Community of Practice
The Community of Practice (CoP) is a network of committed individuals working alongside the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) to strengthen leadership development in rural, regional, and remote Australia.
Over the past six years, the CoP has evolved into a strategic and operational partner of ARLF. Members play an active role in expanding leadership networks, offering insights, supporting high-demand periods, and contributing to innovation in leadership development methodologies.
The CoP also champions inclusion, particularly of First Nations perspectives, and contributes to alumni engagement, program visibility, and commercial opportunities. Members are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to leadership development, voluntary contributions to ARLF, and alignment with the organisation’s values.
Entry requires endorsement of the Charter and the ARLF Code of Conduct, and participation is capped at 20 members to ensure active engagement. Members are expected to attend annual in-person gatherings, share knowledge, collaborate on initiatives, and uphold a culture of psychological safety and mutual respect.
While the Charter is non-binding, it sets clear expectations for participation, knowledge-sharing, and ongoing contribution to ARLF’s mission.
Meet our Community of Practice
Our Community of Practice (COP) shares our values and are uniquely skilled in developing and delivering leadership programs and initiatives to manage change in rural, regional and remote Australia. While the COP are often alumni from our programs this is not a requirement.
Community of Practice
Paul Ryan
Community of Practice
Benny Callaghan
Community of Practice
Ananth Gopal
Community of Practice
Tom Henderson
Community of Practice | Corporate Services | Director | Staff
Lockie McDonald
WA | Wadjuc, Noongar Country
Community of Practice
Scott Gorringe
QLD
Community of Practice
Susan Benedyka
VIC
Community of Practice
Michelle Deshong
QLD
Community of Practice
Russel Fisher
Community of Practice
Briony Arnold
WA
Community of Practice
Tanya Lehmann
SA
Community of Practice
Richard Dent
VIC
Community of Practice
Adam Smith
Community of Practice
Jen Wressel
VIC
Community of Practice
Catherine Marriott
Community of Practice | Facilitator
Steve Colman
NSW
Community of Practice
Alana Johnson
VIC
Community of Practice
Elizabeth Brennan
WA
Community of Practice
Stephen Brown
QLD
Community of Practice
Craig Jones
Board Chairs
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Rgt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC
1992-1993 -
Mr John Allwright AO
1993-1994 -
Mr Bruce Gowrie Smith
1994 -
Mr David Asimus AO
1994-1999 -
Mr Robert Ferguson
1999-2000 -
Mr David Crombie AM
2000-2008 -
Prof Peter Shergold AC
2008-2010 -
Dr Wendy Craik AM
2010-2016 -
Mike Caroll
2016 -2022 -
Rick Sawers
2022 - current
Chief Executives/ Executive Directors
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Mr Mike Beckingham
1992-2001 -
Mr John Quantrill
2001-2004 -
Dr Steve Clark
2004-2006 -
Mr Steve Marshall
2006-2007 -
Ms Lisa Wilson
2006-2007 -
Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick
2007-2014 -
Matt Linnegar
2014 -current