We've been developing leaders with the unique skillset they need to drive change in regional, rural, and remote communities since 1992.
We were born from the realisation that it's the leaders who make a community.
The RIRDC’s board members wanted to create an organisation that would influence change across Australian rural industries as a whole as well as in these communities. They noticed a key difference between successful rural communities and those perceived as failing. It was not an inherent lack of natural resources or strategic position but 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 the community and sporting groups, and in local industries.
3 September 1992
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation was formed to nurture and advance rural Australia. We were registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in 1992 as a not-for-profit company.
Today? We've stood the test of time.
Our organisation was born from an idea the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) had back in 1991. RIRDC were trying to encourage the development of new rural industries and thriving communities. The impact of this model is made clear by 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.
We're never done, though.
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.
We’ll continue to refine our programs, ensuring they’re relevant in the rural landscape of Australia today.
Our Foundation Leaders have made a huge impact over time.
Since 1992, our Foundation Leaders have been driving change in the communities that matter most to us.
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
Chief Executes/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
We’re making a real
difference in Australia. Join us.
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.
