The Victorian Government is inviting women from country Victoria to build their leadership skills, with the 2021 Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program now open.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes is encouraging rural Victorian women involved in agriculture or the agricultural supply chain to apply for this year’s intake, with 14 funded places on established leadership courses starting later this year and early in 2021.
The Government has provided $500,000 funding to the Victorian Rural Women’s Network to support the program, which has so far provided 24 rural women with professional leadership training.
The Leadership Program partners with four established leadership training providers delivering highly regarded programs suitable for emerging and experienced leaders.
Applications are now open for funded places on the 2020 Women’s Leadership Program as well as for the 2021 intake of The Observership Program and Williamson Leadership Program.
Participants in the Leadership Program build expertise in areas such as how to effectively build teams, financial and business management, governance and networking. The Observership Program offers the opportunity for emerging leaders to gain first-hand board experience by sitting as an ‘observer’ on a not-for-profit board.
The Victorian Rural Women’s Network was re-established in July 2017 with a $1.7 million commitment over four years from the Victorian Government.
The Leadership Program, alongside other initiatives including AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award and the Invisible Farmer Project, is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing support for rural and regional women.
For more information and to apply for a funded place on a leadership program, see the Victorian Rural Women’s Network website at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
“Victoria’s resilient and innovative rural women are at the forefront of driving change across Australia. These programs will enable them to hone their skills and to connect with other passionate advocates for country Victoria.”
“The Leadership and Mentoring Program works to inspire, resource and connect rural and regional Victorian women so they feel empowered to step up, lead and succeed in their communities.”
Reviewed 23 July 2020