By Michelle Daw
For 30 years, the unique, experiential-based Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) has been bringing together and developing people from our rural, regional and remote communities, including those involved in all sectors of fishing and aquaculture.
The success of the program has been celebrated throughout 2022, culminating in a 30th Anniversary Gala in October at the National Museum of Australia, attended by 270 alumni, current participants, representatives supporting and sponsoring organisations.
The gala dinner began with a smoking ceremony and welcome to country.
Alumni from ARLF programs at the gala dinner.
To complement the gala, FRDC held a one-day workshop for ARLP alumni who were supported by FRDC, enabling them to reconnect around a shared purpose. The workshop included two-way updates between alumni and FRDC, exploration of new ways of approaching challenging problems and identifying opportunities for alumni to get involved in initiatives of FRDC and the broader in fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation was established in October 1992 and the ARLP was officially launched the following month.
ARLP graduates and FRDC executives took part in the program’s 30th anniversary gala celebrations held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
From left at rear: Andrew Sullivan, Sally Roberts, Peter Dundas-Smith, Matt Barwick, Tim Lester, Alex Ogg, Steven Gill, Adam Smith, and Crispian Ashby.
In front: Patrick Hone, Cheryl Cole, Kylie Dunstan, Lukina Lukin, Jenny Shaw, David Ellis and Ian Knuckey.
As it has continued to this day, the first iteration of the ARLP started with the immersive, experiential 13-day course in the Kimberley, designed for team-building and personal growth.
FRDC’s inaugural Executive Director, Peter Dundas Smith, admits he had very little background in fishing when he started in 1992. But drawing on his military background, he could see the need for leadership development. After he gained endorsement from the FRDC Board and the industry’s peak body at the time, FRDC became a foundation supporter of the ARLP.
“Apart from the enthusiasm of the industry members of my board at the time, I had no evidence of the fishing industry’s need for leadership development. However, it was only months, not years, later that I started to see that the ‘industry’ was a collective of sectors with leaders largely focussed on sectoral survival and profitability challenges,” he says.
“What seemed to be missing was the leadership capacity to unite the sectors in preparation for the growing global fishing challenges of the new century.
“What started as a good idea at the time has continued for 30 years producing industry leaders who have helped transform the industry into one which meets and often exceeds community obligations and expectations and is a world leader in the provision of quality, sustainable seafood and non-commercial fishing experiences. “
ARLP Honorary Fellow Dr Wendy Craik AM (left) with FRDC Stakeholder Engagement General Manager and ARLP alumni Kylie Dunstan at the 30th Anniversary Gala in Canberra.
FRDC Managing Director Dr Patrick Hone is a strong supporter of ARLP and was recognised with an ARLP Honorary Fellowship.
“Fishing and aquaculture have benefitted from the impact of ARLP alumni from all industries and sectors of rural, regional and remote Australia and the program has created an invaluable network for us at FRDC,” he says.
“People are the most important investment for any organisation and developing leadership is an invaluable way to grow that investment.”
Among the ARLP alumni is OceanWatch Australia Chief Executive Officer Lowri Pryce, who says she often leans into all that she learned through ARLP as she leads a busy team of natural resource management professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As CEO of a non-government organisation, I realised early on that my role is 90% about fostering internal and external relationships. You navigate as best you can. The experiences and skills I gained through ARLP provided strong anchors, and a few lifelines!
“My Cohort #22 were an incredible and inspirational group of men and women, whose influence I still feel today. “
Lowri’s key advice for anyone considering applying to join the ARLP is to be open to new ideas.
“Be ready to have your preconceived ideas and beliefs challenged and to learn, change and impart your knowledge for others to benefit,” she says. “ARLP sets you up for change, and challenges you to succeed – in your unique way!”
Another ARLP alumni, Tuna Australia Chief Executive David Ellis, says the program opened his eyes to a myriad of leadership approaches and styles that he has applied in different circumstances.
“ARLP takes you on a course of self-discovery, awareness and learning, and it will take you to the next step in your career,” he says. “However, it is not just about the individual with newfound skills, the challenge is to apply them for the betterment of your community, sector, and rural and regional Australia .”
Read more – ARLP 30th Anniversary
This reflects R&D Plan Outcome 3
