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 explore how a seemingly insurmountable challenge can be reframed as an opportunity for transformation. We’re joined by Tammy Price as she shares moments in which perceived problems have revealed their potential. Tammy is the president of the Bruny Island Community Association, and she’s no stranger to the unique and sometimes curly challenges that come with life on an Island. We chat about her direct experience reframing a challenge as an opportunity for transformation. In this case, it’s the metaphorical bridge she and fellow community leaders have provided between the needs of those who live in and travel to and from Bruny Island, with the constraints and priorities of the commercial ferry service provider. Tammy reflects on the actions needed to drive progress, and the leadership insights gained along the way.

Tammy is an advocate for the big impact that small contributions from many can have. She knows that change in her community is a matter of her and others like her stepping forward and doing their part to grow collective trust and bring everyone along to build a better future for the community that they all have a stake in.

This episode is the sixth 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:

• Tammy shares the interconnectedness of the factors that impact the prosperity and functionality of life on Bruny Island
• How her embedded mindset of never accepting a ‘no’ helps her to see the potential in a problem
• Why every ‘failure’ is simply a learning opportunity
• Close community ties and trust are the keys to strong communication
• A round table with the transport minister has provided a chance for broad community representatives to be heard

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

Bruny Island Community Association