Farmers, land managers, and agricultural professionals are invited to apply for the inaugural 2025 Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program, to be delivered early next year.
The agriculture-focused program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate evolving challenges within the sector, foster innovation, and build resilience in their businesses and communities.
Running from March to May 2025, the program targets emerging agricultural leaders over 18 years of age and will be led by industry experts Chris Mirams and Dr Gary Saliba.
South Gippsland farmer Jenny O'Sullivan, one of the course coordinators, described the content as highly relevant for developing practical knowledge and learning how to think differently.
"Over seven days, participants will engage in training sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and a two-day study tour exploring cutting-edge practices that drive profitability, resilience and sustainability," Jenny said.
"It's a program that aims to empower Gippsland agribusiness to not only tackle challenges of any scale and size, but to create transformative change in reshaping the future of our region."
Key topics for the course include navigating uncertainty and risk; community development and leadership; resilience and innovation; and climate and drought preparedness.
Open to applicants connected with the Gippsland region, the course is fully funded, with major support received from the Future Drought Fund's Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and assistance provided by the South Gippsland Shire Council.
Applications can be submitted via www.surveymonkey.com/r/P3RQ539 and close on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Following the shortlisting of applications on February 7, participants will be notified and enrolled in the course, which is scheduled to be delivered from March to May 2025.
For further details, contact Jenny O'Sullivan: 0419 153 377 or email: leapjos@gmail.com.