Leadership scholarships up for grabs
26 June 2017
Feedlot industry representatives looking to enhance their leadership skills are encouraged to apply for MLA-ALFA scholarships funded jointly by grain-fed levies and the Australian government in consultation with Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.
One scholarship is awarded for the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), and two scholarship places are awarded for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Training Rural Australians In Leadership (TRAIL) Program, which are all administered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
The ARLP scholarship is a hands-on 54-day program, delivered in six sessions over 15 months, and includes challenge-based education, workshops, and an overseas field study.
It aims to produce a network of informed, capable and ethical leaders who are able to work collaboratively to advance the interests of their industries, businesses, communities and rural Australia in general.
Todd Fotheringhame (pictured) of Pederah Creek Feedlot, Karlgarin, WA, who was awarded the 2014 MLA/ALFA ARLP scholarship, described the experience as valuable on both a professional and personal development level.
“I was one of a group of 30 people from all over Australia in that co-hort. They were all ages and from all walks of life, but with the shared goal of making rural, regional and remote Australia a better place,” Todd said.
“It’s hard to describe the whole experience as a ‘light bulb’ moment, but you are continually evolving as you go and it’s all about how to become a better leader.
“You’re placed outside of your comfort zone and challenged by different people and situations, and it really makes you ask questions of yourself.
“It taught me that you don’t necessarily have to be the person out in front to be the leader – you can lead from behind or within.
“And you don’t have to be on a soapbox telling people what to do to be considered a leader. Rather, you can have influence or make changes by just being a part of something.
“You learn so much about yourself and other people, and you understand why people react the way they do.
“It’s a full-on program, but I found it be extremely valuable and a great experience.”
Todd’s scholarship started with two weeks in the Kimberley, followed by sessions at Parliament House, Canberra, as well as Sydney, Adelaide and Port Lincoln.
“We also spent time in Indonesia, our closest trading partner, learning about the culture and studying the effects the live cattle export ban in 2011 had on the country,” Todd said.
MLA and ALFA also fund two scholarships to the ARLF TRAIL Program each year.
TRAIL is an eight-day cross-sector leadership program set in Canberra, providing participants with key skills and insights which they can apply immediately.
The program focuses on facilitating strategic thinking; successful conversations; advocacy, influence and political processes; communication and presentation skills; and effective and constructive collaboration.
Applications for the next round of the ARLP open on 24 July and applications for TRAIL in 2018 are now open. The ARLP selection process involves written applications and interviews. The TRAIL selection process involves written applications, which are assessed by a panel comprising representatives from ALFA and MLA.
For further information about the scholarships contact Des Rinehart, MLA: drinehart@mla.com.au or Jessica Skilbeck, ALFA: jessica.skilbeck@feedlots.com.au
Past MLA/ALFA ARLP Scholarship recipients include:
2004 Jason Shearer-Smith (Smithfield Feedlot)
2005 Michael Doyle (Beef City Feedlot)
2006 Troy Setter (Killara Feedlot)
2007 Jim Cudmore (Kerwee Feedlot)
2008 Stephen Reynolds (Charlton Feedlot)
2009 Geoff Cornford (Wainui Feedlot)
2010 Michelle Soulsby (Charlton Feedlot)
2011 Tess Herbert (Gundamain Feedlot)
2012 Bryce Camm (Wonga Plains Feedlot)
2013 James Palfreeman (JBS Swift Australia)
2014 Todd Fotheringhame (Pederah Creek Feedlot)
2015 Dave Bailey (Aronui Feedlot)
2016 Steve Martin (Kerwee Lot Feeders)
2017 Will McCrohon (Riverina Beef).
Past MLA/ALFA TRAIL Scholarship recipients include:
2014 - Amanda Moohen, Camm Agricultural Group, Bowenville and Richard Nicholls, JBS Australia, Quirindi.
2015 - Sherrill Stivano, Bellvue Feedlot, Roma and Will McCrohon, JBS Australia, Yanco
2016 - Jeff Schuller, Coonamble Feedlot, Coonamble; Lauren McNally, Caroona Feedlot, Quirindi and Emily Hanlan, Gunnee Feedlot, Delungra.
2017 - Andrew Slack, Smithfield Cattle Company, Proston and Greg Schuller, Ashleigh Park Feedlot, Culcairn.
