Scholarships and Programs

RICE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 2018-2021

The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) believes that developing strong and effective industry leaders is essential. These leaders will assist the rice industry to structurally adjust to the many drivers of change influencing the industry. They will also allow the industry to continue it’s economic, environmental and innovation success. Our vision is to establish a self-replenishing cohort of rice industry leaders who are diverse in knowledge and experience. They will be skilled, confident and self-aware to take on the leadership roles presented to them via the organisations associated with the industry.

If you are have any questions about this program call Ainsley Massina on 0428859214. 

Our Programs:

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE RICE INDUSTRY PROGRAM

The RGA Leadership Development Tier 1 program has been delivered to 2 cohorts in February 2019 and February 2020.

Who is this program for?
This program is designed for new and/or inexperienced people with a passion and interest in the rice industry and/or supporting industries and communities. The program engages the next generation of leaders with the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and gaining exposure to the industry and associated organisations.

Program outline:

Two stage program, as follows:

Stage 1: Four day residential program with a focus on development of R & D priorities, sustainability and biosecurity of the Rice Industry. This will give exposure to and engage the next generation of the leaders in the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in key areas of industry leadership.

Stage 2: Two days to network with and advocate the outcomes from stage 1 chosen from to organisations such as AgriFutures Australia, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, The National Farmers’ Federation, The National Irrigators’ Council and politicians.

This is a fully funded program, included all meals and accommodation.

Contact – Ainsley Massina
Leadership Coordinator – Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Delivered in 2018.

Who is the program for?
This program is targeting Rice Growers and industry representatives who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing leadership opportunities within the rice industry or have demonstrated a commitment to the broader industry.

Program Outcomes: The RGA Foundations of Leadership Program is an ambitious program which aims to develop a cohort of emerging leaders for:

  • Succession planning and strategic contributions on boards, committees and in the rice industry and communities as a whole;
  • To develop advocacy and governance capacity in the sector; and
  • To develop self-aware, forward thinking strategic leaders who can build the industry and the region into the future.

The RGA’s objective is to develop the leadership capacity and resilience of its sector. The overall objectives of the leadership program are to assist participants to:

  • Deepen their understanding and appreciation of the need for flexible and responsive leadership;
  • Introduce the participants to foundational aspects and skills of effective leadership
  • Introduce the participants to the foundations of Corporate strategy, governance and finance
  • Develop greater self-awareness and adaptability in terms of behavioural responses, management style, and leadership approach;
  • Develop a structured pathway for future leadership development;
  • Foster ongoing relationships for peer support in the rice industry;
  • Engage in a larger national network of leaders through the ALRF’s Network of Fellows.

Developing the ability to influence others and to contribute to the future success of the rice industry and the board agricultural industry, involves individual leaders learning about themselves and how they can work collaboratively with others. Participation in the Program will improve the participant’s confidence and skills, which will benefit not only the rice industry but the region as a whole.

Program Content:
Leadership Development and Effective Teams

  • Experiential challenge activities
  • Self-awareness
  • Group Skills and engagement
  • Facilitating effective meetings
  • Conflict management – Having ‘real’ conversations
  • Leadership vs Management
  • 360 degree feedback
  • Development of personal learning plans.

Leadership Pathways:

  • Meeting industry: RGA, LLS, irrigation companies, SunRice
  • Networking
  • Presentation skills

Post-Course Follow-up:

  • Introduction to (and membership of) the Foundation’s Network of Fellows to expand contacts to provide an ongoing support base
  • Having fun as emerging leaders!

Time Commitment:

There are two sessions – the first of five days (four nights) and the second of three days (three nights) which will be held in the rice growing region.

This program has be developed by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in conjunction with the RGA.

 

ESTABLISHED LEADERS PROGRAM

Delivered in 2018-19.

Who is the program for?
The Established Leaders Program is targeted at rice growers and industry representatives who have experience and ambitions to take up a position as a potential director of SunRice, the Rice Marketing Board or AgriFutures Australia. Participants must currently be contributing to the broader rice industry.

Program Outcomes: 
The Established Leaders Program assists future directors by giving them the knowledge, practical experience and networks to thrive within the industry. In this program participants will work with The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Zoë Routh, Inner Compass Australia Pty Ltd, and SunRice Board and Executives.

Program Content:
This three stage program focused on international business and emerging markets, corporate finance, governance and strategy and will align with the offerings of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This Program provided participants the opportunity to form strong links with the SunRice Board and management team.