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.

‘Communities thrive when people gather.’ This is what a flood, a drought and a pandemic have taught Kalen Sowter as she has repeatedly stepped up for her community in the lower hunter region of New South Wales. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, Kalen shares how these events and experiences have helped her find her calling as a connector and community builder through her ‘Little Red Tractor’ consultancy, and her social impact initiative, ‘Ladies on the Land’.

In early 2024, Kalen embraced the opportunity to take part in a two-day Changemaker workshop in Tamworth, where she was in her element adding to her collaborative skills and unlocking friendships and practical connections with her Changemaker cohort. The group has continued to meet monthly, and Kalen says it only takes one or two people to get connections rolling and enduring bonds established. She shares how lessons from the Changemaker workshop have reinforced her practices of identifying shared aims and values, and understanding unique strengths to ensure that each person has a role and everyone feels valued.

This episode is the final of 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 ‘co-design’ and ‘appreciative enquiry’ set network-building up for success
• Why Kalen rates the power of food and conversation to bring people together and give good ideas lift-off
• It only takes one person reaching out to plant the seed of lasting relationships
• Strong connections are what serve communities well in good times and bad
• Why there will always be a need for face-to-face coming together
• The potency of knowing (and seeing) that you are not alone, and the ripple effects of collaboration

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

Little Red Tractor

Ladies on the Land