Opportunity granted for future in ag
• Keeley Lester and Katelyn Petrie have successfully obtained a sponsorship to the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program this May.
February 08, 2023
By Taylor Clyne
Two North-East women have secured the sponsorship to attend a life changing event at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong later this year thanks to the Tasmanian Women in Agriculture (TWiA).
Keeley Lester and Katelyn Petrie will participate in a six-day intensive course live on campus with the aim of broadening their leadership skills and communication specific to the rural industry.
Last year’s attendee Hannah de Bomford said it was a very confronting week for personal growth and development.
“I gained a lot of personal development; you’re spending more than nine hours a day working through so much content.
“It really provided me with the clarity I needed on the agriculture industry, and I actually quit my job when I returned and went into something more specific to my future which was huge,” she said.
Keeley is a Food and Fibre Production Teacher at Winnaleah High School who has a passion for Agricultural Education.
She has created the ‘Agducation’ online platform which facilitates resources, support and guidance for other Food and Fibre Educators.
Katelyn is the Environmental and Sustainable Production Officer at Clovelly Dairies who is striving to grow her leadership skills for herself personally and to help in her professional role.
Ms Bomford said the TWiA can see the benefit that these two women in Tasmanian Agriculture will get on a personal and professional level, while also seeing the flow-on effects from the prestigious Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program in Tasmanian communities.
“They were chosen after completing a written application and interview process, with selection criteria structured around current connection, belief in and commitment to the Tasmanian and greater agricultural industry.
“Contribution to and involvement in the development of community and professional field and demonstrating current leadership skills and willingness to represent agriculture and rural communi-ties into the future,” she said.
To date the TWiA have sponsored 47 participants since 1997.
The leadership program is set for commencement in mid-May.