The participants for Cotton Australia's the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program (AFCLP) have been announced.
Developed by Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), the program aims to help develop the future leaders in Australia's cotton industry.
2021 is the seventh time the program has been run.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said a combination of growers and researchers had been selected for this year’s AFCLP.
"The applicants we had for this year’s program were the strongest we have ever observed, which highlights the depth of leadership potential we are fortunate to have within our industry.
"Our selection panel had the challenge of choosing just 15 participants, and I am confident the AFCLP will help shape those people in their work guiding the Australian cotton industry through the decades ahead," he said.
The program consists of face-to-face forums, an interactive online discussion forum, one-on-one coaching, an individual project, and integration with industry activities to help develop the skills of the participants.
"One of the great things about this flagship program is it empowers each individual participant to flex their leadership muscle in a way tailored to their strengths, while also binding the group of participants in a collegial, constructive way where they become a powerhouse of ideas for our industry," Kay added.
CRDC executive director, Dr Ian Taylor said that the pandemic demonstrated the need for strong leadership across many industries.
"Last year’s pandemic and crises highlighted to us the value of good leadership, and how when our leaders bind together in the face of adversity and share ideas in an agile and positive way, the hurdles we all need to climb become just that bit smaller," he said.
Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program 2021 participants:
- Nicole McDonald, Melbourne, VIC
- Joe Briggs, Coleambally, NSW
- Sally Ceeney, Warren, NSW
- Patrick Fillipi, Sydney, NSW
- Jess Lehmann, Canberra, ACT
- James Traill, Moree, NSW
- Richard Gray, Moree, NSW
- Charlie Clark, Goondiwindi, QLD
- Alexandria Galea, Emerald, QLD
- Will Jackman, Moree, NSW
- Chris Hutchinson, Moura, QLD
- Matthew Anning, Springsure, QLD
- Rob Weinthal, Gunnedah, NSW
- Melinda Swift, Warren, NSW
- Kimberley Fawkes, Dalby, QLD