Winners announced for TRAIL scholarship
28 May 2018
There was stiff competition for the MLA and GICA-sponsored places in the 2018 Training Rural Australians in Leadership (TRAIL) program with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Applications were received from candidates across a variety of different industry sectors.
Two successful candidates were chosen – Sarah Coleman of Majors Creek, north Queensland, and Nancy Pratt, also located in north Queensland.
Both Sarah and Nancy run small Boer goat operations. It’s their passion to see the northern industry grow. Nancy is keen to grow partnerships with local abattoirs, butchers and foodservice outlets to supply semi-prepared product offerings for domestic consumers, while Sarah is interested in seeing the genetics of the northern herd improve.
The 2018 TRAIL course took place in early May 2018.
“I found the course challenging but extremely thought provoking and perception-changing,” Sarah said.
“I had the chance to really step back and look much more objectively at myself in my current role and more broadly at the industries and associations that I am apart of as a goat producer. I’ve found a greater confidence in myself thanks to the speakers the course hosted,” she said.
“The chance to meet other leaders and emerging leaders from different industries really highlighted how important it is for all to work together and learn broadly, not just industry-specific.
"I found the TRAIL program insightful, challenging and empowering. The course has given me a new found respect and understanding for elements necessary in leadership roles. It was a fantastic opportunity," said Nancy.
“All in all, it was an experience that I’d certainly recommend to anyone thinking about it,” said Sarah.
TRAIL is a leadership program for Australia’s future rural leaders, providing participants with key skills and insights that can be applied immediately as a leader and team member.
It focuses on:
- facilitating strategic thinking
- successful conversations
- advocacy, influence and political processes
- communication and presentation skills
- effective and constructive collaboration.
Keep an eye out in future editions of Goats on the Move as two more scholarship places will be available in 2019.
