BUILDING LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY FOR THE SHEEP INDUSTRY

The long-term success of the Australian sheep and lamb industry will depend on the skills of people working along the supply chain.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) is working on a joint initiative with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry. The objective is to ensure that the Australian sheep industry attracts, develops and retains people with the right leadership skills to contribute to the industry’s future viability.

Through various projects, SPA is focused on building industry leadership capability by upskilling leaders throughout the supply chain and ensuring program participants remain engaged in the organisation’s activities through an alumni.

ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES TO BUILD LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY The success of the Australian sheep industry over the past 20 years has been attributed to strong leadership, sound policy development and strategic planning.

Through the Sheep Industry Strategic Plan 2020 (SISP) consultation process, the industry has identified that a key issue to be addressed in the plan is ensuring effective industry leadership and capacity in the areas of policy development and producer capability.

SPA is providing a range of exciting opportunities for sheep producers and others working in the industry to develop their leadership capability.

SPA operates a range of programs and ensures participants remain engaged in the organisation’s activities through the Future Flock Network.

The programs intend to develop a cohort of industry leaders to:• Ensure succession planning and strategic contributions on boards,

committees and in the sheep industry and communities as a whole.• Develop industry participants’ skills and experiences.• Develop forward thinking strategic leaders who can contribute to the

industry and sheep production into the future.• Ensure that Meat & Livestock Australia research and development and

marketing outcomes are widely communicated.

POSITIONING THE AUSTRALIAN SHEEP INDUSTRY FOR AN EXCITING FUTUREOpportunities to develop your leadership skills, build networks and contribute to the future of the sheep and lamb industry!

SHEEP INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMSPA wants to champion leaders in the industry and upskill them to take on greater roles in the future. The Sheep Industry Leadership Program is being delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) and features two intakes – in 2017 and 2018. SPA selects 15 participants per year for the program. Each position is valued at more than $10,000 and covers all training, course materials and travel. Through involvement with SPA, participants will develop a greater understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities in the industry and the value of collaborations, advocacy and effective negotiation.

The program’s objectives are to: 1. Develop strong leadership

capabilities, including critical thinking, persuasion and influence, negotiation, facilitation, and communication.

2. Facilitate a deeper understanding of the shared leadership challenges and opportunities faced by the agribusiness sector in Australia and to commence a practical, cooperative approach.

3. Foster ongoing relationships for peer support to strengthen the sector. Participants will build relationships and networks through communication, influence and

new technology application and be connected to the existing industry leaders and experiences of ‘stepping up’ for the industry.

More information at www.sheepproducers.com.au/SILprogram

SHEEP INDUSTRY GOVERNANCE SCHOLARSHIPPart of the Building leadership capability for the sheep industry initiative is to develop sheep producers’ capacity in the area of corporate governance. To do this, SPA and MLA are offering sheep producers an opportunity to complete the Company Directors Course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The Sheep Industry Governance Scholarship is valued at up to $10,000 and covers all course fees for the Company Director’s Course, including one year of AICD membership (paid direct to the AICD), travel to the course and accommodation and meals during the program.

More information at www.sheepproducers.com.au/governance

SHEEP INDUSTRY AMBASSADOR AWARDThe Sheep Industry Ambassador Award acknowledges the contributions of outstanding young sheep producers and their potential as future industry leaders. Ambassadors are required to work with SPA in the role for a two-year period. The award includes all-expenses paid domestic and international travel opportunities as well as a comprehensive professional development program and exposure to leading industry influencers. Ambassadors are passionate about the industry, may already be involved in representing and promoting the interests of sheep producers and currently work in the sheep industry – either on-farm or in another capacity. Award winners must be willing to work with SPA on a range of youth initiatives for the sheep industry.

More information at www.sheepproducers.com.au/ambassadors

OTHER SHEEP INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPSSPA is able to offer a range of scholarships and sponsorships for industry programs and events with a focus on building leadership skills and networks for the industry.

Sheep Producers Australia is offering a number of opportunities to develop leadership skills, build networks and contribute to the future of the Australian sheep and lamb industry.

MORE INFORMATION: Sheep Producers Australia T 02 6269 5610 | E admin@sheepproducers.com.au | W www.sheepproducers.com.au/leadership

The sheep industry’s future depends on having leaders with the capacity, skills and experience to protect and promote it. Sheep Producers Australia aims to develop and retain people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.

SPA is investing in the skills base of the current and future generation of industry leaders and advocates. It operates a range of projects so leaders can receive the opportunity to be involved but also the skills and knowledge to contribute to the vision of the industry as well as play a key role on our committees, and potentially the board.

SPA’s Industry Leadership and Community Engagement Committee makes recommendations to the board on the organisation’s investments in these areas so we can best serve our our organisation, our members and the industry as a whole.

MICHAEL CRAIG Chair, industry Leadership and Community Engagement Committee