Community members, industry representatives and leaders from across the Riverina region are being urged to step up and help shape the long-term future of the Murray-Darling Basin through a fully funded leadership development opportunity.

While the initial in-person session for the Murray-Darling Basin Leadership Program’s second cohort will be hosted in Griffith this September, participants are being actively sought from across the Murray-Darling Basin to ensure a diverse range of regional perspectives are represented.

Delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), the program is designed for people who care deeply about the future of the Basin and the communities, industries, and environments it supports.

Rather than focusing on traditional leadership hierarchies or purely technical fixes, the initiative aims to build a collaborative network of people willing to move beyond individual or sectoral interests for the shared wellbeing of the region.

Each of three cohorts will participate in a six-month, multi-session program, focusing on developing the behaviours and actions required to mobilise others and build collaborative networks.

This structure includes a window for a dedicated group coaching component to support the design and implementation of practical initiatives.

The overall activity period for the program is set to reach its end in November 2027, with the completion of Cohort 3.

Cohort 1 started in June, and applications for Cohort 2 close on August 2, 2026.

Places on the program are funded by the MDBA, and reimbursements are available for participants’ travel costs.

ARLF cheif executive Matt Linnegar acknowledged the significance of the issues the MDBLP is addressing.

“At the ARLF, we recognise that the challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin are both immense and deeply complex, with passionate public debate and clashing views prominent,” he said.

“This program is purpose built to move beyond traditional, individual leadership models and instead build a collaborative network of individuals who are willing to put the greater good of the Basin and its communities ahead of individual or sectoral interests.

“This doesn’t always mean agreeing with each other, but participants will be well placed to find new ways to make progress despite their disagreements.”

Mr Linegar said the aim for each cohort is a balanced representation of geography, sector, gender, ethnicity and age across the Basin, and strongly encourages First Nations participation.

It is for people who care deeply about their community, enjoy working with others and want to strengthen their ability to initiate positive change in the Basin.

This is not limited to only those with a current leadership role or title, rather it is for those who care about the future of the Murray-Darling Basin and are ready to work with others to make progress.

To register interest, nominate someone or learn more about the program, visit the ARLF website at https://rural-leaders.org.au/murray-darling-basin-leadership-program/.

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Sunday, 13th March 2033

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