A SHEEPMEAT industry leadership program launched yesterday will take in 30 participants over the next two years.

The Sheepmeat Industry Leadership Program is the latest initiative in a program run by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia called ‘Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry’.

The initiative’s objective is to ensure that the Australian sheep industry attracts, develops and retains people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.

The SCA leadership program will be run by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, a not-for-profit company that works to develop leaders with a focus on influencing change across organisations, industries and communities in rural, regional and remote Australia.

The program includes two intakes – in 2017 and 2018 – and SCA will select 15 participants per year. Each position is valued at more than $10,000 each and covers all the training, course materials and travel to the two face-to-face sessions. Participants will be required to contribute $500 to the cost of their participation in the program.

Sheepmeat Council of Australia president Jeff Murray said the SCA wanted to champion leaders in the industry and upskill them to take on greater roles in the future.

“Through involvement with the SCA, participants will develop a greater understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities in the industry and the value of collaborations, advocacy and effective negotiation.

“Participants will build relationships and networks through communication, influence and new technology application and be connected to the existing industry leaders and experiences of ‘stepping up’ for the industry,” he said.

“The sessions will be designed to challenge participants, both personally and professionally, in a safe learning environment, and to improve their leadership practice and understanding of governance.”

Applications close at 5pm on Monday October 31 2016. An application form and information sheet with entry requirements are available online at www.sheepmeatcouncil.com.au/SILprogram

Source: Sheepmeat Council of Australia.