THE CBH Group, in partnership with Grower Group Alliance (GGA) and Leadership WA, has announced that the 2019 Growing Leaders Scholarship applications are open.
Launched last year, the scholarship was designed to develop the future leaders of the WA grain industry and grow the pool of growers ready to take on leadership positions in the industry and even at CBH.
CBH general manager grower and external affairs Brianna Peake said the scholarship program was an extension of the co-operative’s commitment to building leadership capacity within its regional communities.
“It’s incredibly important that we have strong leaders in our communities and industry and CBH is very proud to help foster leadership growth,” Ms Peake said.
“We’re pleased to offer the scholarship program for a second, consecutive year and I’m looking forward to seeing the successful applicants continue to build their leadership skills.”
A total of three scholarships, valued at up to $15,000 each, are available.
It includes two scholarships in Leadership WA’s six-month Rising Leaders program and one scholarship for more progressed leaders in Leadership WA’s 10-month Signature Leaders program.
South East Premium Wheatgrowers Assocation executive officer Niki Curtis was a successful recipient of the Signature Leaders Program in last year’s inaugural Growing Leaders Scholarship Program.
“In regional WA, we have many wonderful and passionate leaders in our communities and sometimes we all take on our roles without having any training and we just give things a go based on gut instinct,” Ms Curtis said.
“This program provides time to reflect on who we are and how we do things.
“As agriculture continues to develop as an industry, it’s critical the leadership potential of people is supported to ensure we have a clear purpose and direction so we can continue to remain competitive in global and domestic markets.”
Mr Curtis said she would recommend the program to anyone considering leadership skills development – especially in regional areas that are often under-resourced and rely on communities to drive and implement change.
GGA executive officer Annabelle Bushell said developing leadership skills was vital to ensure the long-term sustainability and success within the grower group and extension network.
“Grower groups play a critical role in regional communities and the agriculture industry – from being an incubation hub for new farming techniques to their importance as a connection point in local communities,” Ms Bushell said.
“The Growing Leaders Scholarship program is a fantastic opportunity to build the leadership potential in our industry and develop skills that can be used to ensure we continue to have a sustainable and strong group network in WA that supports a profitable agriculture industry.”
Leadership WA chief executive officer Dominique Mecoy said she was proud to work with CBH and GGA in fostering leadership skills across regional communities and the agriculture industry.
“Developing leadership skills across all regions and industries of Western Australia is absolutely critical to ensuring the state can not only meet the challenges of the 21st century, but capitalise on them,” Ms Mecoy said.
More information: go to cbh.com.au/growingleadersscholarship
