WoolProducers opens a second round of nominations for ‘Raising the Baa’ Leadership in Agriculture Program

WoolProducers Australia has opened a second round of nominations for two prestigious leadership programs for wool industry leaders, thanks to unexpected savings from COVID-19. Three free spots to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors company director’s course and one spot to join the WoolProducers Australia Youth Ambassador program are available. WoolProducers Australia chief executive Jo Hall said the organisation was able to offer more training opportunities after last year’s recipients had to complete their courses online. Both opportunities fall under WoolProducers’ ‘Raising the Baa’ Leadership in Agriculture Program, which aims to bolster capacity building within the wool industry with the help of a grant through the Federal Government’s Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund. “Due to interruptions from COVID-19 over the past few years, the six participants selected last year have had to undertake the AICD courses online rather than in person, resulting in an underspend of the grant,” Ms Hall said. “This has allowed for these additional placements. “We are also excited to call for young people in the wool industry to apply to become our next Youth Ambassador.” The ambassadorship provides a young person aged between 18 and 35 years old an opportunity to join the WoolProducers board as an observer for 12 months. Ms Hall said both the AICD course and the Youth Ambassador opportunity had previously attracted a diverse group of people with varying roles within the wool industry. “We are seeking nominations from interested parties who have a passion for the wool industry and are active in any sector of industry throughout the supply chain,” she said. “Such is the success of the Raising the Baa Program, the WoolProducers board has resolved to keep the Youth Ambassador roles continuing post the conclusion of the project. “This is in recognition of not only the benefits, experience and insights that the ambassadors receive but also the positive influence of having a youth perspective on the discussions around the WoolProducers table.” Katanning youngster Makaela Knapp was last year appointed one of two Woolproducers Australia Raising the Baa Youth Ambassadors, along with Erin Douglas, from Victoria. Ms Hall said the Raising the Baa Program was aimed at providing exposure and experience to young people who have an interest in industry policy development and agri-politics in general. “The Raising the Baa Program enables current and future leaders of the wool industry to gain knowledge in compliance, risk, strategy, finance and the role of the board,” Ms Hall said. “The funding provides all participants with fully covered travel costs. “Nominees will be required to apply for these positions and all appointments will be merit based.” Nominations for both programs close on Thursday, April 7. To find out more, email info@woolproducers.com.au.