Australian Future Grain Leaders Program 

The Australian Future Grain Leaders Program is an initiative of Grain Growers Association (GGA) and is being delivered through its Innovative Grains portfolio.  The key aim of this program is to identify, develop and support emerging leaders to engage and integrate with the industry now, resulting in improved future leadership succession.  RuralScope Pty Limited is facilitating this program. Click here to download Australian Future Grain Leaders Launch Media Release.    

1. The 2008 - 2009 Australian Future Grain Leaders
Click here to download the 2008 - 2009 Australian Future Grain Leaders Listing
The 15 participants come from across the Australian grains industry supply chain.   The participants are:

Growers - Arthur Gearon, Chinchilla QLD, Daniel Cooper, Pullabooka NSW, James Hamilton, Narromine NSW, James Nalder, Coonamble NSW, Mark Swift, Parkes NSW, Royce Taylor, Lake Grace WA and Tom Saint, Maitland SA.

Traders - Georgina Whiting, Naracoorte SA, Lauren West, Lake Grace WA

Researcher - Helen Richardson, Horsham VIC

Consultant - Alistair Murdoch, Swan Hill VIC

Agribusiness - Josh Taylor, Vale Park SA, Katrina Swift, Parks NSW, Mel Taylor, Highfields QLD and James Caracoussis, Adeliade SA    

Click here to download the Future Grain Leaders Line Up Media Release  
Click here to download Helen Richardson Lines Up Media Article
Click here to download James Nalder Lines Up Media Article
Click here to download Tom Saint in Future Farmers Program Article
Click here to download Alistair Murdoch Program Participant Article
Click here to download Royce Taylor and Lauren Taylor - WA Grain Leaders Article 

 2. About the Program
The Australian Future Grain Leaders Program has been designed as a leadership in action program.  It's flagship is the integrated leadership project which is undertaken by each participant and supported by the program, facilitation process and the linking of participants with an established leader via the MentorMatch stage of the program.  Key program elements include Face to face forums, individual integrated industry leadership project, group teleseminars, one on one sessions with facilitator, MentorMatch, online email discussion forum anf grains industry engagement including active referral of participants to networks, individuals and groups of interest.    

The Australian Future Grain Leaders Program focusses on Leadership in Action and content includes;
- The Grain Story
- Goal setting
- Leadership model
- Personality styles
- Leader profiles
- Influencing through communication
- Project visioning
- Leadership project
- Project presentations
- Negotiation skills  
- Media and PR skills
- Networking beyond grain
- Action planning

The program runs from October 2008 - June 2009
The three key program stages are:   
Stage 1 - Leadership Development
Stage 2 - Knowledge and Skill Application
Stage 3 - Leading Change  

3. Program Facilitator
Jo Eady, RuralScope Pty Limited, is the Program Facilitator. Jo has extensive experience in facilitation and the development of innovative leadership and management strategies for industries and organisations implementing change.  Jo is currently leading organisational change programs for a range of commercial agribuisness companies and also facilittes the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program for the Australian cotton industry.  She pioneered the first mentoring programs in Australia's agricultural and rural sectors in 2000. Since then she has supported over 250 mentoring partnerships and conducted a range of inhouse and public mentoring programs.

4. MentorMatch - MENTORS WANTED - Australian Future Grain Leaders Program 
We are keen to hear from established leaders interested in providing 2 hours of mentoring support to emerging grain leaders in February 2009.    Called MentorMatch, this is a key stage of the Australian Future Grain Leaders Program.  This will see each of the 15 program participants matched with an established leader to support them with skill development, insights into how to lead change in the real world and importantly how to trouble shoot when things don't go quite to plan.  MentorMatch is coordinated by RuralScope Pty Limited who will provide resources and support to mentors.  Co-inciding with International Mentoring Month, this is a great opportunity for leaders to give back and supprot the next generation of leaders coming through.  The 15 participants are highly motivated each completing an integrated industry project where they apply their leadership skills and knowledge in action.  This means that any support, advice and insights given by mentors will be well used.  Please contact Coordinator, Jo Eady, direct on 03 9787 8458 or 0419 912 879 for more information.  Click here to read Mentors Needed Media Release  

Fast Facts for Potential Mentors
Mentors will be matched with participants based on the participants integrated industry projects and the goals they have set to achieve
Mentors will engage in 4 x 20min - 30min phone sessons with their mentoree in February - March 2009
Mentors will receive an Introduction to Mentoring Guide outlining steps to effective mentoring
Mentors will be provided with a one page MentorMatch Program Overview to assist in preparing for each session with their mentoree
Mentors will have the opportunity to join a 1 hour teleconference to meet other mentors, find out more about the program, learn about mentoring styles and strategies for success and meet the MentorMatch coordinator - Jo Eady   
Mentors will have one on one support from the MentorMatch coordinator throughout the program for advice / support etc 
Mentors will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with emerging leaders

Please contact MentorMatch Coordinator Jo Eady on 0419 912 879 or complete the following online form and we will contact you.  

 5. Australian Future Grain Leaders Travel Bursary
The Grains Research and Development Corporation provides a Travel Bursary to support each participant of the Australian Future Grain Leaders Program.  This opportunity means that all participants can access up to $550 each to support travel associated with their Integrated Industry Leadership Program.  This industry support sees participants able to further develop their leadership skills regardless of where they work or live and apply their leadership skills in action.  Click here to download Youthful Approach Media Article.