This conversation is part of a series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, thanks to the Future Drought Fund. These workshops are part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we’re joined by Tanya Lehmann, a leader who has made it her mission in life to un-riddle the things that sometimes hold our small towns back from taking control and shaping their own bright futures. As a leadership development coach with a community health management background, and a country girl herself, Tanya understands both the barriers to change in rural areas, and the opportunities that exist when we can unlock their greatest asset – their people.

In today’s chat, we explore just who or what a ‘changemaker’ is and Tanya’s role facilitating the ARLF’s Changemaker workshops around our regions, seeing first-hand the powerful seeds for change that can be planted in just two days. Tanya emphasises that leadership is a verb, and wherever you might be, it’s an action that any one of us can take. And it’s through tackling challenges together that we thrive and our communities thrive too.

This episode is the introduction to an 8-part series within the Rural Leadership Unearthed podcast where we delve into stories from people passionate about transforming their communities. This is a practical resource designed to provide insight into what it takes to drive positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Some highlights:

• How to move from the idea of solving problems, to making progress
• The more you understand about your region’s history, the better you can shape its future
• Leadership is making the choice to stand up and take action
• Why a good story is a powerful tool to connect people for a common purpose
• Leaning in to vulnerability can help us make the rewarding move of asking for and offering help

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.

Resources:

ARLF podcast blog

ARLF website

Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative

Meet our team: Tanya Lehmann