Meet the cohort of the 31st Australian Rural Leadership Program 

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 
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