The Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) is regarded as one of the best leadership programs for rural, remote and regional Australia

Here is an exceptional opportunity for you or someone you may know living in rural Australia or working in a rural focussed enterprise.

After 16 years of ongoing success, the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) is regarded as one of the best leadership programs for rural, remote and regional Australia and continues to attract a large number of high-calibre applicants. Applications for Course 17 are due to close on 31 July and I would encourage you to pass on this information or consider applying yourself.

Those undertaking the leadership program work in food and fibre production, the mining and fishing industries, human services, regional organisations, research and development, and rural infrastructure provision. They include primary producers, scientists, Indigenous Australians, community leaders, private sector personnel, human service providers, and policy makers. The positions are fully sponsored by leading Australian agribusinesses and government departments. Participants make a personal contribution of $4000 + GST towards the program.

There are no prior education requirements that applicants need to meet to undertake the program. Rather, the ARLP is for men and women already active in leadership roles in rural communities, primary industries, and/or related infrastructure, service, research or support areas who:

want to help shape the future of remote, rural and regional Australia; have the capacity, prospects and commitment to lead at regional, state or national levels; are committed to developing and advancing a positive future for remote, rural and regional Australia; will attend all sessions of the Program and complete all requirements; and will contribute to and draw upon the Foundation's Network of Fellows. In the past, the Foundation has received 150 applications and interviewed 70 applicants for the 35 positions on each course. The Foundation will conduct interviews in Sep/Oct 2009, and make the final selections for Course 17 in December 2009.

The program, now in its 17th year, provides leadership training to meet emerging challenges in rural, regional and remote Australia. The hands-on Program over 16 months includes challenge-based education, workshops, discussions and an overseas field study.

I would encourage you to pass on this information and visit www.rural-leaders.com.au for more information.

Application forms are available from the Foundation by email: info@rural-leaders.com.au or phone: (02) 6281 0680 or can be downloaded from the Foundation's website: www.rural-leaders.com.au