Improving his leadership skills to provide greater benefits to the New South Wales dairy industry was a key driver for Paul Weir joining the Developing Dairy Leaders Program (DDLP).
Paul, a farmer near Lismore, NSW is already a dairy leader in his community and he wanted to use the program to build on his current skills and deliver more for the dairy industry.
“I’m on the NSW Farmers Association Dairy Committee and Chair of the NSW Dairy Education Advisory Committee and heard about the program through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA),” said Paul. “I’ve been doing dairy advocacy roles within NSW for five years but with no formalised training.”
“So far, the program has been a fantastic way to learn more about the industry. There’s a range of backgrounds with the other participants and the program is really highlighting the importance of communication and listening. I plan to reflect on how I’ve done things in the past and improve on that.”
Paul is one of 10 dairy people from across Australia’s dairy regions participating in the DDLP, which has been developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia. Delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), it follows on from the successful pilot program run in 2011.
Participants learn how to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation, participate as a member of a board, participate in a media interview or presentation, lead and manage community or industry organisations and manage personal work priorities and professional development.
The program recently kicked off with a five-day residential stint in Melbourne. The next phase will involve a regionally based project with the support of an industry-leading mentor. It will conclude with a two-day residential policy and media development program in Canberra in September, resulting in a formal accreditation.
ADF President Chris Griffin said the program was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s leaders.
“The participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Program are from all the dairying regions of Australia and bring a great cross section of experience and fresh ideas,” Mr Griffin said.
“It is great to see such energy and commitment from people across Australia and across the industry.”
“Dairy is an industry we should be proud of and it is very exciting to see the potential in leadership that is out there,” Mr Griffin said.
Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a diverse and enthusiastic group of people, already working in the industry, to become the next round of dairy leaders.
“While the course has just started, participants are taking this wonderful opportunity to develop a range of vital leadership skills and are on the way to becoming the next wave of dairy industry representatives such as managers, presidents, directors and board members,” he said.
Media Contact:
Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager
M: 0417 540 059