Amidst the chaos of packing for her first Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLP) session in the rugged Kimberleys, Ella Credlin felt the reality of the adventure ahead sink in. As she fumbled with unfamiliar camping gear, her six-year-old daughter’s candid observation stopped her in my tracks.

“Mum, you hate camping, the heat and flies. Plus, let’s be honest – Dad can’t even cook toast!”

Her blunt honesty brought a moment of clarity. Ella was about to embark on a two-week survival mission that would test every ounce of her resilience and resourcefulness.

In 2022, Ella embarked in the ARLP’s flagship leadership program for 15 months sponsored by Gardiner Foundation. While packing to spend two weeks in the Kimberleys with 35 other diverse participants – she realised the program was going to be more of a challenge than she first thought.

“For our first session, it was clear that we were all going to be in survival mode in the Kimberleys. It was a blend of Bear Grylls, Survivor and Alone, with crocodiles, night treks, spinifex, pain, some laughter and lots of tears. We were grouped together to learn about each other, the environment and to challenge ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally,” she said.

“The best part of this session was handing over our phones for the full two weeks. Being disconnected from the world allowed me to focus solely on myself, immersing myself in thoughts and development without distraction.”

“It was magical and an experience I doubt I will have again, and so highly recommend it.”

Ella and her husband started their farming business, Boshier Farms, near Timboon, Victoria, about eight years ago. Coming from non-farming backgrounds, they entered the dairy industry during a challenging period, purchasing 250 cows and selling their family home to invest in their dream.

“We started our journey just as Murray Goulburn fell apart. It was literally a sink or swim moment. We decided to take on the sharefarming opportunity just as the industry was in turmoil.” Ella recalls. “We sold our family home, purchased 250 cows, and backed ourselves 100%.”

“We also knew that with turmoil came opportunity – we just needed to put our head down, stay strong and weather the storm.”

Their determination paid off, and they now own and manage multiple farms, employing 16 people.

“We now milk over 2,000 cows, own two farms, sharefarm two, and employ 16 people. We are now well and truly invested not only in the dairy industry but in our community.”

Realising the importance of unity in the dairy industry, Ella sought opportunities to share success stories and inspire others to step up. This led her to apply for the ARLP.

“With a full-time career as an agribusiness banker, an expanding farming business, and two young daughters, it was NOT going to be a relaxed 15 months, but I was ready,” she explains.

The ARLP attracts individuals who are already active in their communities and committed to making a difference. “You can do a course and not do anything with it, but you almost have a duty to step up,” she says. “The connections with the cohort remain very strong. They are like-minded individuals and your biggest advocates. People who were strangers become your closest supporters.”

The Kimberleys session highlighted the impact of good leadership, decision-making and surrounding yourself with different people. “Taking people on a journey and understanding different perspectives was crucial,” Ella notes. “The experience of working with strong personalities and overcoming physical and mental barriers taught me patience, empathy, and strategic thinking.”

“The ARLP gave me the platform to experiment, learn from mistakes, and take feedback,” she says.

The program also broadened Ella’s understanding of agribusiness industries beyond dairy. “The diverse range of participants enriched discussions and reflections, enhancing my ability to influence change in rural, regional and remote Australia,” she said.

Ella is now actively involved in industry boards, advocating for the dairy sector.

“The confidence gained from the ARLP was the impetus for this change. Prior to ARLP, I might not have applied for these positions. The program helped me focus on areas where I could add the most value.”

“Once you complete the course, you want to make sure you put it into practice. There’s so much you learn—leadership style, confidence, the ability to back yourself. The result of that for me has been becoming the treasurer for the WestVic Dairy Board and joining the Food and Fibre Great South Coast Board .”

“Investing in programs like the ARLP is essential for developing leaders in our communities and industries amidst rapid change and development. The life-changing learnings and experiences from these programs will strengthen not only our future leaders but also our rural, regional and remote communities, which will benefit immensely as a result.”

To apply for Course 32 of the ARLP visit: https://rural-leaders.org.au/australian-rural-leadership-program/