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Lead Your Region’s Future. Join the First Five. 

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Grow your influence. Strengthen your region. Lead lasting change.

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), is seeking five exceptional individuals from each of 12 selected regions to become the foundational leaders of the Impact Leadership Program.  

This is more than a leadership program, it is an invitation to join an emergent, adaptive movement designed to build social resilience and support change making across regional, rural, and remote Australia. As one of the First Five in your region, you will not only develop your own capacity but will and be equipped to facilitate and lead regional programs your entire community.

Why Join the Impact Leadership Program?

Your daily efforts are already creating a positive impact where you live. You see the potential for a better future and want to take the initiative to help others. We want to help you expand that vision across your entire region.

This program develops your ability to become the type of social infrastructure that keeps communities strong and connected. By stepping forward you ensure your region has the capability to thrive through any challenge. Your growth through the Impact Leadership Program will create a ripple effect that can benefit your community for future generations.

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Fully Funded Scholarship

Each place on the program is valued at over $12,000. This is fully funded and covers your immersive learning, travel and expert coaching.

National Connection

Your journey begins at the National Impact Forum in June 2026, where you will connect with 60 like-minded peers from across the country.

Real-World Application

You won't just learn abstract theory or hear other people's stories. This program is built on the ARLF's three decades of developing leaders through experiential learning. Equally you will be able to apply it by tailoring and delivering leadership programs directly in your region.

Professional Coaching

Engage in sessions of individual and group coaching from expert ARLF facilitators. The ARLF is recognized nationally for developing leaders who deliver significant results across a range of sectors in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Lasting Legacy

You will play a central role in strengthening the social infrastructure and networks your community needs to thrive through future droughts and challenges.

Key Dates 

  • Applications Open

    2nd February 2026

     

  • Applications Close

    6th April 2026

     

  • Review and Assessment of Applications

    6th - 30th April 2026

     

  • Regional Group Interviews

    4th – 15th May 2026

     

  • Confirmation & Onboarding

    25th – 30th May 2026

     

  • National Impact Forum

    23rd – 25th June 2026

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Your Role in the Impact Leadership Program

As part of the First Five you are the catalyst for a ripple effect in your region. Your commitment includes:

  • Learning & Immersing: Participate in 15 days of learning and development; some in-person and some online.  Attend the National Impact Forum with other rural leaders, to focuson systems leadership, human-centered design and facilitation.

  • Facilitating Change: Use your new skills to help deliver a local Networked Leadership Program for people in your community.

  • Hosting Conversations: Co-host forums that spark genuine collaborative action.

  • Building Capability: Act as a connector who can bridge different sectors and help your region have better conversations, even when topics are tense or difficult.

Is This You?

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Are you a connector with trusted, embedded relationships on the ground?

Are you already committed to your community and looking for a way to extend the change and innovation you want to see?

Do you have an open mind and a willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse cohort? 

Are you comfortable (or willing to grow) in facilitating small groups and community discussions?

Can you commit to the full program timeline (approximately 10–18 months depending on the region)? 

Do you reside in the one of the 12 regions that is part of the Impact Leadership Program? 

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Setting the standard for leadership development

  • With more than three decades of evidence-based practice and 3,000+ alumni, the ARLF is recognised nationally as an organisation that develops people who drive Australia’s rural and regional future across business, government and communities.
  • At its core the ARLF is about experiential learning and creating environments where participants can explore challenges, build trust and learn from one another. We are not about sitting through lectures.

  • With extensive exerience and iterative development of our leadership training, we understand the realities of genuine leadership and understand what works.

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Creating genuine impact

  • Every Changemaker Workshop ends with clear, actionable plans so participants can translate insights into change immediately. Impact is immediate.
  • Participants consistently report stronger networks, renewed motivation, and tangible progress on projects, across a range of challenges from business collaborations to drought resilience initiatives.
  • With access to ARLF's network participants have the opportunity to join a wider movement of leaders shaping Australia’s future. This means ongoing support and opportunities for further learning. 
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Expertise and lived experience

  • ARLF facilitators are seasoned leaders who’ve worked across primary industires, local government, community development and business. They bring authority, credibility and empathy born from real experience.

  • Every Changemaker Workshop is tailored to participants needs. This ensures that the program is relevant to your organisation's unique challenges and goals.

  • The ARLF combines the best of leadership research with practical tools that have been proven to work on the ground across a range of locations, industries and communities.

Discover the impact of the ARLF learning experience

When you join the Impact Leadership Program, you are entering a tradition of excellence backed by more than three decades of evidence-based practice and a powerful network of over 3,000 alumni who drive the future of Australia’s rural and regional sectors.

The ARLF is recognized nationally for developing leaders who deliver significant results across a range of sectors in rural, regional and remote Australia.

The ARLF leadership model is built on decades of proven results, merging strong academic foundations with the latest in leadership thinking.

Experiential Learning

We believe leadership is a practice, not a theory. You won’t be sitting through static lectures. Instead you will engage in immersive, hands-on learning designed to challenge and grow your capabilities.

Safe Spaces for Growth

We create unique environments where you can explore complex challenges, build deep trust and learn directly from the experiences of your peers.

Real world outcomes

Our training is the result of three decades of continuous iterative development. We also understand the realities of regional leadership and provide frameworks that are proven to work in real-world contexts.

Systems-Focused Leadership

This program represents a shift from individual development to a systems approach, helping you understand and influence the broader networks that shape your region’s resilience.

Collaborative Practice

You will move beyond the idea of a "hero leader" to discover how leadership is shared, strengthened and sustained through collective action.

Ready to make an impact?

Don't just participate in a program—help lead it.

Be the social infrastructure your region needs to grow its resilience.

 

Register Now