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Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 30 participants completing ‘Session 1: Discovery and Awakeness’ of the 15-month experience. Photo courtesy of Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
Tim Fairfax Family Foundation Annual Report 2023-2024

Leadership

The Leadership stream emphasises investing in the capability building of the rural, regional, and remote for-purpose sector. By nurturing the workforce in these areas, TFFF aims to enrich the community and initiate a positive ripple effect. Capability building also involves the development of board and governance structures, providing organisations with the necessary tools for effective leadership and decision-making.

2

new approvals

6

activities supported

25%

of funding towards First Nations leaders

$730,100

total Leadership funding approved and distributed

The figures in the infographics above refer only to funding approved and distributed in the 2023/24 financial year.

Spotlight: TFFF Executive Leadership Program


In 2023, the TFFF worked in collaboration with the University of Queensland Business School (UQBS) to create the TFFF Executive Leadership Program. The program was designed to empower participating leaders to deliver long term, sustainable impact in their communities. Organisational leaders were provided with an opportunity to come together, to broaden their peer network, and to develop professional skills. Through this program, TFFF aims to foster collaborative networks, cultivate excellence, and encourage sustainable business practices that have a lasting impact on communities.

The program was co-designed with a working group involving leaders of organisations currently supported by the TFFF, and facilitated by a team of leading UQ Business School academics. It aims to provide participants with tools to develop leadership and organisational sustainability under the pillars of people and process: resilience, capacity building, collaboration and networking, along with sustainable business models, governance, and innovation.

Along with online pre- and post-program sessions and an evening welcome event, participants gather for two days of in-person collaborative learning and professional development in Brisbane. The 2024 program also includes two one-on-one executive coaching sessions following the conclusion of the program, delivered by UQ partner The Coaching Centre.

The 2024 cohort consisted of 13 leaders from organisations across Queensland and the Northern Territory, working in the arts, education, and community services sectors.

Testimonial from the 2024 cohort:

The opportunity to connect, take the time to think big picture and more deeply about our work, our communities and also our broader ecology was timely and will assist me with navigating challenges and opportunities in my organisation. Looking forward to keeping in touch with our cohort and other alumni and keep the learning, support and celebration of our sector going.”


Where We Fund - Leadership

Leadership Activities

New: Australian Plays Transform Bursaries for First Nations playwrights

$50,000 ($150,000 over 3 years) 1

Australian Plays Transform is the national play development, publication, and licensing organisation. It is the national advocate for playwrights and supports the entire life cycle of their work, from idea genesis to publication. TFFF funding supports Queensland and Northern Territory playwrights to attend the annual First Nations Playwright Retreat and Development Program, investing in the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre for Australian and international stages.


Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Two Untied Annual Scholarships for Australian Rural Leadership Program

$100,000 ($300,000 over 3 years, with activity over 5 years)

Subsidising two scholarships in ARLF’s Rural Leadership Program, so participants Kalair McArthur (Qld) and Nicole Walsh (NT) can further develop the skills and networks to confidently manage challenges and contribute to the future prosperity of rural and regional Australia.


Philanthropy Australia Qld & NT Manager Salary Contribution

$25,000 ($75,000 over 3 years)

Partial funding for Philanthropy Australia’s Qld & NT management staff, Kim Harland (Director, National Membership and Engagement) and Kate Duffy (Associate Engagement Manager), ensuring both states have dedicated representation and support in the national peak body’s portfolio.


New: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) APT11 Kids and Kids on Tour

$250,000

QAGOMA’s Children’s Art Centre (CAC) creates dedicated programming for families with children of all ages. The TFFF has been a long-standing supporter of the CAC’s efforts to share the diversity of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) with kids and families in Brisbane and across rural, regional, and remote Queensland. With APT11 approaching in 2025, Leadership funding will ensure APT11 Kids is designed with regional audiences and facilities in mind and make it possible for Kids on Tour to reach every council area in the state.


TFFF Executive Leadership Program with The University of Queensland Business School Program and Travel Fees for 12 For-Purpose Leaders

$55,100 ($3,500 per participant plus travel allowances)

A TFFF initiative designed to support the CEOs and Managers of its funded organisations with subsidised, high-quality professional development. The Program content was designed by The University of Queensland Business School lead academics, TFFF staff, and partner organisations. The two-day learning experience is held in Brisbane in May, and this year included 11 participants from across Queensland and the Northern Territory.


University of the Sunshine Coast Rural, Regional, and Remote Education Program 

$150,000 ($450,000 over 3 years)

The provision of bursaries for preservice teachers in the Rural and Remote Education Program, delivered by University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Education and Tertiary Access. Preservice teachers complete placements in rural, regional, and remote schools as well as Coast to Country immersion trips that ensure teaching excellence and equity. 


1Co-administered through the Australian Cultural Fund’s Amplify Program. Applications approved in previous financial years are not included in total FY24 Leadership funding approved and distributed.

The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation is based in Meanjin (Brisbane).