Do you want to improve your leadership skills or gain hands-on board experience? Perhaps you are an experienced leader looking for opportunities to extend yourself further? Now is the time to apply for a funded place in the 2021 Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program (the Leadership Program).

The Leadership Program aims to provide funded places for Victorian-based rural women connected to agriculture or the agriculture supply chain who want to improve their leadership skills or gain board experience.

The leadership programs on offer in 2021 cater for emerging to experienced leaders through three partners: The Observership Program, Regional Leadership and Leadership Victoria. This week’s launch marks the start of the third year of the program.

The 2021 Leadership Program is offering 14 funded places on established leadership programs commencing later this year and in 2021. This includes opportunities to gain senior leadership or board experience with four additional funded places on offer across two existing programs – the Williamson Leadership Program (two funded places) and The Observership Program (six funded places).

The Leadership Program is supported by Agriculture Victoria and the Victorian Rural Women’s Network. Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes launched this year’s program and is encouraging rural Victorian women in agriculture to apply.

“The Leadership Program works to inspire, resource and connect rural and regional Victorian women so they feel empowered to step up, lead and succeed in their businesses and communities,” Minister Symes said.

Applications from women with disabilities and those from culturally diverse and Indigenous backgrounds are encouraged. Until restrictions are lifted, programs will be delivered online. For information on opening dates, eligibility criteria and how to apply, see the Victorian Rural Women’s Network website.

If you have a question, please email [email protected].