International Award for Rob Patrick

At the 2008 Conference of the International Association of Programs of Agricultural Leadership (IAPAL), Rob Patrick, Program Director with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, was honoured with the IAPAL award for the Outstanding Leadership Program Director.

IAPAL is a consortium of agricultural leadership programs. The group is comprised of agricultural program directors from over forty US states as well as programs from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The group which meets annually gathered in Guelph, Canada in October this year.  

Professor Peter Shergold, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board said: “Rob has been responsible for designing and delivering the Foundation’s leadership development programs for seven years. His background in farming (sheep/beef) and management has served the Foundation well in that time, as has his experience in agribusiness and natural resource management.”

The Foundation’s Chief Executive, Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick said, “In his time with the Foundation, Rob has been instrumental in the development of around 250 rural leaders who have completed the Foundation’s flagship program, the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) and a number of short courses.  The inscription on his IAPAL award aptly sums up the contribution of a man:

“[w]hose intense and earnest vision for leadership has shaped the lives of leaders in Australia matched by an imprint worthy of platinum tier "Mateship" and targeted global impact.”

Rob said, “I am honoured to have received this recognition. But more importantly, I will be overseeing the graduation of 33 rural leaders who will complete Course 14 of the ARLP next week.”

The participants will meet in Canberra for the week to learn more about politics and lobbying in Australia. Among other key presenters, they will be addressed by the Foundation’s Chairman, Professor Peter Shergold.  

The Honourable Fred Chaney will be the guest speaker at their Graduation ceremony on Friday and will present graduands with their graduation certificate