The Sheepmeat Council of Australia is calling for producers to apply for its new professional development program designed to build leadership skills and develop networks.
The inaugural Sheepmeat Industry Leadership Program is part of the SCA and Meat & Livestock Australia joint initiative, ‘Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry’ and will be run by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF).
ARLF CEO Matt Linnegar says leadership at every level across rural and regional Australia is vital to the success of our communities and industries.
“With a growing demand for high quality red meat and increasing expectations around animal welfare, the need for producers to look beyond the farm gate to the greater good of the sheepmeat sector is more important now than ever,” he said.
“The program will take participants outside their comfort zone, help build diverse relationships and networks, connect them with industry leaders and build personal awareness and capacity to take the next step.
“It will take people to places they are unlikely to have been before and see them emerge more aware and better equipped to take on a future role in the industry, wherever that may be.”
The program includes two intakes – in 2017 and 2018 – and SCA will select 15 participants per year. Each position is valued at more than $10,000 each and covers all the training, course materials and travel to the two face-to-face sessions. Participants will be required to contribute $500 to the cost of their participation in the program.
The closing date for the program has been extended until 5pm on 21 November 2016.
SCA Skills Development and Communication Manager Kathleen Allan says the council is investing in the program to ensure the sheep industry attracts, develops and retains people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.