When people first consider applying for the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), one of the most common questions we’re asked is: How much time do I need to give?
And it’s a fair question. We know that the people drawn to the ARLP are already committed to their communities, their families, their workplaces, their paddocks or their passions. Making space for something as big as this program takes thought, planning and support.
Time away—what does it actually look like?
The ARLP runs over 15 months and includes four face-to-face sessions and considerable virtual and offline work. The face-to-face sessions are immersive, residential, and spread across remote and regional locations in Australia (and sometimes overseas).
You’ll spend around a month physically away from home, often disconnected from your devices and usual routines.
Yes, it’s a commitment. But it’s also one of the most powerful parts of the experience.
Disconnection as a powerful reset
We live in a connected world. Messages arrive in our pockets, news updates ping constantly, and home life doesn’t stop just because we’ve travelled hundreds or even thousands of kilometres for a leadership program.
But on the ARLP, we encourage a different kind of presence. We invite you to step out of the day-to-day and into something deeper – space to reflect, connect, listen, and learn without distraction.
Disconnection isn’t about isolation. It’s about creating room for clarity. And for many participants, it’s the first time in a long time they’ve truly paused to focus on their own growth.
Time away from family
This is a big one. For those with young kids, caring responsibilities, or close-knit family routines, the thought of being away can feel daunting. But what we hear time and again is that this time away creates stronger connections back home.
Participants return with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a greater sense of purpose. They model what it looks like to take bold steps, invest in themselves, and contribute to the greater good, powerful messages for partners, kids, and communities.
You’re not doing it alone
From the start, we help participants navigate the time commitment. Many talk openly with their employers, teams, and families well before the program begins. In fact, these conversations are leadership in action – communicating priorities, setting expectations, and inviting support.
And once you’re in, you’re not alone. You’ll be supported by peers who are walking the same path. People who get it.
A chance to slow down, dig deep and grow
Time is precious. But so is the opportunity to stretch, connect, and lead in new ways. The ARLP isn’t a quick fix. It’s not a series of Zoom calls squeezed into your lunch break. It’s a deep investment in who you are, what you stand for, and how you’ll lead change in rural, regional and remote Australia.
And for many, it’s life-changing.
If you’re thinking about applying but wondering how you’ll make the time—know that you’re not alone. Know that it’s normal to feel unsure. And know that the space you carve out for this program might just be the most powerful part of the whole experience.
