Seventeen leaders in the Tasmanian agriculture sector are set to graduate from an innovative career development program aiming to build practical skills and knowledge.
The Enable Program is a joint initiative of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and Rural Business Tasmania (RBT) and brings together owners and managers of agricultural businesses and people working in extension.
Lecturer in Agriculture Systems with TIA, Saideepa Kumar, said the program attracted participants from across Tasmania eager to develop their leadership and management skills. A graduation event was held for the participants in Launceston today.
“Through this program, the participants have learned new skills together, reflected on their strengths and leadership styles, navigated a few challenges and even organised a field day together,” Saideepa said.
“I hope the connections formed through this program will be useful beyond graduation day and the participants will be leaders in the agricultural sector and help each other succeed.”
Participant Cassie Tickner-Smith from Tasmanian Irrigation said the Enable Program had been enlightening.
“I’ve been able to use skills learnt during the course to better manage how I respond in challenging situations; in the workplace and out.
“Being aware of ‘staying above the line’ and being open and positive is already changing my life, and applying communication, project planning, coaching and conflict management techniques covered in the course will enable me to be a better leader working in Tasmania’s agriculture and environment industry.”
Participant and dairy farmer Shaelyn Rockliff said Enable gave her more confidence and knowledge in running the family business.
“The program has given me a greater understanding of things like business finance, succession planning, employee wages, different business structures, superannuation, banking and insurance.
“This new knowledge has helped me understand the family farm business in depth and I now have confidence to discuss these topics with others.
“The biggest highlight for me has been the development and improvement of my people management skills.”
Director of TIA, Professor Michael Rose, said the program would benefit Tasmania’s agriculture sector.
“TIA’s mission is to provide the research and industry support to accelerate Tasmania’s agricultural productivity, while maintaining land and water quality for future generations. Supporting the training and development of our agricultural leaders and innovators is a critical part of this.”
The Enable Program was delivered from April to October this year and included one full-day workshop and one 2-hour online session each month.
The program was funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through the AgUp Program which support initiatives that will help secure and retain workers in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector.
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub was a major sponsor of the program. The hub is one of eight hubs nationally funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, is based at TIA and delivered through an extensive network of industry and community partners.
Find out more about the Enable leadership program.
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