26 rural leaders have been selected as the 31st cohort of the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) that commences in June.
The cohort includes a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise in livestock and food supply chains; grain exports and logistics; ag research; botanical nutraceuticals; bush medicine; biosecurity; business and economic development; cotton, grain, dairy and abalone; agri-food production; First Nations healthcare, youth support and policy/engagement; community, disability and not-for-profit; climate change; rural wellbeing; podcasting and communication.
The ARLP is Australia’s longest and most in-depth cross sectorial leadership development program giving participants a valuable opportunity to grow their leadership and create a network of change-makers to positively influence their organisations, industries, and communities across our regions.
Over 15 months, participants engage in a range of unique and experiential learning opportunities over four sessions, both in Australia and overseas.
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, 26 scholarships each valued at $60,500 have been awarded in a highly competitive selection process.
ARLF Chief Executive and alum of Course 7 Matt Linnegar congratulated the participants on their selection.
“Over the last 30 years, the ARLF has remained committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs that support improved leadership. An adaptive, network leadership approach is more important than ever as rural, regional, and remote Australia faces ongoing challenges and change.
“We are looking forward to the group coming together in June in the first of a series of experiences that will help shape their understanding of themselves and to work with others in influencing change across the country.”
Expressions of interest for Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 32 can be submitted here.
Australian Rural Leaders Program Cohort 31
| Name | Location | Scholarship |
| Nicole Walsh | Alice Springs, NT | Tim Fairfax Family Foundation |
| Anna Playfair-Hannay | Sydney, NSW | Woolworths |
| Barbara Ibuai | Thursday Island, QLD | Torres Strait Regional Authority |
| Belinda Allitt | Wagga Wagga, NSW | AgriFutures Australia |
| Cassandra Walker | Horsham, VIC | Agriculture Victoria Research |
| Craig Fox | Port Fairy, VIC | Fisheries Research and Development Corporation |
| Cressida Cains | Robertson, NSW | AgriFutures Australia |
| Dean Sutton | Glengarry, VIC | Prime Super |
| Fiona Marshall | Mulwala, NSW | Grains Research & Development Corporation |
| Gordon McNeil | Quirindi, QLD | Grains Research & Development Corporation |
| Gregory Zillman | Wandoan, QLD | Australian Lot Feeders’ Association |
| Hannah Mann | Cable Beach, WA | Telstra |
| Hassim Adidi | Bamaga, QLD | Torres Strait Regional Authority |
| Jye Forrester | Dubbo, NSW | Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care |
| Kalair McArthur | Wandal, QLD | Tim Fairfax Family Foundation |
| Kenneth Dachi | Leeton, NSW | HV McKay Charitable Trust |
| Kirsten Diprose | Caramut, VIC | Gardiner Dairy Foundation |
| Linda McSherry | Broome, WA | Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care |
| Matt Norton | Westbrook, QLD | Weis Community Fund managed by the Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation and ARLF donors |
| Nicholas Haddow | Hobart, TAS | Private donor |
| Nicholas Blandford | Bairnsdale, VIC | Meat and Livestock Australia |
| Samuel Lee | Linthrope, QLD | Cotton Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation and Cotton Seed Distributers |
| Selena Sylvester | Nundle, NSW | AgriFutures Australia |
| Stephanie Wurst | Stokes Bay, SA | John B. Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship |
| Timothy Ford | Charleton, QLD | Private donor |
| Zachary Gonzales | Perth, WA | CBH Group |
