Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

02/11/2026

Last Friday we took some time to get together and farewell our departing Chief Executive Matt Linnegar in a way that reflected Matt himself... warm, relaxed and full of good humour.

Matt has been far more than just our Chief Executive. He’s been a leader people genuinely want to follow, a colleague people trust and, for many, a great mate. His warmth, humility and care for people have earned him enormous respect and affection throughout the ARLF and our wider network.

There are plenty of professional achievements we could celebrate, and we have. But this time was about recognising the way he has made people feel along the way. Valued, heard and part of something that matters.

Twelve years is an extraordinary contribution. We thank him for his leadership, his humour, his humanity and all he’s given to the ARLF and rural Australia.

02/11/2026

A great opportunity for people in the Australian cotton industry looking to invest in their leadership development.

Applications for CRDC’s Leadership Development Scholarship close this Friday, 6 November.

If you’ve been considering applying, now’s the time!

You know the value of giving a crop the right conditions to grow. What about giving yourself the same opportunity? 🫵

Applications are closing soon for the current round of CRDC Leadership Development Scholarships.

Choose a leadership course that suits your goals, builds your skills and helps you make an even stronger contribution to the cotton industry.

Ready to grow what comes next? Applications close Friday 6 November.

Find out more:https://crdc.com.au/sites/default/files/pdf/EOI%201132%20Leadership%20Development%20Scholarship.pdf

28/10/2026

One of the unexpected things about mentoring?

You might go into it thinking you’re there to learn from someone else.
But somewhere along the way, you realise you’re both learning from each other.

And what starts as a formal mentoring relationship can turn into a genuine friendship, professional connection or someone you continue to turn to years later.

Applications are now open for the National Mentoring Initiative. For more information, visit https://hubs.la/Q04Cybbp0

Find this episode of ‘Rural Leaders’ on your favourite podcast platform.

The National Mentoring Initiative received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It’s delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
FRRR

23/10/2026

More than 100 people, and counting.
That’s how many rural leaders AgriFutures Australia has sponsored through our programs over more than 30 years.
Every one of them has taken what they learned back home to their farms, businesses, industries and communities. That’s a lot of ripple effect.
Thank you, AgriFutures Australia, for believing in rural leadership for so long.

18/10/2026

Don't forget to register! Join us to learn more about what to look forward for ARLP Course 34 including dates, program details and the learning principles behind it.

When: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Online https://hubs.la/Q04zS66N0
Cost: No cost.

ARLF is launching Course 34 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP). This next iteration continues to build on the very best of experiential learning and contemporary leadership development, while remaining true to the north star of the program to develop exceptional leaders for rural, regional and remote Australia.

For 30 years we have iterated the ARLP by integrating partner and participant feedback, learning developments and the evolving needs of rural Australia. This innovation continues with Course 34. We have updated the timeframe and structure to ensure the program delivers the impact for which it is known.

15/10/2026

Sometimes the biggest shifts in our careers come from having someone who sees something in us before we see it ourselves.

A good mentor doesn’t necessarily give you all the answers. They ask the right questions, share what they’ve learnt and give you the confidence to have a crack.

And often, that little bit of guidance can change a lot.

Who’s been that person for you? Tag them below.

Applications are now open for the National Mentoring Initiative. For more information, visit https://hubs.la/Q04zR09g0

Find this episode of ‘Rural Leaders’ on your favourite podcast platform.

The National Mentoring Initiative received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It’s delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
FRRR

14/10/2026

Today is International Day of Rural Women, and 2026 is also the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Globally, women make up close to 40% of the agricultural workforce, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Yet they own only around 15% of agricultural land and often have less access to credit, markets and decision-making.

Across rural, regional and remote Australia, we see women stepping up every day. They run farm businesses, lead industry bodies, chair community committees and take on roles that shape the future of their regions.

We're seeing this in our programs too, with more women joining our cohorts every year.
Leadership isn't about title or position. It's about the actions people take and the impact they have on the people and places around them. Today we celebrate the rural women doing exactly that.

12/10/2026

Ever feel like you're expected to have all the answers?

Whether you're leading a team, a business or a community initiative, it can feel like the pressure is on you to solve every challenge alone. But what if better leadership starts with asking for help?

In case you missed it, check out this episode of the Rural Leaders podcast. Oli speaks with Tanya Stevenson, CEO of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre about the power of collaboration, building meaningful partnerships and why some of the strongest leaders are the ones who actively seek out ideas, expertise and support from others.

From overcoming imposter syndrome to setting ego aside for greater impact, Tanya shares practical insights on how connection and shared ownership can help you achieve more than you ever could alone.

HBNC

Find Rural Leaders on your favourite podcast platform.

11/10/2026

Looking for someone to talk things through with? Or ready to share what you've learned along the way?

Expressions of interest are open for the 2027 National Mentoring Initiative.

This 12-month virtual program pairs people connected to rural, regional and remote Australia to share experience, perspective and knowledge. Across the year, you'll meet with your matched mentor or mentee 12 times and join online learning sessions with guest speakers focused on leadership, communication and resilience.

Our team carefully matches each pair based on experience, focus areas and goals, so both people get something meaningful out of it.

It's open to anyone over 18 with a connection to rural, regional or remote Australia, and participation is fully funded.

Express your interest here: https://hubs.la/Q04zQZRy0

This program received funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. It's delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
FRRR

07/10/2026

Not the strategy. Not the budget outcome. Not the award or the milestone or the recognition.

The person who came through your team nervous and left confident. The emerging leader you gave a chance to before they had the track record. The colleague you challenged to be more than they were settling for.

That impact doesn't appear in a KPI. It appears years later, in the way they lead, the way they show up, the way they remember you when you're not in the room.

Who developed you and have you told them what that meant?