Six grain industry participants from across Australia gathered in Sydney last week for the first component of the 2025 GrainGrowers OnBoard director program.
Renee Anderson (Queensland), Monica Armanini (New South Wales), James Cleaver (New South Wales), Emily Coggan (Queensland), Hannah Dabinett (South Australia) and Ruth Sommerville (South Australia) undertook training and discussion around governance and leadership skills during the event.
Combining the mix of leadership capability and sound governance skills, the OnBoard program has been developed as a professional development opportunity for industry participants, integrating hard and soft skills training delivered by expert facilitators. The course provides full funding for participants to complete governance training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
In 2025, Onboard participants have the choice of one of two streams of governance training courses administered by the AICD:
- AICD Company Director’s Course – an in-depth course providing a comprehensive understanding of the requirements needed to be an effective director for not-for-profits and other industries.
- AICD Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors – a shorter course focused on directorship for not-for-profits.
Developed to be a transformative experience for professionals stepping into leadership roles, the first phase focused on interactive workshops and expert-led discussions, with participants gaining insights into effective communication, influence, and boardroom dynamics.
Participants found the experience highly valuable, describing it as an impactful professional development and learning opportunity.
Fifth generation farmer, James Cleaver from Dubbo said the training provided an insight into how boards work, and what boards are looking for when selecting members.
“I think sometimes with agriculture, we sell ourselves short and we don’t always have that voice, because we don’t have that bit of capacity building, or appropriate courses behind us.”
“OnBoard is an awesome opportunity to refine our skills a little bit and also talk the same language as those people who have that experience and who are working on boards every day.” Mr Cleaver said.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said since 2021 OnBoard had helped provide participants with the skills and abilities to contribute to industry boards and committees in a positive manner.
“Over time we have pleasingly seen an increasing number of graduates take up industry roles, and I am excited to see how this new group progresses.”
Ms Gawel said GrainGrowers was pleased to offer the course as a way of developing foundational skills for the wider industry.
“The talent pool we are continuing to build through the program, allows an increasing number of growers to put their hands up and actively participate in industry bodies and other organisations,” Ms Gawel said.
Further details about the OnBoard program, including how to apply and previous industry participants who have taken part, can be found at graingrowers.com.au.
ends