Peak industry bodies, corporates, government and the philanthropic sector view leadership as critical in ensuring stronger regions.
They’ve again invested in leaders from across the country to participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP). It’s the 31st course of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s national flagship program that’s iconic for its unique and life changing experience.
The ARLP remains the longest and most in-depth experiential leadership development program in the country and is renowned for developing leaders who go on to drive change and impact at a regional, state, national and international level. This leadership is critical if our regions are to adapt to a changing world and take greater control of their own future.
Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer, Allan Cameron, who attended the recent launch of course 31 says workforce retention is one such issue. He says the foundation’s invested in ARLP scholarships for over a decade.
“Leadership is a vital component of the dairy industry, particularly in addressing critical issues such as workforce attraction, retention and housing. Strong community leaders are essential for the prosperity of our communities. Gardiner Foundation is recognised for investing in the development of leadership skills of people within the dairy sector, thereby enhancing both industry and community leadership capacity,” Mr Cameron said.
“Gardiner Foundation is committed to advancing this further by offering opportunities for real-world experiential leadership in programs like ARLP. Continuous learning is a hallmark of successful individuals, and our investments will enable dairy professionals and community members to acquire the necessary skills and experiences to lead with confidence.”
Australian Lot Feeders’ Association’s general manager Madie Hamilton says alumni they’ve invested in over 20 years continue to provide valuable leadership within the industry.
“It’s super important for us at the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, together with Meat and Livestock Australia, to invest in our people for the future, and through programs like the ARLP to upskill our people in terms of leadership development, because the future is our people. The feedlot industry really relies on its people to progress and advance and therefore investing in leadership skills so that we can have really robust, great leadership into the future,” she said.
“It’s a unique program that brings lots of different people together. It’s not just agribusiness and so it allows our leaders to draw upon other industries, not just our own, which is really important.”
This latest cohort of 28 includes backgrounds and experience in community, disability, First Nations and multicultural engagement; remote pharmacy and First Nations health including traditional bush medicine; mental health; grain, livestock and food supply chains; export trading; sustainable farming systems; biosecurity; biodiversity and climate change; cotton seed distribution; ag research and consulting; agrifood and tourism; nutraceuticals and integrated veterinary rehabilitation; regional business and economic development; international diplomacy; the seafood industry and abalone diving; and communications, ag podcasting and broadcasting.
One of those is Meerlieu man Nick Blandford. Through his extensive experience in various community and industry leadership roles, Nick has developed a nuanced understanding of the agricultural sector and its challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, health, safety, wellbeing, and the complexities of global market competition. His insights are grounded in the belief that a robust agriculture sector is vital for the resilience of rural and regional communities, and he advocates for pragmatic progression within the industry to maintain its integral role in these areas.
Nick’s position with the Victorian Government’s Young Farmers Advisory Council and the National Centre for Farmer Health allows him to offer candid and fearless advice on issues affecting both his local community and the wider industry at state and national levels. A progressive thinker, he seeks to cultivate ideas and networks to bring about meaningful changes, addressing critical issues like improving mental health support in farming communities, fostering alignment between government policy and agricultural practices for climate change, and enhancing the representation of farming communities in all levels of government in Australia.
Committed to driving impactful leadership, Nick actively supports organisations advocating for necessary changes within the industry. Outside of work, his dedication extends to his involvement with the Meerlieu Rural Fire Brigade and Bengworden Landcare group, where he plays a crucial role in preparing and responding to the needs of his community.
IMAGE: Nick Blandford.
