Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about our programs? We’re here to help. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Participant contributions
There is no debate that rural, regional and remote Australia needs access to quality learning and development. A demonstration of your commitment to learning is important in securing a place in an Australian Rural Leadership Foundation program. We work hard to secure scholarships, funding and participation across a variety of sectors. For some programs, our partner organisations shoulder 100% of the costs, for others sometimes they don’t. These programs require a financial participant contribution, as a demonstration of your commitment to learning.
The participant contribution is a financial contribution toward your participation on a program. It’s a demonstration of your commitment to the program. The contribution goes directly to the us to support the program administration and delivery, the alumni network and our ongoing ability to be a learning organisation dedicated to rural, regional and remote Australia.
The participant contribution varies per program. It can be up to 10% of the program costs.
It is a long-held belief that scholarship recipients and participants of our programs need to financially contribute to their learning. It is a demonstration of commitment and acknowledgement of the work, innovation and service provided throughout your program participation and supports the alumni network. And in some cases, our partners can’t cover all of the costs.
Programs currently charging a participant contribution are the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program, TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program, Milparanga Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership programs.
We understand that not you may not be able to afford your contribution payment.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, we may offer payment plans or alternative arrangements. Depending on the circumstances, we decide this on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to enquire about a payment plan or alternative arrangements, please email our finance team at finance@rural-leaders.org.au.
You may like to ask your employer to cover your contribution. This can be a daunting conversation if you haven’t asked for professional development support before. Our recruitment team is happy to share advice on how to seek your employer’s support for your learning and development. You can reach them at apply@rural-leaders.org.au or via phone on 02 6281 0680.
Once you have accepted and signed off on your program participation, we will invoice you for the contribution. In some cases, you will pay the amount at once and for other programs in instalments.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to refund payments unless it is due to the actions or inactions from our end.
To find out whether your participant contribution is tax deductible, please check in with your accountant or the Australian Taxation Office.
Residential programs
Residential program elements require you to stay overnight for the duration of the program or session.
A residential program requires you to stay overnight for the duration of the program or session. The duration varies and depends on the program, but could be anywhere between 1-2 nights and up to 2 weeks.
Residential programs offer a supportive and immersive environment. They also create more opportunities to network with fellow participants in the evening or morning. Your program might be residential for the entire duration in a short program, or include some residential sessions in a longer program.
When creating a program, our learning team considers what learning environment is best for you as a participant. Sometimes this means taking you away from distractions and daily routine, so you can fully focus on your learning experience.
It might seem strange, but even if you live nearby, going home will interrupt your learning experience and reduce the depth of connections you build with fellow participants.
Local programs
Local, place-based or regional leadership program focus on a geographic region.
Local or regional leadership programs don’t just benefit you as an individual. They benefit your entire community.
At an individual level, you invest in yourself. You develop the skills, mindset and network to understand and influence uncertainty and create vibrant communities for generations to come. You also grow your networks within and outside of your community. Meanwhile your community gains a group of courageous and influential people. Together you’re able to gather support from within your community to create change or put a plan into action. And if you get stuck, or need advice, our alumni network is there to help.
Residential programs offer a supportive and immersive environment. They also create more opportunities to network with fellow participants in the evening or morning. Your program might be residential for the entire duration in a short program, or include some residential sessions in a longer program.
When creating a program, our learning team considers what learning environment is best for you as a participant. Sometimes this means taking you away from distractions and daily routine, so you can fully focus on your learning experience.
It might seem strange, but even if you live nearby, going home will interrupt your learning experience and reduce the depth of connections you build with fellow participants.
Program participation
Answers to your frequently asked questions about being on a program.
We take your safety seriously, and so we hope you won’t become sick or injured. We have first aid officers available for each program we deliver in the case of an emergency. If you do unfortunately contract COVID, we have a response plan in place that allows us to get you home as quickly as possible.
Working on the program will have a big impact on your ability to focus and get the most from the program. It may also be quite difficult, due to the location and schedule of the program. So, we do ask that you make prior arrangements with your employer and inform them that you won’t be able to work during the program period.
We provide an immersive program experience, therefore, mobile phones may be removed for periods to enhance your engagement and experience. Mobile phone reception may also not be available during some program periods. Your family will be provided with contact information to notify our facilitators in the event of an emergency.
