Australian Rural Leadership Foundation TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program

Australian Eggs sponsors one candidate each year to participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.

TRAIL is a cross-sector, challenge-based leadership program for Australia’s emerging rural leaders. The program takes diverse people from different occupations, communities and backgrounds and expands their leadership skills. The program includes a challenging outdoor leadership experience, along with numerous workshops, panel sessions and seminars aimed at building and developing leadership skills.

Over its 30-year lifespan, the program has successfully supported over 180 emerging leaders across Australia who have formed an extensive network of graduates, influencing change in their organisations, industries and communities.

Through the program, participants: 

• Explore strategies to address complex situations.
• Undertake a psychometric assessment to expand understanding of themselves and others.
• Deconstruct and unpack complex situations and assumptions through exposure to topical issues in rural, regional, and remote Australia.
• Learn how to reflect and use reflection as an essential tool in effective leadership.
• Explore a range of areas relevant to leadership, including ethics, values, social responsibility, negotiation, communication, and critical thinking.
• Develop a personal leadership plan. 

Location

The TRAIL program is held in and around Canberra and is delivered in a face-to-face setting, with five days spent outdoors camping and two days in a residential location. 

Dates

TRAIL Emerging Leaders program will run for 7 days from 10 - 16 March 2027 (Canberra ACT and surrounding region).

Suitable TRAIL program candidates include those who: 

• Aim to increase their leadership knowledge.
• Want to gain exposure to key role models.
• Are active and willing to be physically challenged.
• Want to develop a supportive network of peers.
• Are aged 25-39. 

How to apply 

To apply for sponsorship for the program, applicants are required to: 

• Demonstrate they are an emerging rural leader.
• Demonstrate their desire to increase leadership knowledge.
• Indicate how they intend to use their increased leadership knowledge for the betterment of the Australian Egg Industry 

Nominations are currently open for the 2026 - 27 program. Nominate here. 

Please contact Jo McCloskey for further information on future programs.  [E-Mail not displayed]