We're social impact collaborators
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is a for-purpose organisation that’s been making strides in rural, regional and remote communities across Australia through the development of courageous and authentic leadership.
The world is changing and it's important we keep up so we can build leadership capacity where needed most and continue shaping and driving change in these areas.
Since 1992, we have stood as the cornerstone for leadership development in rural Australia.
Leveraging a robust alumni network and partnerships with mission-aligned organisations, we deliver bespoke, evidence-based programs that empower individuals to tackle the unique challenges and opportunities in rural, regional and remote communities.
Our purpose
We foster and exercise leadership for positive impact.
Our vision
We want to see thriving rural, regional and remote communities strengthening Australia and our regional neighbours.
Our Impact
As the dedicated provider of leadership programs for regional Australia, we have delivered more than 150 transformational leadership programs over 30 years. Our success is reflected in the contributions our growing network of alumni have made and continue to make across rural, regional and remote Australia.
Our values
Our values inform how we work towards our vision and purpose, how we support human wellbeing, and how we ensure a sustainable shared environment.
Respect and engage with First Nations' cultural knowledge
We acknowledge that our activities and initiatives are carried out on the traditional lands of Australia’s First People. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of all the lands on which we meet, work and live and recognise that this land has always been and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
Embrace diversity of views, perceptions, backgrounds and cultures
Diversity of views, perceptions, backgrounds, and cultures make us richer. We can learn more, do more, and achieve more by listening to others.
Challenge entrenched ideas
If we always do what we've always done, then we'll never progress. As part of our commitment to innovation and impact for the greater good, we challenge entrenched ideas in respectful ways.
Foster collaboration and act beyond self
We act beyond self for the greater good of our communities. Collectively, we can have a deeper impact and influence change.
Pursue lifelong learning
We believe anyone can and deserves opportunities for lifelong learning. No matter your learning style, our experiential learning methodology will cut through.
Our leadership philosophy
Leadership development is a journey
We see leadership development as a continuing journey without an ideal end state. Growth in leadership introduces new challenges and the reassessment of personal capability. Increased understanding of concepts and exposure to new challenges results in personal re-evaluation.
A view to holistic leadership
We evaluate participants' development of leadership principles considering the individual, their immediate family, professional capacity, career and the wider community. As well as benchmarking leadership expression against a set of leadership practices.
The nature of leadership is changing
Perspectives on leadership development have evolved over the last several decades. From a focus on the individual to a consideration of the context in which the individual operates to transactional to transformational leadership and personal to collective impact. These changes are influenced by the increased complexity in which leaders operate, especially for challenges that no single individual or institution can address.
Having a positive impact takes time
Feedback from alumni reflects that leadership development can play a transformational role, but impact is a result of more than any single program. Experiences, the contribution of other development programs, and lessons gained from life generally all contribute to outcomes. Leadership development can also have unintended consequences - short-term challenges can lead to long-term resilience and personal capacity-building.
Our programs
Our leadership development programs are meticulously designed, in line with proven learning methods and ideals that are proven to stick. Our programs are here to inspire you to make an impact for the greater good.
Meet our team
At our core, we believe in putting our money where our mouth is by creating meaningful opportunities for those living in less accessible areas. Our diverse and dedicated staff embody the spirit of our mission, driving impactful change and bringing valuable perspectives to every corner of our nation.
How we are governed
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of people with expertise in various sectors including agribusiness, finance, fundraising, community work and leadership.
Careers at ARLF
At Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, we’re always looking to grow our team, our capabilities, and our reach across rural, regional, and remote Australia. To support this vision, we’re constantly calling out for new professionals to join our team.
Why give?
You can support us to drive change and create a serious impact in your organisation, sector, and wider community. It’s not just enhancing how you lead, it’s building your own network and contributing for the greater good.