The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation announced in January the names of the 32 successful candidates for the 9th intake of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).Through the National Office of Local Government (NOLG), the Department of Transport and Regional Services has again provided a scholarship for a person with a Local Government background to complete the prestigious ARLP.
The successful candidate for Course 9 is Darriea Turley, currently the Deputy Mayor of Broken Hill and employed by the Far West Area Health Service as the Sexual Health Coordinator. Darriea joins Lynette Seymour who has also received a scholarship from the Department. We wish both candidates all the best for a very exciting 18 months.
Last year’s NOLG scholarship winner was Bill Boehm. Bill is the Administrator of the Roxby Downs Council. Bill says that participation on the ARLP course has been an outstanding opportunity and he has learnt that although leadership is lonely, catalytic leadership involves fostering a shared vision with a core group of people and having the ‘passion’ to keep this alive.
He also says that leaders:
- need to develop processes that continually renew their energy;
- should look with new eyes and be willing to take a risks;
- should above all have fun!
John Quantrill, Executive Director of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, which conducts this world-class leadership development program said; “One of the key components to the success of the Program is the diversity in the background, experience and skills of the participants and the mix of participants for Course 9 definitely reflects this.
“This diversity adds not only to the knowledge attained throughout the Program, but also to the effectiveness of the graduates’ network – a 200 strong network of strategic thinking rural Australians who share a vision for the future of rural Australia and have the skills to make that vision a reality.
“The Network alliances cross state and industry boundaries providing a unifying influence when it comes to addressing common issues. It is a forum for the sharing of ideas, experience and skills in relation to leadership in rural and regional Australia. There is usually a lively debate via e-mail, on a variety of subjects from water conservation to the future of rural communities and everything else in between.”
These 32 selected Leaders will embark on an 18 month part time program of six week-long sessions, in a variety of locations throughout Australia, as well a two week overseas study tour.
“We are looking past the notion of ‘on the job’ development,” John Quantrill said. “Those with leadership potential need to be identified early and exposed to a carefully crafted range of experiences; personal growth, leadership development, knowledge acquisition and networking skills, in order to realise their capability.”
One measure of the success of the Program is the enthusiasm with which graduates and sponsors encourage young leaders, and seek new participants for the Program.
Applications for Course 10 open in April 2003, the main criteria being that candidates are already in industry/community leadership positions, and that they have a desire and commitment to see a prosperous and competitive future for rural Australia.
For an application form or further information please phone 02 6281 0680 or e-mail the Foundation info@arlp.net.au or visit our website at www.rural-leaders.com.au
