It’s been a massive month of alumni catch-ups, stretching from Brisbane to Geraldton, Hobart to Rutherglen, a true reflection of our Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) alumni network’s reach and connection.
At evokeAG in Brisbane, over 40 alumni kicked off Day 2 of the conference with a breakfast hosted by Matt and a well-staffed ARLF team. A huge thanks to everyone who made the time to join us during a really busy few days! And a huge thanks to the team on the ground in Brisbane working hard to maximise the opportunity of so many alum gathered in one spot.
Meanwhile, ARLF Community Connector, Gemma Rostron, was working to strengthen connections and foster conversations by hosting local catch-ups in Geraldton and Hobart. Thanks Gemma so much for making the extra effort to convene local gatherings as you work your way around the country in your role.
And down in Rutherglen, Victoria, Susan Benedyka (ARLP 4) brought a group of local alumni together to reflect on ARLF’s work and explore where we should focus our efforts in the future. The gathering took place at the stunning Lake Moodemere Estate, the first winery in north-east Victoria to be certified as sustainable and proudly owned and operated by alum Belinda Chambers (ARLP 24).
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to these events! The power of our ARLF alumni network lies in remaining connected. And these opportunities, both big and small, help to achieve that.
Upcoming events
As part of ARLP cohort 31’s session 3 in Kapunda (just north of Adelaide) in April, there’ll be an ARLF alumni and Community Event held on the afternoon of Thursday, 10 April.
Local stakeholders, alumni and others connected to the cohort, and our broader network will gather to share afternoon tea, participate in a leadership activity and learn about the Cohort 31’s project initiatives. A networking dinner will be held in the evening where we will honour Alumi who’ve passed in the last little while.
If you keen to know more and would like to attend, (maybe you are travelling Adelaide for the AFL’s annual Gather Round that weekend!) reach out to julias@rural-leders.org.au.
When: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Time: 5.00pm – 7:.0pm
Where: The Commercial Hotel – 161 Brisbane St, Dubbo
Cost: $20 per head (includes nibbles & share plates – drinks are on you!)
When: Wednesday, 12 March
Time: 7.00 am – 8.30 am
Where: Yaye’s café
Cost: $20 per person
When: Thursday, 10 April
Time: 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Where: Shedshaker Brewery
Cost: $20 per head (includes nibbles & share plates – drinks are on you!)
When: Saturday, 10 May
Time: 7.00am – 8.30 am
Where: Lonsdale Café, Braddon
Cost: $20 per head
Join us for a special evening at Mount Gnomon Farm to connect over a locally inspired dining experience. Curated in partnership with Tasting Trail Tasmania, you will hear from Tasmanian producers and industry leaders about their journeys, challenges and innovations.
You’ll also have the chance to meet participants from the 2025 Tasmanian Leaders Program, offering a unique opportunity to engage with our newest cohort of leaders.
Walk for leadership - Larapinta Fundraising Walk UPDATE
Alum Donna Digby has almost finalised her walking crew for the 2025 Leadership on Larapinta Fundraising Walk. Donna is again determined to raise funds so that another Northern Territory leader can participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) next year.
With 9 out of 10 spots filled, there’s just one last chance to join this adventure. And, with a rain-filled summer, the red centre is set to bloom in May, promising an abundance of wildflowers in a show of colourful support for the team of walkers.
In mid-March, the 2025 walkers will be announced, along with the recipient of the 2025 ARLP scholarship, funded by last year’s Larapinta efforts.
If you’re keen to be that final walker or want to learn more email Donna Digby or visit the website.
Pedalling for change
Former ARLF Program Manager and Honorary Fellow, Graham Smith, is taking leadership to the road again. After seven inspiring years with the ARLF, he knows that true leadership is about adapting, learning and moving forward.
In the next few weeks, Graham is putting that philosophy into action by taking on another cycling challenge. You might recall Graham raising over $7000 for the ARLF by riding from Canberra to Brisbane last year.
This 1200 km riding adventure will take Graham and his riding companion Joel from Canberra to Hobart, fully self-supported, to raise funds for the Bruce Simpson Scholarship Fund.
Bruce, an ARLP Fellow, was one of the first people Graham met during his time at the ARLF. His generosity, wisdom and connections helped shape leadership programs that continue to benefit so many others. In a case of serendipity, Graham had worked closely with Bruce’s brother, John Simpson, in a corporate sponsorship role.
The journey…
Departing Canberra | Sunday, 23 March
Deniliquin (Bruce’s hometown) | Saturday, 29 March for the scholarship’s official launch
Arriving in Hobart | Saturday, 13 April
More than just a physical challenge, this ride is a tribute to both Bruce and John, and the enduring impact of leadership. Stay tuned for details on how to support the cause and help more rural leaders thrive.
Call out to all REGENERATE alumni
We’re reaching out to Regenerate alumni to capture reflections on the program.
We’d love to hear how the program has impacted you, what you’ve achieved in your community, the key challenges and opportunities in your region and how we can better support leadership development.
We’d love you to join one of two group discussions:
Thursday, 6 March | 7.00 – 8.00 pm
Wednesday, 12 March | 7.00 – 8.00 pm
If you’re keen to join either discussion or a different time please reach out to our Insights Manager, Werner Vogels .
ARLF Alumni in the spotlight
We know our 3000+ ARLF alumni are out there making a difference, each in their own way, and we love seeing their impact in action! Here’s a snapshot of a few recent highlights:
Elise Petty (ARLP 14) shares her story on Motherland Australia in a special bonus episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts
Andrew Bryant (ARLP 28 & ARLF Learning Manager) features in the latest episode of our Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast. Tune in here: Listen now and to also catch up on all episodes.
Amanda Garner (ARLP 23) & Marianne Stewart (ARLP 21) have been busy building something special in Birregurra—an Indigenous food business and now a local grocer. They even featured on Channel 9’s Postcards recently! Watch their segment, The Charming Small Town of Birregurra, here: Watch now
