Since completing the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Program, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Field Officer Rowan Ault has been using his knowledge gained from the program to learn more about the dairy industry as a whole. Now plenty more like Rowan, who have dairy pumping through their veins and want to make a change in the industry, have the same opportunity.
Following the success of the 2011 program, which saw 15 future leaders of the dairy industry graduate, Developing Dairy Leaders Program will continue in 2012. Aspiring leaders are urged to get cracking to be a part of the second program with applications now open and closing 6 January 2012.
Through the Developing Dairy Leaders Program, the dairy industry is looking to identify individuals across Australia who have a desire to shape the direction of the industry into the future. The program comprises two residential sessions. One in Melbourne, from 13 to 17 February 2012, and the other in Canberra, from 11 to 13 September 2012.
Rowan Ault believes the program gave him an overview of other areas of the dairy industry and an insight into the amount of opportunities available across the industry.
“It was a great opportunity to be involved in the course. I enjoyed being in a room with similar minded people and it gave me a better understanding of the amount of work that goes into research and industry representation,” Mr Ault said.
“It has given me a good idea of the variety of opportunities that are out there in dairy, particularly across the broad range of industry sectors.”
Developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia (DA), the Developing Dairy Leaders Program is the industry’s flagship leadership program. Participants undertake skills development that will allow them to fulfil a range of roles representing their industry at a state level.
The Developing Dairy Leaders Program is delivered through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and aims to provide training to potential leaders already working in the dairy industry.
ADF President Chris Griffin said the Developing Dairy Leaders Program aimed to support leaders making the transition from local to state roles.
“The Australian dairy industry understands and promotes the value of leadership within the industry,” Mr Griffin said. “This program will provide our future leaders with the support to develop their skills and a greater understanding of how the industry works at a policy and advocacy level.”
Dairy Australia Managing Director Ian Halliday said the successful participants would develop their leadership skills by working on a project designed to address a real life issue within the dairy industry.
“The program will give participants the support and knowledge to help them identify and resolve issues the industry is facing in a practical way,” Mr Halliday said. “We want to ensure they can contribute to the dairy industry in the long term.”
To be considered, applicants must complete the application form at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/leadership by 6 January. For more information, contact Rodney Vile at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3806 or 0417 531 706.
Media Contact:
Felicity Gallagher, Dairy Australia External Communications Manager
M: 0417 540 059