The avid reader of this column may recall my May 2024 column where I focused on change in relation to leadership and more specifically, introduced a new Changemaker Workshop being delivered as part of our Helping Regional Communities prepare for Drought Initiative (HRCPDI).
The Changemaker Workshop was one of a multitude of options regional communities across Australia could select to respond to the needs of their region in relation to building regional resilience in the face of change – in this case, drought impacted communities. As a two-day workshop, it did not offer the depth or length of typical Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) programs. What it did offer and why it has been selected by close to 80% of all regions we are working in the current phase of HRCPDI, is access to a well-designed and facilitated way of working with others in a region through a process of change.
What makes Changemaker stand out?
Dare I say it does not begin with the title of ‘leadership’ and so perhaps many felt the naming of the workshop together with the timeframe made it accessible, doable. The core purpose of the workshop is to:
- allow everyone to see themselves as a changemaker and a vital part of the local change ecosystem
- provide an opportunity to explore local community problems or potentials through a creative, strengths-based approach
- deepen connections and stronger regional networks
- allow attendees will walk away with ideas for implementation and map for the process of making change happen.
So far, we have delivered over 60 Changemaker Workshops across all states and territories in 2024 with an additional 60 scheduled next year. By June 2025, we expect to engage a network of over 2,000 participants, all committed to driving positive change in their communities.
In many instances, following the delivery of one Changemaker Workshop funded by the Australian Government through HRCPDI, regions have requested and funded more of these impactful workshops. Tellingly, and far from detracting from our longer-form leadership development work, the 2-day workshop has also led to individuals and whole regional communities looking for more. This has translated into additional programs and individuals participating in our existing programs.
Why does Changemaker seem to work so well?
We have touched on accessibility and timeframes but it is more than this. Key themes that have emerged from over 1,000 participants to date point to a few things. Firstly, discovering a space in their region where an unexpected group of people from different walks of life (some in positional and some in non-positional leadership roles) can come together in a shared process to make change is both surprising and welcomed by participants. There is a recurring emphasis on listening to diverse perspectives, involving stakeholders early in decision-making, and fostering a collaborative environment to create inclusive and sustainable change. This message reflects a shift towards community-centred approaches that ensure initiatives are relevant, supportive, and empowering for all involved.
Secondly, Changemaker participants are attracted to an approach where adopting strategic and adaptive approaches to problem-solving are encouraged. This strategic mindset helps organisations and individuals create lasting impact by understanding and addressing the complexities underlying their challenges.
Finally, there is a strong focus on confidence-building, both for participants themselves and for those they work with. Many participants are working to overcome self-doubt, embrace their leadership roles, and empower others within their teams and communities. This message underscores the importance of fostering confidence, courage, and resilience to lead positive, impactful change effectively in both organisational and community contexts.
Sometimes its easier to understand in the reflections participants have following the workshop.
While we have many Changemaker workshops to deliver in coming months we are already seeing the impact of this work – in its own right and the part in plays in heightening curiosity for people to learn more about leadership and how they can work more effectively together in their region. A key consideration for the ARLF is how best to deepen the impact our work is having beyond this point. This includes how we balance people’s wants (for example, I am time-poor and not standing for positional leadership roles) with the broader needs of our regions to realise a future of a thriving rural, regional and remote Australia. We look forward to the challenge.
Find time to sustain self and your leadership
Which brings me to you! As we wind down the calendar year and head to that short or longer break intertwined with family and friends (and I can hear some of you saying ‘hey I don’t get a break of Christmas!), I encourage you to find some moments of reflection focused on two key things – how do you best sustain yourself so you can contribute in the many ways to you in your life and leadership and what is the change you want to see going forward and what questions will you ask yourself at the end of 2025 in relation to this?
Enjoy a break and take care of yourself and others.
While I have your attention…
In February, the unexpected passing of Bruce Simpson, an Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) alum, left a profound void in his community and our ARLF network. As a member of his ARLP cohort, his loss resonated deeply on a personal level.
Now, Bruce’s family is turning their grief into action with an inspiring vision: The Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund. This $2 million perpetual fund will empower future leaders in agriculture to participate in the ARLP, ensuring Bruce’s passion for the rural sector continues to make a difference. Seeded by his family’s generosity, this fund aims to create a lasting impact for generations, but they need help to reach this target.
If you would like to contribute to leadership development in our rural communities, please consider a donation in Bruce’s memory.
Christmas can be a tricky time for donations, there are other meaningful ways to support this effort:
- Share Bruce’s story and help amplify his legacy by sharing on your social media.
- Collaborate with us and share ideas with us for events or partnerships to support the fund.
I hope you can help us honour Bruce’s extraordinary legacy and inspire the next wave of leadership in rural Australia.
