The Australian Rural Leadership Program is a world class program that aims to encourage rural and regional leaders to advance their knowledge and leadership skills. Each year, 30 people with a diverse range of interests begin the Australian Rural Leadership Program, which includes attendance at seven sessions, of one to two weeks’ duration.
Participants undertake personal growth activities in the Kimberley, have access to briefings by CEOs and senior policy makers across Australia, take part in overseas tours and participate in skills development sessions, such as dealing with the media and conflict resolution.
The Program’s Executive Director, Mike Beckingham, seeks candidates who are already involved in industry and/or community affairs and who have the potential to lead at regional, state and national levels, both within and outside their industry.
“The Australian Rural Leadership Program is an opportunity for participants to undertake a unique national leadership development program along with leaders from many rural and related sectors, including agriculture, agribusiness, indigenous affairs, environment, regional communities, rural finance, manufacturing, fishing, communications and policy making.
“The program is about building strong links between our rural leaders, and establishing a shared understanding of what needs to be done to create a prosperous future for our rural industries and communities,” he said.
Already over 240 graduates of the program and current course participants are making their mark in rural Australia, with many serving in key board or executive positions in rural industries and organisations.
Course participant and Roxby Downs CEO, Bill Boehm, said the program is of great importance to Australian Local Government.
“Local Government is a major body responsible for community development, and as an agent of change has a key role to play in community awareness and skills, particularly in rural areas,” he said. “The program is all about up skilling, selecting people from industries and teaching them skills that they can impart to the community.”
Bill Boehm said that in the process of enhancing individual skills, improvement would be made to industry.
“The skills I learn from the program will impart to my current position as CEO of Roxby Downs, now and in the future,” he said. “This program is first class, with the quality of the skills learnt and people contributing amazing amounts.”
A range of companies, industry bodies and Government departments sponsor the program. Selected participants are required to contribute $2,200, including GST, towards the cost of their involvement. Applications for participation in course ten of the Australian Rural Leadership Program will open in April 2002.
For further information telephone (02) 6281 0680 or visit www.rural-leaders.com.au.
