Advertise on podcast: Rural Leaders

A good mentor isn't necessarily the person who gives you the right answer. Sometimes, they're the person who asks the question that helps you find it yourself, challenges an assumption, notices the progress you can't see, and gives you someone to call when you're stuck. In this episode of the Rural Leaders podcast, Kristy Hollis and Cass Wilson share what they've learnt through their mentoring relationship, established through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation's National Mentoring Initiative. Kristy Hollis is a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor, and the founder of Everlasting Health. She was the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner for the Northern Territory, with her work focused on improving rural and remote health. Cass Wilson is Executive Officer of the Rural Health Research Foundation, with a career spanning government, corporate and not-for-profit roles and a strong focus on regional communities, partnerships and leadership. For Kristy, mentoring offered another perspective as she worked through business decisions, built her vision, and sought greater clarity and confidence. For Cass, it was an opportunity to share her leadership experience while also learning from Kristy's background, work and experiences. Over about nine months, their relationship grew into something more than a formal mentor-mentee arrangement. Together, they explore how trust is built, why setting boundaries matters, the value of showing up consistently, and how mentoring can work without a rigid agenda for every conversation. They also unpack the difference between giving advice and asking curious questions, and why recognising someone's progress can be just as valuable as helping them solve a problem. At its heart, this is a conversation about mentorship as a two-way street, where both people learn, contribute and grow. Key insights from the conversation: Mentoring works best when both people are clear about what they want from the relationship, including what they want to give and take from the experience. Trust is built through consistency. Showing up, making time, and prioritising the relationship helps show it matters. A mentor doesn't always need to provide the answer. Curious questions such as "Have you thought about this?" can help someone see a challenge differently and find their own way forward. Good mentoring can help you see your own progress. An outside perspective can recognise achievements that are easy to overlook when you're caught up in the day-to-day. Boundaries matter. Understanding each other's time, commitments and communication preferences can help create a relationship that works for both people. Mentoring doesn't have to be rigid. Cass and Kristy found that allowing conversations to respond to whatever was happening at the time helped the relationship feel authentic and genuine. The best mentoring relationships are reciprocal. Being a mentee doesn't mean simply receiving support. Taking an interest in your mentor, understanding their experience, and being a sounding board can make the relationship richer for both sides. Applications are now open for the National Mentoring Initiative. For more information, visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/national-mentoring-initiative/ Listen to the full conversation with Kristy Hollis and Cass Wilson on the Rural Leaders podcast. Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alum, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Guests: Kristy Hollis is a Naturopath, Herbalist, Reflexologist, and Founder of Women's Business: Nurture and Thrive.  Cass Wilson is the Executive Officer of the Rural Health Research Foundation and The Carolyn Vincent Chair

Matt Norton has always been someone who likesto move quickly, solve problems and keep things progressing. As Director of AgDSA, he helps agricultural businesses navigate complex planning approvals, environmental compliance and government processes. But through his leadershipjourney, Matt discovered that one of his greatest strengths could also be one of his biggest blind spots. In this episode of Rural Leaders, Matt reflects on how greater self-awareness has transformed the way he leads, communicates and shows up, both professionally and personally. From recognising that he often interrupted others because he wanted to help move conversations forward, to learning how different personalities process ideas in differentways, Matt shares the practical lessons that have changed the way he works with colleagues, clients and his own family.  As part of this season's exploration of the ARLF Leadership Practices, this conversation focuses on awareness. Through theNational Mentoring Program and the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Matt learned that leadership begins with understanding yourself first. His story demonstrates how awareness is not simply recognising your strengths, butunderstanding how your behaviours affect the people around you and making conscious choices to create better outcomes. This episode is an honest, practical conversation about self-reflection, communication, vulnerability, and the ongoing work of becoming a better leader. Matt's experience reminds us that awareness isn't something you achieve once. It is a practice that continues to shape how you lead every day.   Some highlights: ●     How starting a consulting business during COVID unexpectedly created new opportunities for growth ●     Why understanding different communication styles helped Matt become a more effective leader ●     The leadership lesson that camefrom recognising his tendency to interrupt conversations ●     How Oscar Trimboli's concept of "shrewd listening" gave Matt language for a challenge he had experienced for years ●     What the Australian Rural Leadership Program taught him about leading from the front versus leading from behind ●     Why greater self-awareness has improved not only his professional relationships but also how he parents and supports his family ●     How learning to value quieter voices has strengthened his leadership and decision-making ●     Why awareness is an ongoing practice rather than a destination ●     How growing in self-awareness has given Matt the confidence to advocate for his industry, community and thefuture of Australian agriculture Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alum, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: AgDSA Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

Tanya Stevenson believes one simple philosophy has shaped every successful project she's been part of: never do anything alone. As CEO of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Tanya has spent more than two decades bringing people together to tackle complex community challenges. Whether it's improving children's literacy, creating innovative wellbeing experiences, supporting foster families, or helping grassroots ideas become reality, her approach always starts the same way. Find the people who care, learn from those who've solved similar problems before, and build solutions together. In this episode of Rural Leaders, Tanya shares how collaboration has become the foundation of her leadership. Rather than trying to have all the answers, she actively seeks out people with different expertise, often connecting with leaders from around the world, adapting their ideas to suit local communities and creating partnerships that last. As part of this season's exploration of the ARLF Leadership Practices, this conversation focuses on affiliation: building meaningful relationships that strengthen leadership, improve problem-solving and create better outcomes than any individual could achieve alone. Tanya reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome as a young leader, why ego can be one of the biggest barriers to community impact, and how the strongest projects are built by groups of people who share ownership rather than individuals working in isolation. This episode is a practical and inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration, the importance of asking better questions, and why meaningful change often begins by inviting others to be part of the solution. Tanya's story is a reminder that leadership is not about having the best ideas. It is about creating the conditions where great ideas, strong relationships and shared purpose can flourish. Some highlights: Why Tanya's philosophy of "never do anything alone" has guided her leadership journey How looking globally and adapting ideas locally has helped solve community challenges Why affiliation and collaboration create stronger, more sustainable community outcomes The role humility plays in bringing together people with different skills and perspectives How Tanya builds partnerships across business, government, community organisations and volunteers Why the most successful projects are shared by many rather than owned by one Practical advice for anyone wanting to turn a grassroots idea into meaningful community impact Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

Action is not about moving faster. It's about knowing where you can create change, bringing people with you, and having the courage to begin before everything is figured out. In this episode of Rural Leaders, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Mikaela Jade, Founder and CEO of Indigital, and Joanna Baker, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, who first met through the Australian Rural Leadership Program before going on to build one of Australia's leading Indigenous technology and social innovation businesses. Together, they reflect on the journey of growing Indigital through multiple strategic pivots while staying true to a shared purpose. From augmented reality and education to systems change, community development and critical technologies, Mikaela and Jo explore what it takes to build a values-led business that creates lasting impact. Along the way, they discuss why relationships matter more than hierarchy, how productive tension strengthens teams, and why slowing down can often be the key to moving faster. As part of this season's focus on ARLF leadership practices, this episode explores action. Not as constant busyness, but as the discipline of turning ideas into meaningful change through collaboration, curiosity and persistence. Mikaela and Jo share practical insights into navigating complexity, understanding systems, embracing uncertainty and creating environments where both people and ideas can thrive. Some highlights: How Mikaela and Joanna met through the Australian Rural Leadership ProgramWhy meaningful action starts before you have all the answersThe role of relationships in creating lasting systems changeWhy understanding the whole system helps you identify where you can make the biggest impactHow productive tension and diverse perspectives strengthen leadershipThe thinking behind Indigital's quarterly company-wide shutdownsWhy slowing down can help teams move fasterHow to overcome overwhelm and focus on the part of the system you can influence Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: Indigital Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

Leadership is not about a title. It is about how you show up, who you serve, and what you do when the pressure is on. In this episode of Rural Leaders, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with David Jochinke, Wimmera farmer, ARLP Course 18 alumni, former President of the Victorian Farmers Federation and former President of the National Farmers’ Federation. David reflects on a leadership journey shaped by community, advocacy and service. From stepping into a local Victorian Farmers Federation role to representing Australian agriculture on the national stage, he shares what it takes to stay grounded, do the work behind the scenes, and lead with authenticity. Together, they explore navigating complex environments, understanding what drives people, telling stories that cut through, and building the networks that make change possible. As part of this season’s focus on ARLF leadership practices, this episode explores authentic leadership, leading from who you are, not who you think you need to be. From lessons in high pressure moments to insights drawn from cave diving, David offers a practical perspective on staying calm, learning from mistakes and backing yourself. This is a conversation about courage, discipline and taking action, even when things are not perfect. Some highlights: ● How David’s leadership journey began through local advocacy and community involvement ● Why leadership is never about the title ● How authentic leadership means being yourself, even under pressure ● Why storytelling is such a powerful tool in advocacy ● The importance of networks, trust and staying grounded ● What cave diving taught David about pressure and staying calm ● Why courage, discipline and action matter more than perfection Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

Change is a constant in rural, regional and remote Australia, but adapting well is something we all have to learn. In this episode of Rural Leaders, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Dr Ananth Gopal, co-founder of Polykala, to explore what adaptability really looks like in practice. Drawing on years of experience in leadership development and experiential learning, Ananth unpacks why adaptation is not just about reacting quickly, but about understanding what to hold on to, what to let go of, and how to grow through change. Together, they explore the realities of leading through uncertainty, from shifting markets and technologies to the emotional weight of loss that often comes with change. This conversation challenges the idea that people resist change, instead reframing it as a natural response to perceived loss. It also highlights the importance of compassion, clarity and curiosity in leadership. As part of this season’s focus on ARLF leadership practices, this episode dives into adaptation, the ability to respond to changing contexts while staying grounded in purpose and values. It is a thoughtful and practical discussion for anyone navigating change in their team, business or community. This episode offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating the conditions where people can move through change together. Some highlights: Why adaptation is about balancing what we keep, what we lose, and what we growThe difference between reacting to change and responding with intentionHow loss, not change, is often what people are really resistingThe role of experiential learning in building leadership capabilityWhy leaders need to create “holding environments” to support people through uncertaintyHow to regulate the “heat” in teams during times of pressure and changeWhy clarity, compassion and communication are critical when leading others through transitionHow curiosity can help you better understand your own response to change Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: Polykala Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

Alyssia Kennedy knows what it feels like to leave school and realise that knowing how to pass exams is not the same as knowing how to navigate adulthood. Growing up in Tasmania, Alyssia saw firsthand the gap between what students are taught in the classroom and the practical life skills young people need when it comes to budgeting, understanding taxes, navigating Medicare, managing car expenses, and making confident decisions about work, study and life after school. In this episode of Rural Leaders, Alyssia shares how one invitation to speak to a group of Year 10 students became the spark for her Life After School program, which is now supporting young people across Tasmania. What began as a single session at one school has grown into a broader advocacy effort, driven by Alyssia’s belief that all young people deserve access to practical, relatable tools to help them step into adulthood with confidence. As part of this season’s exploration of the ARLF leadership practices, this conversation focuses on advocacy - the willingness to take action, speak up for a need, and work towards what could exist rather than accepting what already does. Alyssia reflects on the courage it has taken to grow her idea, the power of community and support networks, and the resilience required to keep going through some of life’s most difficult seasons. This episode is a practical and inspiring conversation about identifying a gap, backing yourself before everything feels ready, and building momentum for change by bringing others with you. Alyssia’s story is a reminder that advocacy can start small, but with persistence, collaboration and purpose, it can create lasting impact for communities and future generations. Some highlights: Why practical life skills like budgeting, tax, Medicare and car expenses matter so much for young people leaving schoolHow Alyssia turned one school session into a growing program reaching students across TasmaniaWhat advocacy looked like as she pitched the need for change to decision-makers at Parliament HouseWhy leadership is not positional, but something we practise and grow into over time How grief, challenge and recovery helped Alyssia clarify what matters mostWhat success could look like if practical life skills were embedded more deeply in schools and communitiesWhy Alyssia believes that if you care about an idea, you should start the conversation and take action Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: Upturned Tasmania Life After School program Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. ‘Communities thrive when people gather.’ This is what a flood, a drought and a pandemic have taught Kalen Sowter as she has repeatedly stepped up for her community in the lower hunter region of New South Wales. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, Kalen shares how these events and experiences have helped her find her calling as a connector and community builder through her ‘Little Red Tractor’ consultancy, and her social impact initiative, ‘Ladies on the Land’. In early 2024, Kalen embraced the opportunity to take part in a two-day Changemaker workshop in Tamworth, where she was in her element adding to her collaborative skills and unlocking friendships and practical connections with her Changemaker cohort. The group has continued to meet monthly, and Kalen says it only takes one or two people to get connections rolling and enduring bonds established. She shares how lessons from the Changemaker workshop have reinforced her practices of identifying shared aims and values, and understanding unique strengths to ensure that each person has a role and everyone feels valued. This episode is the final of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: How ‘co-design’ and ‘appreciative enquiry’ set network-building up for successWhy Kalen rates the power of food and conversation to bring people together and give good ideas lift-offIt only takes one person reaching out to plant the seed of lasting relationships Strong connections are what serve communities well in good times and badWhy there will always be a need for face-to-face coming togetherThe potency of knowing (and seeing) that you are not alone, and the ripple effects of collaboration Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Little Red Tractor Ladies on the Land

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we explore resistance to change: what might lie at the heart of that resistance; and how to become free of the fears that can hold us back. Lynn Whyatt is an American-born community leader based in Geraldton in WA. In this conversation she generously shares her first-hand experience of meeting resistance to change and the strategies she drew on to try to bring others along with her. As you’ll hear, Lynn’s story reflects the realities faced by many change makers, in that the resistance persisted, and it was she who had to regroup and redirect her energies and aims. Her experience on a Changemaker program proved an invaluable lens through which to reflect on her experience grappling with this resistance. It also offered her strategies to rebuild her sense of purpose and embrace a different way of making a positive impact, with confidence and resilience. Lynn works with small businesses, community organisations, and not-for-profits through her consultancy Three Point Turn. Currently, she is collaborating on a fulfilling project with a fellow local leader to expand the impact of a wellbeing program for teenage boys. This episode is the seventh of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: Lynn shares just what resistance to change can look and feel likeShe unpacks where resistance can come from, and her own process coming to terms with itHow the Changemaker workshop’s ‘change and transition’ model helped her apply a new lens to understand resistance Why ‘going with the willing’ is a mantra that serves her wellReflecting vulnerably on the impact resistance to change has on confidence and self-perceptionsHow this experience has sparked a reframing of her understanding of where and how she can contribute as a leader in her community Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Transformative Growth Institute Three Point Turn

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we explore how a seemingly insurmountable challenge can be reframed as an opportunity for transformation. We’re joined by Tammy Price as she shares moments in which perceived problems have revealed their potential. Tammy is the president of the Bruny Island Community Association, and she’s no stranger to the unique and sometimes curly challenges that come with life on an Island. We chat about her direct experience reframing a challenge as an opportunity for transformation. In this case, it’s the metaphorical bridge she and fellow community leaders have provided between the needs of those who live in and travel to and from Bruny Island, with the constraints and priorities of the commercial ferry service provider. Tammy reflects on the actions needed to drive progress, and the leadership insights gained along the way. Tammy is an advocate for the big impact that small contributions from many can have. She knows that change in her community is a matter of her and others like her stepping forward and doing their part to grow collective trust and bring everyone along to build a better future for the community that they all have a stake in. This episode is the sixth of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: Tammy shares the interconnectedness of the factors that impact the prosperity and functionality of life on Bruny IslandHow her embedded mindset of never accepting a ‘no’ helps her to see the potential in a problemWhy every ‘failure’ is simply a learning opportunity Close community ties and trust are the keys to strong communicationA round table with the transport minister has provided a chance for broad community representatives to be heard Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Bruny Island Community Association

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we explore value of curiosity, embracing networks, and fostering connections as a means of creating personal and community transformation. In this chat with Alice Springs business owner, Max Fonte, we uncover strategies for fostering strong, effective partnerships that drive meaningful change and create a ripple effect. Max Fonte had no background in business, yet he’s found himself running two of them very successfully from the heart of Central Australia. Since arriving in 2013 from Argentina as an adventurous backpacker, Max has followed his natural instinct to embrace challenges and possibilities, and now finds himself at the helm of two cafés. But they are more than just retail ventures. Thanks to a network of friendships and partnerships fusing migrant culture, First Nations knowledge and community wisdom, Max has built the trust and openness needed to bring people together. He credits his experience on a two-day Changemaker workshop with helping him to see the power of all those connections. And to understand that he had all the ingredients needed to foster community bonds; entice newcomers to put down roots and improve retention throughout the Alice Springs workforce – right at his fingertips. This episode is the fifth of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: • How Max challenged his ideas of a business’s boundaries and a vehicle to affect change • Not having done something before is never a reason not to do it now • Max shares powerful insights into belonging • The potency of cross-cultural collaboration • Understand the myriad ways a thriving business can positively impact retention for small town populations Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Yayes Café

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we explore what it means to build resilience during challenging times, from coping with drought and trauma to tackling community-wide issues. Sally Williams has an open and honest relationship with resilience. It’s a muscle she’s been required to flex many times in her personal life – weathering the death of her much loved dad and living with the complicated crisis of a brain tumour that required urgent treatment during the COVID lockdown – and in her role as the Executive Officer of Katanning Landcare. Using the ‘adaptive cycle' as her framework, Sally shares her strategies for navigating crises, finding strength in adversity, and creating opportunities for growth and renewal. For Sally, the Changemaker Workshop she took part in opened the door on new tools for building resilience in the face of challenges. These have served her and her Katanning Landcare team well as an FRRR grant has enabled the organisation to resurrect a vibrant community event known as Eco-Week. Connection to fellow community members and the chance to become better known to one another is something Sally sees as vital to fostering resilience in a community and readying to adapt to change. This episode is the fourth of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: Learn how Sally and her community actively work to create community resilience through connectionTake a look at how the ‘adaptive cycle’ can help individuals and organisations manage periods of change and renewalPersonal and professional examples of finding strength in adversityThe peace in understanding what we can and can’t controlSeeing a collaborative approach to events as a tool to build resilience Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog:  https://rural-leaders.org.au/blog/ ARLF website: https://rural-leaders.org.au/ Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative: https://rural-leaders.org.au/helping-regional-communities-prepare-drought-initiative/leadership-development-in-your-region/ Katanning Landcare: https://katanninglandcare.org.au/

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we’re joined by Kate Coffey and Brett Thompson. Kate is the Senior Project Manager at Riverine Plains, where she leads the organisation’s Farmer and Community Engagement activities. Brett at the time of this chat was coming to the end of his role as Executive Officer of social organisation LEAD Loddon Murray, and has just completed a Masters of Teaching which will carry him into his next chapter. As leaders, Kate and Brett are both embedded in their home communities of Yarrawonga and Bendigo (respectively) and they shared the experience of completing a Changemaker workshop in Euroa in 2024. In this conversation, Kate and Brett illustrate how the Changemaker program added a deeper layer to their leadership within community organisations. They explain why different perspectives and mindsets are vital when working out solutions to challenges. They look at the realities of engaging and retaining volunteers in our rural and regional communities. Brett and Kate both have experience working to deliver FRRR community impact programs, and they share some of the resulting benefits these projects have already had in their regions. They also sum up precisely why initiatives that are designed to build connection, networks and greater engagement within our rural communities – are essential in the face of disruption and natural disaster. It’s how we ‘get into credit’ for those times of need. This episode is the third of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: Practical tips on offering your services and finding where you belongHow connection with others lessens stress in challenging timesHow FRRR Community Impact Programs are making a real differenceThere’s always something new to learn about our communitiesEmbracing opportunities is essential for leadersWhy community leaders shouldn’t undersell their roles and impact Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Riverine Plains LEAD Loddon Murray

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we sit down with Courtney Palmer, a proud Worimi Woman whose career has spanned corporate retail leadership and community impact projects. From leading Big W teams across Queensland and the Northern Territory to championing the Happy Boxes social impact project, Courtney has always been drawn to supporting people to be their best and achieve collective results. Here, she shares her reflections on finding connection, combating the loneliness of leadership she experienced as a First Nations woman early in her corporate retail career, and embracing the power of networks built through the ARLF’s Milparanga Established Leadership Program. Courtney also opens up about the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that have shaped her—and the importance of paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders. Some highlights: • Courtney shares how her career has shaped her approach to people, culture and community impact. • The challenge of loneliness in leadership as an Aboriginal woman, and the importance of building networks and peer support. • Why the Milparanga Program felt like the “missing puzzle piece” in her leadership journey. • Learning to step onto the “balcony” to gain perspective, instead of staying caught on the “dance floor” of daily demands. • Her passion for the Happy Boxes Project and the difference it makes in remote communities. • The importance of paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog ARLF website Rural Leadership Unearthed Milparanga Established Leadership Program Happy Boxes

This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we chat with Willanna Morris to explore the role of epiphany in personal growth, and how to take that first step of action for change afterwards. Willanna is born and bred in Mount Isa and has been working to support young people for over 20 years. While she’s a passionate do-er, Willanna credits the Changemaker workshop in Mount Isa with sparking some powerful shifts in her perspective. Not least of which has been the epiphany that she and her team at the Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre are striving for the same things as countless other leaders, organisations and volunteers in Mount Isa, and that together, they can achieve amazing things. One of those things was the back-to-school event that Willanna and her team – with support from a host of other organisations and businesses in Mount Isa – pulled together to equip more young people to get to school and help families to support their kids’ education. In this conversation, Willanna reflects on how just two days spent sharing and learning with fellow community members has given her access to resources, networks and solidarity in the quest to create a bright future for her town. This episode is the second of an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia. Some highlights: • Understand how moments of epiphany can spark a mindset shift • How the adaptive leadership framework mobilises collaborative response to a challenge • Willana’s heartening experience of asking for and accepting help • The role of emotional shifts in fuelling tangible action • Why having a strategy is key to dealing with setbacks • The tools that can help us to take the first steps towards taking on a project or realising a vision Our host: Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia. Resources: ARLF podcast blog:  https://rural-leaders.org.au/blog/  ARLF website: https://rural-leaders.org.au/                                       Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative: https://rural-leaders.org.au/helping-regional-communities-prepare-drought-initiative/leadership-development-in-your-region/ Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre: https://www.nwqicss.org/services/ngukuthati-children-and-family-centre/