History
We are a not-for-profit organisation established in 1992 with the aim to develop leaders for rural, regional and remote Australia.
These leaders could influence change across organisations, industries as a whole, and rural communities in general.
Our programs:
- take an ethical approach
- challenge assumptions, and
- seek to respectfully influence change for the greater good of Australia.
An act of faith
The idea for our organisation came from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in 1991 and 1992.
RIRDC looked at how to encourage the development of new rural industries and thriving communities.
Board members wanted an organisation that could influence change across Australian rural industries as a whole, and rural communities in general.
It was identified that a key difference between successful rural communities and those perceived as failing was not due to inherent natural resources or strategic position, but to an individual or group of individuals. These individuals were standing up and taking on leadership roles.
They concluded that leaders were required, not only in state and national political roles, but within local schools, on hospital boards, within community and sporting groups, and local industries.
We were formed to nurture and advance rural Australia. We were registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 3 September 1992 as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. Due to our role, we have deductible gift recipient status.
A model that works
We have have stood the test of time. Our achievement is evident through our graduates whose impact has been deeply felt across the depth and breadth of Australia.
Our founders pioneered a model for the leadership program that provided the impetus and fuelled the imaginations of hundreds of graduates.
In 2008, in keeping with the ever-shifting challenges within contemporary rural Australia, the Foundation refined and redeveloped its leadership model. In 2020 it was refined again. This model forms the basis for our curriculum and our suite of programs that develop the practical, innovative and ethical approaches needed for effective leadership in the businesses, organisations, industries and communities of rural Australia.
Leaders of the Foundation
Over the years, many leaders have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the Foundation. We appreciate the dedication of past and present supporters.
Below is a list of our past Board Chairs and Chief Executives/Executive Directors:
Board Chairs |
Chief Executives / Executive Directors |
Rgt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC 1992-1993 |
Mr Mike Beckingham
1992-2001 |
Mr John Allwright AO
1993-1994 |
Mr John Quantrill
2001-2004 |
Mr Bruce Gowrie Smith
1994 |
Dr Steve Clark
2004-2006 |
Mr David Asimus AO
1994-1999 |
Mr Steve Marshall
2006-2007 |
Mr Robert Ferguson
1999-2000 |
Ms Lisa Wilson
2006-2007 |
Mr David Crombie AM
2000-2008 |
Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick
2007-2014 |
Prof Peter Shergold AC
2008-2010 |
|
Dr Wendy Craik AM
2010-2016
|