Future Dairy Industry Is In Good Hands

AUSTRALIA - Policies, regulation and decision making for the dairy sector of tomorrow is in good hands now the pilot Developing Dairy Leaders Programme has been completed.

7 June 2011

3 minute read

Oceania

A group of 15 young people from across Australia (listed below) completed the programme which involved a four-day residential skills development programme in Melbourne with state and national industry leaders and time in Canberra learning about advocacy and policy development at a national level.

The programme, developed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and Dairy Australia and delivered by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA), aims to build on the leadership skills of people aged 18-30 who are committed to the dairy industry and have been identified as potential future leaders.

Throughout the programme participants learned to articulate, present and debate ideas, provide advocacy and representation and participate as a member of a board. The group was also given media training and now know how to lead community or industry organisations and balance work and professional development. Participants have also gained formal accreditation through the NCDEA as a result of the programme.

Gippsland participant Sally Pate said the programme provided an in depth look into the operations of the Australian dairy industry and the many leadership avenues available.

"The media training provided throughout the programme has helped me develop some key skills in how to present myself and communicate more effectively," Ms Pate said.

Ty Maidment, from Meadows in South Australia, said the program had helped him develop his leadership and networking skills and strengthen his knowledge of the overall industry.

"It’s been a great opportunity for me to learn about industry board structures, corporate governance and government related issues and I’ve been able to hone in on my public speaking skills. It’s definitely going to help me in the future in the industry and open up different options for me."

ADF Vice President Adrian Drury said the programme was a key activity in supporting the development of the dairy industry’s state level leaders and the dedication and willingness of participants to put something back into their industry was great to see.

"I have met the participants of the Developing Dairy Leaders Programme and believe them to be a group of young people who are more than capable of responding to any challenge thrown at them, leading our industry and staying true to themselves," Mr Drury said.

Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday said the course had attracted a group of enthusiastic and passionate young people from the industry.

"It is very encouraging to see a group of young people so keen to build on their dairy careers, which just goes to show the future of our industry, is in extremely good hands," Mr Halliday said.

The programme was developed in response to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Dairy Leadership – An Industry Blueprint 2010-15, which identified that 200 leadership roles are required across the industry - 40 new people each year.