Three agricultural achievers from around Wagga are calling the hot, red sands of the Kimberley home for the next week on a journey to become better leaders.
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In her mid-20s, Rebecca Milliken from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is one of the youngest participants in the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
An immersive experience with Indigenous elders kicks off the 15-month program, developing leadership skills in representatives from diverse rural sectors.
Debbie van der Rijt from RIRDC said they sponsored Ms Milliken, who manages the HR department of Delta Ag, because of her considerable professional success and great potential.
“The program really strips people back and builds them up,” Ms van der Rijt said.
“Participants come away with life skills and perspectives they were never aware of and use these experiences to make a bigger, better impact in their industry.”
She said the ability to “think big” is key to rural leadership for our region.
“You need to be willing to collaborate, be a good communicator and be open to new ideas.”
Chief Executive of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Matt Linnegar stressed the significance of personal as well as professional development.
“The remoteness of the Kimberley removes the participants from the distractions of modern day life. This enables them to focus on their contribution as leaders in their community, industry and workplace,” he said.
Also representing the Riverina are Luke Gaynor from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Simone Jolliffe from Dairy Australia.
The strength of the region in producing agricultural leaders is on show as they join just thirty other participants from around the nation.
The program is now in its 25th year.
Applications are currently open for next year’s cohort and close on Saturday, September 30.