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 value of curiosity, embracing networks, and fostering connections as a means of creating personal and community transformation. In this chat with Alice Springs business owner, Max Fonte, we uncover strategies for fostering strong, effective partnerships that drive meaningful change and create a ripple effect.

Max Fonte had no background in business, yet he’s found himself running two of them very successfully from the heart of Central Australia. Since arriving in 2013 from Argentina as an adventurous backpacker, Max has followed his natural instinct to embrace challenges and possibilities, and now finds himself at the helm of two cafés. But they are more than just retail ventures. Thanks to a network of friendships and partnerships fusing migrant culture, First Nations knowledge and community wisdom, Max has built the trust and openness needed to bring people together. He credits his experience on a two-day Changemaker workshop with helping him to see the power of all those connections. And to understand that he had all the ingredients needed to foster community bonds; entice newcomers to put down roots and improve retention throughout the Alice Springs workforce – right at his fingertips.

This episode is the fifth 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 Max challenged his ideas of a business’s boundaries and a vehicle to affect change

• Not having done something before is never a reason not to do it now

• Max shares powerful insights into belonging

• The potency of cross-cultural collaboration

• Understand the myriad ways a thriving business can positively impact retention for small town populations

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

Yayes Café