Honorary Fellowship

At the AGM in 2009, the Foundation Board awarded its first Honorary Fellows.

An individual may be inducted as an honorary fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation if they have met one or more of the following criteria:

The individual has a commitment to rural Australia and to the Foundation and its role
The individual has provided meritorious service to rural, regional or remote Australia and/or to communities, industries or groups within it
The individual has provided meritorious service to the Company as Patron, Chairman, Director or Chief Executive.
The individual has demonstrated a commitment to pursuing and advancing activities and goals that are aligned with those of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
The individual exhibits values that are compatible with those o f the Foundation
The individual has a proven or potential capacity to make a significant contribution to the Foundation and its network of fellows.

John Brockelsby

johnbrockelsby crop John Brockelsby, affectionately know as JB, has been associated with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation since the first ARLP was run in 1993. He has attended every outdoor session of the Australian Rural Leadership Program since then, with the exception of Course Three. This remains a cause of great disappointment to him.

John has been firmly committed to the Foundation’s aims and objectives and has worked closely with the Foundation team over the years to ensure the outdoor session has delivered the best possible outcomes in the safest possible way.

He takes great pride in his long association with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, believing it plays a vital role, not only in enhancing the strength of the rural sector to position Australia in facing its future, but also in bringing together all the peoples of Australia.

David Crombie

DavidCrombie David’s involvement with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation commenced in November 2000 when he was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. David brought with him a passion for developing young rural leaders and a determination to introduce proper governance into the organisation. He assisted the Foundation to recognise and respond to the changing needs and dimensions of sponsors by opening doors and facilitating conversations with critically important people.

He inducted and supported new Chief Executives and presented a role model for many of our graduates and aspiring participants.

Colin Hendrie

ColinHendrie Raised in the bush of Zimbabwe, Colin's knowledge of, and love for, the outdoors has been a major influence on his life. After 12 years active service as an army officer (rank of major) in Zimbabwe and 3 years as a Special Forces squadron commander, Sultanate of Oman, Colin embarked on a career in senior management roles in South Africa, the USA and Australia. His commercial focus was diverse, including chipboard manufacturing, international car rental, security and human resource development.

Dennis Mutton

Dennis Mutton served on the Foundation Board from November 2000 – November 2007. Dennis is one of the longest serving Board members, during which time a considerable part was as Treasurer/Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.

Dennis has always been supportive of Foundation staff and continues to be a valuable resource for the Foundation staff and network of fellows.

Dennis remains a committed supporter and advocate of the Foundation

Mike Beckingham

Mike was one of the driving forces behind the Foundation. Mike realised that people living beyond the cities needed investment to develop skills they could take back to their communities. This was to help address the enormous change going on in these communities. Thus the Australian Rural Leadership foundation was born. It was through his drive, enthusiasm and ability to communicate with the right people to gain the support for the initial programs that set the base for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. His legacy lives on today in the current organisation and in the many fellows that continue to make a difference in many areas across rural and regional Australia. Mike was awarded Honorary Fellowship in November 2009.

Anne Dunn

Anne joined the Board of the Foundation in 2000 and brought with her a wealth of executive experience in community development, training and women's advisory councils. Anne is passionate about the role Foundation fellows have to play in developing communities across Australia. She was inspirational as a board member and always challenged the board to question the status quo and break down barriers. Anne is particularly passionate about the role women and indigenous graduates have to play in rural and regional Australia. Anne continues to take an active interest in the network and in helping fellows develop skills and contacts both in Australia and internationally. Anne was recognised as an Honorary Fellow in November 2009.

John Quantrill

John joined the Foundation at the very beginning and provided much of the drive, expertise and organisation skills to set up the program and make the concept work and remain viable. John held many positions within the Foundation including Program Director and Chief Executive Officer. As a founding member of the staff, his efforts made a significant contribution to the ongoing success of the Foundation and the development of leaders in many communities and industries across Australia. John was recognised for his contribution to the Foundation and accepted his Honorary Fellowship in November 2009.