The Leadership stream emphasises investing in the capability building of the rural, regional, and remote for-purpose sector. By nurturing the workforce in these areas, TFFF aims to enrich the community and initiate a positive ripple effect. Capability building also involves the development of board and governance structures, providing organisations with the necessary tools for effective leadership and decision-making.
new approvals
activities supported
of funding towards First Nations leaders
total Leadership funding approved and distributed
The figures in the infographics above refer only to funding approved and distributed in the 2024/25 financial year.
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Education and Tertiary Access (SETA) has a long-standing relationship with TFFF, having delivered the Rural and Remote Education Program for over a decade. The Program is a collaboration with almost 100 state and independent schools and provides bursaries and annual immersion trips for preservice teachers to experience life and teaching in a rural, regional, or remote context.
Despite nearly a third of teachers working in rural, regional, and remote settings, educating over a quarter of Australia’s students, attracting and retaining teachers in these schools is a persistent challenge, marked by staff shortages and excessive workloads that have worsened in recent years.
The Rural and Remote Education Program assists with planning and the financial hardship associated with rural and remote placements, while Coast to Country trips offer pre-service teachers rich immersion experiences through which students can see the best of rural and remote Queensland community lifestyles. Both program elements aim to support decision making upon graduation that secures high-quality teachers for rural and remote schools. In FY2024-25, 96 pre-service student teachers undertook a rural or remote placement through the Program. This year UniSC also supported its largest cohort of pre-service teachers to engage with the Coast-to-Country experience in the history of the program, with 52 attendees on trips to the North Queensland, Far North Queensland and Central Queensland regions. Program participants are guided to explore new opportunities, including first-hand experience teaching and living in rural, remote, and regional locations – which enables them to learn from communities rather than learning about them.
All photos courtesy of the University of the Sunshine Coast.
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Australian Plays Transform is the national play development, publication, and licensing organisation. It is the national advocate for playwrights and supports the life cycle of their work, from idea genesis to publication. TFFF funding supports Queensland and Northern Territory playwrights to attend the annual First Nations Playwright Retreat and Development Program, investing in the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre for Australian and international stages.
Subsidising two scholarships in ARLF’s flagship leadership program, allowing participants Mark Cartner (Qld) and Michaela Nutt (Qld) to further develop the skills and networks to confidently contribute to the future prosperity of rural and regional Australia.
Partial funding for Philanthropy Australia’s Queensland & NT management staff, Kim Harland (Director, National Membership and Engagement) and Caroline Morrisey (Engagement Lead, Qld/NT), ensuring Queensland and Northern Territory have dedicated representation and support in the national peak body’s portfolio.
Philanthropy Australia’s biennial conferences aim to inspire more and better giving by educating and connecting delegates, facilitating peer-to-peer networking and professional development. The 2026 conference will be held in Brisbane, and TFFF funding will support Philanthropy Australia to establish a Queensland Leadership Group to ensure the conference showcases Qld philanthropic, not for profit and social enterprise sectors before, during and after the event.
Regional Leadership Tables were established in Townsville and Bundaberg by the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, intended for cross-sector engagement, knowledge sharing, and shared decision making. Designed to embrace local, First Nations leadership, the Tables facilitate discussion and action regarding each communities priorities for Closing the Gap.
A TFFF initiative designed to support the executive leaders of its funded organisations with subsidised, high-quality professional development. The Program content was designed by The University of Queensland Business School lead academics, TFFF staff, and partner organisations. The two-day learning experience is held in Brisbane, and this year included 16 participants from across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The provision of bursaries for preservice teachers in the Rural and Remote Education Program, delivered by University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Education and Tertiary Access. Preservice teachers complete placements in rural, regional, and remote schools as well as Coast to Country immersion trips that ensure teaching excellence and equity.
1Co-administered through the Australian Cultural Fund’s Amplify Program. Applications approved in previous financial years are not included in total FY25 Leadership funding approved and distributed.
