Food Agility’s Stephen Summerhayes has been selected to take part in the Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 32 (ARLP).
As Director of the Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence, and our leader of Innovation and Impact, Stephen’s motivation for participating is to support rural, regional, and remote communities.
He follows in the footsteps of former Food Agility Board Director, Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, who completed the same course in 2024.
Stephen’s ARLP scholarship is funded by the John B. Foundation and will focus on driving innovation of renewable technology in agriculture.
“There’s a lot of work to do,” says Stephen. “The ARLP is an intensive, 15-month program to bring about positive change for rural, regional and remote Australia where I get to work with 29 extraordinary leaders.
“Through a comprehensive change process, the program aims to develop leaders that not only make a difference but create enduring impact.”
Stephen’s vision for the future is one of regeneration, vibrancy and self-determination. He sees a future where rural, regional and remote communities have access to knowledge, skills, technology and innovative ways of thinking and working.
“This is the future that I want to create here in Australia,” Stephen explains. “In realising this vision, it’s important that we respect and celebrate the unique character of each community. It's not about imposing a one-size-fits-all model, but rather about providing the tools and resources for each community to chart its own course.”
At the heart of Stephen’s vision is regeneration, which he says transcends sustainability, which aims to minimise harm.
“Regeneration actively seeks to restore, renew and revitalise systems,” he explains. “It's about implementing actions that are not only efficient and productive but also inherently beneficial to the health and vitality of systems, communities and economies.”
Stephen believes technology has a crucial role to play moving forward.
“I see rural communities leveraging digital platforms for education, food production and business, bridging the gap with urban areas.
“Precision agriculture, renewable energy systems, digital health and smart infrastructure will become commonplace, enhancing productivity and sustainability,” he explains.
The first part of the ARLP is two-week ‘getaway’ to an undisclosed location.
“It sounds pretty gnarly,” he laughs. “We’ll have no access to phones or computers, which I am still coming to terms with.”
Of the opportunities afforded through the ARLP, Stephen says the ability to gain a global perspective on the challenges regional communities face at home is “invaluable”.
“The international aspect of the scholarship offers insights into innovative technologies, their applications in agriculture across various regions, and the processes involved in driving behavioural change.
“I’m extremely grateful to my sponsor, the John B. Foundation, to the ARLF for the opportunity, to Food Agility for investing in me, and to CSU for allowing me to take the time to do this. I’m ready to grasp the opportunity with both hands and apply all the learnings and make the most of the relationships and networks created. I will be very keen to share my experience and learnings with others.
“I also want to thank my partner, Ali, who is supporting my participation in the ARLP by wrangling the kids for two weeks.”
Stephen will be keeping a short diary during the ARLP course, with updates published on the Food Agility website. If you wish to contact Stephen, you can email him.
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About the ARLP
Since 1992, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has been a pivotal force in shaping national leadership, remaining true to its foundational principles of influencing change. At the heart of ARLF's mission are core values like collaboration, acting beyond self, embracing vulnerability and courage, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
These values infuse every aspect of our work, guiding us to empower leadership in people who are ready to make a real difference.
The ARLF’s work is deeply enriched by a profound respect and engagement with First Nations cultural knowledge, which guides participants in challenging entrenched ideas and broadening perspectives.
This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a cornerstone of the ARLF approach, allowing the ARLF to create a more holistic and impactful leadership journey.
The ARLF’s approach to leadership development is grounded in experiential learning, challenging participants to engage deeply with real-world scenarios. This methodology fosters self-discovery and enhances understanding of others, building upon behavioural and social intelligence crucial for effective leadership.
As a for-purpose, not-for-profit leader in developing resilient and dynamic leaders for Australia's rural, regional, and remote communities, the ARLF has delivered more than 126 transformational leadership programs, each designed to empower individuals to drive meaningful change. These programs, tailored to local, industry, sector, or national needs, have been instrumental in fostering courageous and authentic leadership.
With a robust network of over 2,600 alumni spanning various sectors — including industry, community, corporate, government, and family farms — the ARLF's influence extends far and wide.
ARLF alumni are key to building thriving communities across rural, regional, and remote Australia, contributing significantly to the nation's strength and resilience. In essence, the ARLF is not just developing individuals; it's shaping the future of Australia's rural, regional and communities, one person at a time.
About John B Fairfax AO
John B Fairfax AO is a prominent Australian businessman, philanthropist, and member of the Fairfax family, which has a long-standing history in Australian media and publishing. He began his career as a cadet journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald in 1961 and went on to hold various management roles within Fairfax, eventually joining the company’s board in 1979.
After the Tryart takeover in 1987, which ended nearly 150 years of Fairfax family control, John B Fairfax acquired an interest in Rural Press Limited, serving as its chairman from 1990 until its merger with Fairfax Media in 2007, after which he rejoined the Fairfax board until 2010. He has also served as a director of other major companies, including Westpac Bank and Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company.
John B Fairfax is recognised for his significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in supporting journalism, rural and regional communities and youth organisations. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1994 in recognition of service to the community and to the media; and an Officer of the Order (AO) in 2009 for service to the print media industry, particularly the development of news services in rural and remote areas, and to the community through executive roles with agricultural, youth and charitable organisations.
