The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has announced the twelve women who’ll be joining the 2025 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
Billed as the flagship mentoring and leadership program designed to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in the Australian agricultural sector, the program kicks off with a mid-winter retreat in Canberra in June, followed by monthly catch-ups online as the women return to their farms, and then a final graduation ceremony in October.
The twelve women are drawn from all over the country, with the twelve women selected being:
Karen Penfold, Courtney Bailey, Vivienne McCollum, and Bronwyn Venus from Queensland; Nada Sukkarieh, Malinda Guest, Mary Johnson, and Georgia Campbell from New South Wales; Anna Cochrane from the Northern Territory; Victoria Fish from Victoria; Allison Dakin from Western Australia; and finally Mon Saunders for South Australia.
Patron of the Program, Liverpool Plains farmer, current vice president of the World Farmer’s Organisation, and former president of the NFF Fiona Simson has praised the the program, saying that it was an important step for representation.
“It’s important to really embrace diversity in every format if we want to truly achieve equality,” Ms Simson said.
“I’m very proud that the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program makes a real difference to real women’s lives.”
David Jochinke, the NFF’s President, said that the process of whittling it down to only a dozen was very competitive, with the twelve women being “the cream of the crop.”
“We congratulate them for taking the time and effort to further their leadership skills through this program,” Jochinke said.
The program is part of the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in leadership positions by 2030.
“This program boasts dozens of alumni and is now in its eighth year, a testament to the desire for diversity in ag’s senior leadership.”
“I look forward to seeing these talented professionals thrive in this year’s program.”
For previous graduates, the program has proven invaluable.
“The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program has empowered me to break free from self-imposed limitations, embrace my potential, and build lasting bonds with incredible women who have supported my journey toward personal and professional growth,” 2024 graduate Ming Fung Chua said.
While applications have closed for this year, prospective applicants for future programs are advised to watch the NFF website to apply – applications are open to all women involved in the agricultural industry, not just farmers.
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