The development of the new curriculum has also included input from Headspace, ABC Heywire and YACVIC, and has been overseen by Dr Maryann Brown, Senior Education Advisor to MSRF.

Thirty two young rural leaders have been nominated by their local communities to take part in the new MSRF Future Rural Leaders Program from 5th to 11th January 2014 at Narmbool, an educational facility and working farm which is owned and operated by Sovereign Hill. The program has received financial support from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and a matching grant from Regional Development Victoria.

Previously, the curriculum for the MSRF Future Rural Leaders Program had been provided through a successful partnership with Living Leadership, but following the conclusion of that partnership in early 2013, MSRF set out to build its own curriculum focusing on issues specific to rural and regional communities in Victoria.

“MSRF is thrilled to be able to bring together the perspectives and capabilities of experienced researchers, leading educators and creative, inspiring young rural leaders” says Pete Ekstedt, Executive Officer of MSRF. “We’re confident that the participants and coaches will learn a lot from this exciting program and take valuable new leadership skills back to their rural Victorian communities.”