the people they’ve mentored, the partnerships they’ve nurtured, and the foundation they’ve helped to strengthen.
Below, we’ll share a short Q&A with Lockie and Philippa to capture their reflections on their time with the ARLF and the legacy they leave behind. I encourage you to read their words and join us in acknowledging their remarkable contribution.
Lockie McDonald
What has been your most cherished memory while working at the ARLF?
Now it’s 2018, before I worked at the ARLF, we’re sitting in Anne Dunn’s backyard in Adelaide with some of the team imagining what an ARLF Associate model could be.
Now it’s early in the COVID pandemic, we’re under a BBQ shelter on the Mandurah foreshore as the evening rain smashes down. Reg Simonaitis, three ARLP participants, a homeless fella and I share a bbq dinner – still delivering, despite lockdowns.
What have been some of your proudest achievements or key milestones?
Empowering others.
Looking back, what do you believe has been the most significant impact of ARLF’s work?
From ideating about what an Associate model might look like in 2018 to now as the ARLF delivers leadership development in 80 regions across the country. Working with the Board, Alumni, the team and Associates to scale delivery.
What hopes and aspirations do you hold for ARLF’s future?
As a collective of the board, staff, associates and Alumni, I believe we’ll keep creating opportunities — for the young to dream dreams and the older to have visions – to improve life in regional, rural and remote Australia.
What would you say to current and future program participants, partners, and supporters of the ARLF?
The proof is in the pudding, from alumni tackling the influx of Tuberculosis from Papua in the Torres Strait, to securing international grain markets, to setting up childcare centres in small towns. The ARLF delivers. What’s on the tin is in the tin: we build leadership that makes a tangible difference in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Is there a particular program, initiative, or moment you’re especially proud to have contributed to – and why?
Post the 2020 bushfires, COVID lockdowns gave us space to shape the drought and bushfire resilience work, helping ARLF scale and embed systems for greater reach and impact. The next challenge: maintaining that momentum at meaningful scale.
To everyone who contributes to the ARLF thank you. It’s been an honour to be part of it.
Philippa Woodhill
What has been your most cherished memory while working at the ARLF?
Over many years, my most treasured memories are grounded in the relationships, shared experiences, and moments of connection that make ARLF so special. From deep conversations and laughter with colleagues, to unforgettable program experiences in remarkable places, these memories reflect the heart of our work and the joy in doing it together.
Highlights include:
- Being welcomed into the homes of local leaders during the NE Victoria alumni conference.
- Dancing with the late Bob Rossi at the 2006 Alumni Conference in Cairns and many more dancefloors with the team
- Sharing damper — and dodging frogs — with Torres Strait Women’s Leadership participants at Punsand Bay.
- A day trip to Uluru with the team, and a swim in Lake Argyle followed by a torchlight croc-spotting moment.
- Feeling deeply heard and valued by the ARLF Board during challenging periods.
- Witnessing extraordinary courage and vulnerability during ARLP interviews.
- A reflective walk with Paul Ryan near Roma, and listening to stories from Rob Patrick.
- Road trips, morning runs, scooter rides, and party games with colleagues who became lifelong friends.
- Morning runs on work travel with Matt
- Staff retreats, a COVID treasure hunt, and celebrating milestones like our 25-year Gala Dinner.
- Contributing to the early groundwork for Milparanga at the 2008 Alice Springs First Nations alumni gathering.
What have been some of your proudest achievements or key milestones?
Winning the FDF work to initiate the scaling of ARLF – practicing what we preach in regards to showing up as a collective to lead in a complex environment #bettertogether
Gathering of our Indigenous alumni in 2008 AND 2016, the latter to kick of NATSILP (now Milparanga)
Extraordinary fundraising efforts with now a strong foundation for future growth in this area – appointment of our first Philanthropy manager
The number of women standing for election in the Torres Strait, many of whom are women – the TSWLP and other investment has not only supported some alumni to stand for election it has contributed to a changing culture and understanding of women in leadership/decision making as a most enduring place based investment
The experience of leading a high performing team and the work/impact they achieved for the ARLF – could name these teams and moments of pure joy in our work together
2007 alumni conference and hosting (and doing all work behind scenes to deliver) the International Leadership Alumni Conference in 2008
Every single day I am proud of the work we do and my contribution to regional and rural Australia.
Most significant impacts of ARLFs work during your tenure
Dialogue and deepening of relationship with First Nations Australians – our own version of truth telling and contribution to a shared future
Place based investment in evolving leadership culture of and with the Torres Strait
Reach of programs and investment in people throughout RRR.
What would you say to current and future program participants, partners, and supporters of the ARLF?
Your time talent and treasure is truly valued, in fact our work not possible without it. Keep showing up for the people enabling them/others to make a difference. There is no doubt in my mind that your investment has exponential value ….in the long term.
The role of RRR is critical for our country’s future – the answers to our country’s greatest challenges and opportunities lies within the leadership collectives in regions (and their urban allies). Our relationships with the oldest living culture, food security, changing climate, waste and energy production ……rural leadership must be at the forefront.
Tell the story, whilst we are only a small part of the significant contributions individuals and collectives make
