Information for Applicants for Course 19 (May 2012 - Sept 2013)

The Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) aims to produce a network of informed, capable and ethical leaders who are able to work collaboratively to advance the interests of their industries, communities and rural Australia in general.  The program works to improve the capacity of rural leaders to engage wherever a challenge is best addressed and wherever they can contribute most effectively. This may be within communities and industries, in the political arena or in team-based roles.

The ARLP Curriculum is designed to expose developing leaders to learning opportunities in three key areas which are critical to capability and effectiveness in a leader. They are:

• personal effectiveness;
• ethics, values, social responsibility and an appreciation of diversity; and
• thinking, conceptual and analytical skills.

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.

Selection is competitive. Following the short-listing of applicants based on this application, the Foundation will conduct interviews for short-listed applicants in regional locations during Sep/Oct/Nov, and make selections for Course 19 in December 2011.

Participants must commit to engage with sponsors, industry and community about the lessons gained from participating in the Australian Rural Leadership Program and continue to use these learnings for the advancement of rural and regional Australia. To balance the requirements of leadership experience and long term return on investment.  In the past, the Foundation has received around 150 applications and interviewed some 70 applicants for the 35 or so positions on each course.

The Foundation will conduct interviews in Sep/Oct 2011, and make the final selections for Course 19 in December 2011.

Outline of the Sessions for ARLP Course 19

The table below is indicative only and firm dates will be available in Dec 2011.

May 2012 Kimberley, WA 13 Days

Aug 2012 SA 8 Days

Nov 2012 ACT/NSW 8 Days

Feb 2013 QLD 8 Days

June 2013 Overseas 14 Days

Sept 2013 Regional Centre 7 Days

Conduct of the Course

The Foundation’s educational approach is designed to provide opportunities and learning experiences within environments that are most likely to assist participants to make such shifts in their thinking and their approach to leadership.

Sessions are experiential, provide challenge and focus on real-world subject matter.  The program provides opportunities for group discussions, teamwork and projects to develop higher-order thinking skills that promote critical thinking and effective problem-solving strategies.  The course commences with a session in the Kimberley which is an outdoor, experiential leadership development activity.  Presenters and consultants are selected on the basis of their knowledge and understanding of topics/issues of strategic relevance or skills currently required of emerging leaders.

Costs

If you are selected for the Program, you will be required to contribute $4,400 (incl. GST) towards the cost of your participation (which may be paid in instalments upon negotiation).

The bulk of Course costs will be met through a scholarship that will be funded by a sponsor (value currently $50,600 incl. GST). Most sponsors provide scholarships for candidates from specific commodities, industries, sectors, or states. Applicants will, in most cases, need to fit within the parameters agreed to by a sponsor. For example, a dairy scholarship can only go to a leader from the dairy industry.  It is therefore important that you provide full information in your application to allow the Foundation to match you with an appropriate scholarship where possible.

While the costs of travel and accommodation will be met from the scholarship, you will need to cover transport costs between your home and an agreed regional airport when travelling to and from sessions. You will also need to meet minor costs associated with your participation in the Program, such as occasional meals, taxis and personal incidentals.

Candidate Referees

As well as completing the ARLP candidate application form, you need to get reports from two referees who have direct knowledge of your leadership ability, prospects and character. One should be from your industry/organisation and the other from your community.

Referee Report Form

You need to provide your referees with the form. Give them enough time to complete their report and get it back to you well before the application closing date.  Your referees need to give you a hard copy of their report in a sealed envelope which you must forward with your application.  The contents are confidential but may be shared with you, after the selection process is over, if the referee chooses to do so.

Applications close on 31st July 2011. You may also request an application by contacting the Foundation's office.

Lodgment

The completed application form should be submitted in two formats: by email and in hard copy

1.  Email application
Email your application to us at info (at) rural - leaders dot com dot au

Do not include other attachments such as resumes. The information provided in your written application will be used to short list candidates for interview.
Ensure that you attach a file of a coloured passport size photograph of yourself to your email.

2.   Hard copy application
For the application to be considered complete, the hard copy of your application form must be signed by you and include the two confidential signed referee reports.  Post your hard copy to:

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
PO Box 298, DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600

Assistance to complete application form

Should you require support or assistance in completing the candidate application form, please contact Jane Healey, Business Manager at the Foundation office.