Fostering our cotton leaders
COTTON Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation has announced the application period for the 2018 Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program has opened.
Applications are now being accepted from aspiring leaders from across the cotton supply chain.
During the program participants will meet for two face-to-face forums, develop industry partnerships and attend cotton industry activities to further develop their leadership skills and networks.
The program starts in May and concludes in October.
Future Cotton Leaders Program director Paul Sloman said the program’s key purpose was to prepare participants for future leadership roles in the cotton industry.
“The program has proven to be a great success in supporting leadership succession plans,” he says.
“Already we have seen graduates step up to new roles and many have represented the cotton industry on regional, state, national and international levels.”
Aaron Kiely – a cotton grower from Emerald who was part of the previous intake – attributes the program with establishing his leadership vision and direction in the industry.
“The program challenged and inspired me to really question what my role was in the industry and how I could make a difference,” Mr Kiely said.
I am more confident in myself and my business and I have stepped up to take on the president’s role for the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association.”
Katie Broughton, a researcher with CSIRO in Narrabri, encourages others who wish to develop their industry and leadership skills to get on board with the 2018 program.
“The interaction with other program participants gave me the opportunity to learn about their roles from across the whole cotton industry. It’s a great opportunity,” Ms Broughton said.
For more information, phone Paul Sloman at 0448 094 883 or email pauls@cotton.org.au.
Applications for the program close May 4.