To achieve this, the RGA has developed the Rice Industry Leadership Program.
RGA leadership coordinator Ainsley Massina said the rice industry has always been active in its leadership development and running leadership programs since 2006.
She said this new program is an extension of that, and includes three levels of leadership programs, based on participants’ previous experience and knowledge — Established Leaders, Foundation of Leadership and Introduction to the Rice Industry.
‘‘When funding became available, the RGA decided to submit an application to increase the scale of the program and build more structure around developing leaders and succession for the industry,’’ Ms Massina said.
The Rice Industry Leadership Program has been funded by the Federal Government’s $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund and by the five key organisations servicing the rice industry — the RGA, Rice Extension, AgriFutures Australia, SunRice and The Rice Marketing Board of NSW (RMB).
‘‘We aim to build the participants’ capability, skills and confidence through the Rice Industry Leadership Program. For example, in all three programs corporate governance is a key topic covered,’’ Ms Massina said.
‘‘In the Established Leaders program participants have completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course ‘Foundations of Directorship’. In organising this program, we had the opportunity to bring this course to the local region, also enabling another 20 local leaders from across the community to complete this well-renowned program.’’
Five people are currently completing the Established Leaders program, which is targeting people who aspire to be directors within the rice industry.
Those in the Established Leaders program have already spent time with the SunRice executive and directors in Sydney and have travelled to Vietnam to better understand the complexity of strategy and operations for SunRice as an international business.
‘‘To be eligible for the Established Leaders program, participants must have demonstrated a strong commitment to the rice industry,’’ Ms Massina said.
‘‘Participants are currently, or have previously, been representatives to the RGA, the Rice Research and Development Advisory Panel and other important community and industry organisations.’’
Ms Massina said 19 people have also completed the Foundations of Leadership Program.
‘‘This program is targeted at emerging leaders who have really shown an interest in taking on leadership roles across the rice industry and supporting communities.
‘‘Foundation of Leadership is about benefiting the rice industry and the broader community. Developing people who may sit on the board of an irrigator group, local lands groups or other community organisations.’’
Fourteen people also took part in the Introduction to the Rice Industry course in Deniliquin.
Activities included learning about governance, corporate structure, advocacy, networking and communication.
Keeping with a local theme to the region, guest facilitators included Conargo’s Perin Davey and Finley’s Jane Harris.
Four participants will be selected from stage one of the program to attend a two day workshop in Canberra, to meet with leaders in organisations such as Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the National Farmers’ Federation, the National Irrigators’ Council and Australian Government.
They will further develop networking and advocating skills learned in the Introduction to the Rice Industry course.
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