The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is excited to announce Jackie Huggins AM will join the organisation as a new patron.
Jackie, a person with a strong attachment to rural, regional, and remote Australia, hails from Ayr, a small sugar cane town in northern Queensland. Throughout her life, she has actively engaged in leadership activities within her community, focusing particularly on advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reconciliation and social justice. She has worked extensively in Aboriginal affairs for the past four decades including running training courses with Aboriginal men and women, making a difference in the lives of many.
Her passion and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aligns with the ARLF’s values that reflect its commitment to First Nations people and in supporting their leadership through its programs, enabling them to make a positive impact in their communities, sectors and organisations.
As a patron, Jackie aims to support and encourage the ARLF’s work in empowering individuals and communities through leadership development. She believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader and make a positive impact on their community. When asked about her thoughts on leadership, she said: “we all have a role in leadership, and more skills and training make it easier and enjoyable. Leadership can be tough, but keeping grounded and valuing your opinion is crucial. Everyone is a leader in families, communities, and workplaces, and people should not shy away from the term. This misinterpretation should be broken down, and we should wear the title of a leader as a badge of honour”.
Jackie believes leadership is about bringing people together and empowering them to create change. We are honoured to have Jackie join the ARLF as a patron in 2023.
Media contact: Karen Freer, Manager, Communications, 0403 447 344 / karenf@rural-leaders.org.au
