Worth its weight in cheese

TO the untrained eye, cheese maker Nick Haddow is a natural-born leader.

But the Bruny Island Cheese Co founder is the first to tell you that undertaking a leadership program was fundamental to him and his internationally recognised business.

“An MBA might have made me a better businessman, a personal development course would have deepened my personal skills. The TLP has made me a better everything.” Mr Haddow said.

By TLP, Mr Haddow means a Tasmanian Leaders Program, similar to the scholarship programs announced by the state’s regional tourism organisations yesterday.

Destination Southern Tasmania, Tourism Northern Tasmania, the Cradle Coast Authority and East Coast Tourism are offering two scholarships annually to promote leadership in the tourism industry.

“If we are to meet the overall 2020 goals for the industry and continue to meet the challenges, then we must give our industry leaders the skills and opportunity to take us even further,” said Melinda Anderson, chief executive of Destination Southern Tasmania.

The scholarships will enable up to two people to undertake the year-long program.

“Eligible applicants must be working in the tourism and hospitality sector with a passion for seeing the visitor economy evolve in Tasmania,” Ms Anderson said.

Mr Haddow said during his time in the program he valued the depth of contact with Tasmanian leaders from a range of industry, politics and business.

“You weren’t just being given leadership training, but in the program you discuss very relevant Tasmanian issues with quality Tasmanian people,” he said.