We're social impact collaborators
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is a for-purpose organisation that’s been making strides in rural, regional and remote communities across Australia.
The world is changing and it's important we keep up so we can build leadership capacity where needed most and continue shaping and driving change in these areas.
Our purpose
We foster and exercise leadership for positive impact.
Our vision
We want to see thriving rural, regional and remote communities strengthening Australia and our regional neighbours.
We're a for-purpose organisation driving change and fostering resilience in rural, regional and remote communities through the development of courageous and authentic leadership.
Our values
Our values inform how we work towards our vision and purpose, how we support human wellbeing, and how we ensure a sustainable shared environment.
Respect and engage with First Nations' cultural knowledge
We acknowledge that our activities and initiatives are carried out on the traditional lands of Australia’s First People. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of all the lands on which we meet, work and live and recognise that this land has always been and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
Embrace diversity of views, perceptions, backgrounds and cultures
Diversity of views, perceptions, backgrounds, and cultures make us richer. We can learn more, do more, and achieve more by listening to others.
Challenge entrenched ideas
If we always do what we've always done, then we'll never progress. As part of our commitment to innovation and impact for the greater good, we challenge entrenched ideas in respectful ways.
Foster collaboration and act beyond self
We act beyond self for the greater good of our communities. Collectively, we can have a deeper impact and influence change.
Pursue lifelong learning
We believe anyone can and deserves opportunities for lifelong learning. No matter your learning style, our experiential learning methodology will cut through.
How we are governed
We were registered as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 3 September 1992, and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) on 3 December 2012. We are governed by provisions of the Corporations Act (2001) and our Constitution. As a registered charity we must meet the legislative and reporting requirements administered by the ACNC, including certain governance standards. We hold fundraising permits with state and territory authorities and have deductible gift recipient status. Our Board of Directors is guided by our Constitution and the Board Charter and works with our Chief Executive to establish our strategic direction.
Meet our board of directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of people with expertise in various sectors including agribusiness, finance, fundraising, community work and leadership. One position is reserved for an Australian Rural Leadership Program Fellow. The board establishes our strategic direction, monitors the progress of our priorities, and oversees governance.
Board
VIC
Rick Sawers
Board
The Hon. Niall Blair
Board
Sally Dalwood (Branson)
Board Chairs
-
Rgt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC
1992-1993 -
Mr John Allwright AO
1993-1994 -
Mr Bruce Gowrie Smith
1994 -
Mr David Asimus AO
1994-1999 -
Mr Robert Ferguson
1999-2000 -
Mr David Crombie AM
2000-2008 -
Prof Peter Shergold AC
2008-2010 -
Dr Wendy Craik AM
2010-2016 -
Mike Caroll
2016 -2022 -
Rick Sawers
2022 - current
Chief Executives/ Executive Directors
-
Mr Mike Beckingham
1992-2001 -
Mr John Quantrill
2001-2004 -
Dr Steve Clark
2004-2006 -
Mr Steve Marshall
2006-2007 -
Ms Lisa Wilson
2006-2007 -
Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick
2007-2014 -
Matt Linnegar
2014 -current
Get to know the team
Chief Executive | Staff
ACT | Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Matt Linnegar
Director | Engagement | Staff
QLD | Meanjin Country
Philippa Woodhill
Engagement | Networks | Staff
NSW | Wiradjuri Country
Julia Strang
Engagement | Networks | Staff
NT
Jema Brown
Engagement | Funding | Staff
QLD | Meanjin Country
Vivienne Johnson
Engagement | Funding | Staff
ACT | Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Gemma Gordon
Meet our patrons
Patron
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Patron
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (MIL) CVO MC (RETD)
Patron
Tim Fairfax AC
Our senior executives contribute to the ARLF's success & growth.
Since 1992, our senior executives have been helping our organisation deliver leadership development programs.
Board Chairs
-
Rgt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC
1992-1993 -
Mr John Allwright AO
1993-1994 -
Mr Bruce Gowrie Smith
1994 -
Mr David Asimus AO
1994-1999 -
Mr Robert Ferguson
1999-2000 -
Mr David Crombie AM
2000-2008 -
Prof Peter Shergold AC
2008-2010 -
Dr Wendy Craik AM
2010-2016 -
Mike Caroll
2016 -2022 -
Rick Sawers
2022 - Current
Chief Executives/ Executive Directors
-
Mr Mike Beckingham
1992-2001 -
Mr John Quantrill
2001-2004 -
Dr Steve Clark
2004-2006 -
Mr Steve Marshall
2006-2007 -
Ms Lisa Wilson
2006-2007 -
Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick
2007-2014 -
Matt Linnegar
2014- Current
Explore our annual reports
Let's cultivate leadership together
We are fortunate to partner with a wide range of organisations, across a variety of sectors. Together, we design and deliver local and national leadership development programs for a thriving rural, regional and remote Australia.
