Sheepmeat Industry Leadership Program participants, including back row from left, Allison Harker, Peter Thomas, Amanda Olthoff, Michael Wright, Alister Persse, Dan Korff, Josh Sweeney, John McGoverne, David Lomas and Ben Haseler. Front row, Elise Bowen, David Young, Graeme Sawyer and Isaac Allen.

FUTURE sheep industry leaders last week completed a leadership program and governance workshop organised by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia.

On Friday, the SCA hosted the final session of the Sheepmeat Industry Leadership Program and a two-day governance workshop.

The workshop was part of the joint SCA and Meat and Livestock Australia project, Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry.

SCA Industry Leadership and Community Engagement Committee Chair Michael Craig said the leadership program, run through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, aimed to develop and retain people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.

He said 14 participants graduated from the course, which succeeded in enhancing their leadership skills, building confidence and understanding in governance and policy, and developing new networks and friendships that will last a lifetime.

SCA Governance in Action program participants, from left, Toby Locke, James Corcoran, Laney O’Neill, Maxie Hanftt, Annabel Johnson, Jane Kellock, Amy Minahan, Tobie Payne, Catherine James, Michael Craig (SCA board), Courtney Martino, Verity Price, Ellen Davis, Jeff Murray (SCA president), Bindi Murray, Brad Bateman and Allison Horswill.

Mr Craig said 15 young policy officers and sheep producers gained first-hand experience in the council’s work through the Governance in Action workshop that aimed to upskill them in the areas of advocacy, engaging with government and political representatives, personal effectiveness and social media.

“The sheep industry’s future depends on having leaders with the capacity, skills and experience to protect and promote it and as part of the project, SCA is investing in the skills base of the current and future generation of industry leaders and advocates,” Mr Craig said.

Source: Sheepmeat Council of Australia.