By Dempsey Ward
Congratulations to Andrew Sullivan, Australia fisheries stalwart, on graduating from the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).
When he’s not undertaking leadership programs, Andrew is the director of Fish Focus consulting and the executive officer of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association. He has extensive experience and knowledge of Australia’s commercial fishing sector.
Andrew praised the diversity of the ARLP. “Just like a box of chocolates, I never knew what I was getting next. “I was thrown into to a wide range of challenging experiences – meaning a need to explore and develop different approaches,” he said.
The program is Australia’s longest and most in-depth experiential leadership program, with participants attending fifty days of experiential learning and mentoring across four sessions, over a 15-month period. As such, it is no easy feat.
“There were times when I was in a state of pure joy and elation, and others when I felt significantly challenged and under-pressure,” Andrew said.
“This is not a personal development course you undertake for the lunch and morning tea”.
Andrew spoke of the unique opportunity that the ARLP afforded him.
“The 15-month program provides focused times to think and reflect without the distractions of everyday life, an opportunity most people don’t take the time to do,” he said.
“My message to others would be that if you are interested in making a positive and lasting impact within yourself, your family, industry, and community, then this program is for you”.
Melinda Murnane, Partnership Coordinator at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation said the program had the added complexities created by COVID-19, as well as the challenges and pressure associated with travelling throughout Australia to complete the face-to-face components.
The final session of the program and graduation ceremony was held on 17 November 2022 in Melbourne. This event – provided an opportunity for guests to attend and celebrate with the ARLP participants. FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone, and Capability, Capacity and Culture Change Manager Sally Roberts, represented FRDC at the graduation ceremony.
FRDC has supported a number of fisheries and aquaculture individuals to expand their leadership capabilities by undertaking the ARLP. This commitment is via FRDC Project number 2016-408.
FRDC has been a proud sponsor of the Australian Rural Leadership Program. For more information on the program and how to apply available visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/national-leadership-programs/australian-rural-leadership-program.
Andrew Sullivan graduation ceremony for completion of the ARLP program
Left to right: Scott Gorringe, Sally Roberts, Andrew Sullivan, Patrick Hone, Margaux Beauchamp
This relates to R&D Plan Outcome 3 and Enabling Strategy 4
