Drought Resilience Leaders Programs

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has been proudly helping to develop ethical and courageous leaders for rural, regional and remote Australia since 1992.

This year they added a suite of personal and professional development opportunities designed to equip people with skills to help their community navigate the complex challenges of drought and climate change.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and facilitated by the ARLF, each program takes an innovative approach to building leadership skills through collaborative learning and mentoring.

There are three Drought Resilience programs being delivered by the ARLF:

• Drought Resilience Leaders Mentoring Program – The ARLF has teamed up with the National Farmers Federation to offer a nationwide mentoring program.The programaims to help Australian farmers and rural communities build upon, and share, collective knowledge about how to adapt and build resilience in challenging times.

It uses mentoring to help expand networks between farmers, industry specialists and rural communities. We’re looking for both mentees and mentors to join the program.  It’s a great personal development and networking opportunity.

It’s as little as one conversation a month for six months between Jan – Jun next year and yet it opens you up to a whole new network across the country, as well as new resources, skills and information. 

Farmers and those with a strong connection to the agricultural industry are eligible to apply. Applications close 5^th December 2021.  

Here’s the website link for more information and to apply.

• Drought Resilience Leaders Development Programs provide an opportunity for emerging leaders in 12 regions across Australia to develop contemporary, evidence-based leadership skills that benefit their communities’ drought response. Each program is facilitated via three multi-day sessions over six to eight weeks.  Sessions are running in specific locations in each state and territory across the country (except the ACT).  

The two programs running in NSW will be held in the following locations: 

• Far Western NSW (Mar – Apr 2022)
• North-West Slopes and Plains (Feb – Mar 2022)

Check out this link for more information, how to apply, and information about other locations of programs in 2022.  Applications close Dec 5, 2021.

• The Webinar Series – An eight-part ‘Lunch and Learn’ webinar series looks at what it takes to make Australian rural communities’ drought and climate change resilient.
  
  Producers, industry professionals and scientists share experiences and real-life case studies from across the country. Learn about practical solutions to thrive – not just survive – in times of drought. It’s open to everyone. Part 1 was recorded on 26 October 2021 and Part 2 will be held Thursday Nov 18 2021 at 12pm.
  
  Here’s more information on our Webinar Series.

There is lots of opportunity to get involved with a range of great programs, each contributing the national conversation about drought resilience.  If you know someone who would benefit from joining one of these programs, please encourage them to apply. And that someone might just be you!

For more information, please call Julia Strang on 0450 357 169 or visit www.rural-leaders.org.au

Want to have your say on the future of farming in NSW? NSW Farmers has partnered with the Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre and the University of New England (UNE) to release a future of farming survey for farmers. Read more here