Regional Leadership

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:14): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister tell the chamber about the RDA's regional leadership development program and the current program being run by RDA Murraylands and Riverland?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:15): I thank the honourable member for his question. I note that he has a particular interest in the Murraylands and we have participated in some different forums up there in the past. It was a pleasure to be able to stop by last week, along with the Premier, in Tailem Bend and meet participants of the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Regional Leadership Development Program (RLDP). The RLDP is funded by PIRSA, with the intent of supporting the development of leadership skills in our regional communities where either there is a gap or there is a cohort who would benefit from this opportunity.

The Murraylands and Riverland leadership program brought together leaders from across the region, with last week marking the initial two days of their eight-day program. The program also runs in varying lengths of time to suit the needs of participants, which I think is really important, with one-day and three-day courses also being available.

The program is tailored and targeted to the region it is being held in to develop leadership capacity and address skills gaps in leadership capabilities identified in those particular regions. The 30 participants taking part in the current RDA Murraylands and Riverland leadership program are from diverse backgrounds and experience, including from schools, community groups, private enterprise and large industry. Demand for the program was strong, as I am advised it has been across RDAs throughout the state.

A few of the future leaders in the Murraylands and Riverland that the Premier and I were pleased to join on the day included: Zane, who is an 18-year-old business owner who focuses on AgTech, specifically in artificial intelligence and weed control. His aim is to innovate the weed management sector with a selective sprayer, and he is already well on the way to achieving his goals, with multiple entrepreneurial awards to his name, including from the Ignite program, the National School Shark Tank and the eChallenge Rising Star. Overcoming many challenges already, he is an extraordinary young person who I think is probably destined for incredible things.

There was also Tracey, who spent 29 years working in the public sector in administration and HR roles. She recently resigned from government and is now running a small mobile catering business. She enjoys the country lifestyle and feels lucky to live within such a wonderful community in Murray Bridge, giving back to the community, with plans to start a women in business networking group, plans to bring people together for social events in town to support mental health and also dedication to a local netball club, where she has served in multiple roles from president to coach and everything in between.

I would also like to mention Nicholas, a farmer from the Mallee, having built a career in agriculture over the past two decades, and he now owns a family business that has transitioned into the fourth generation of family ownership. He runs a multiple enterprise farming business producing broadacre crops, including wheat, barley and canola, and runs sheep and cattle. Nicholas has created employment opportunities and his business has supported organisations throughout his community. Having already held leadership roles, Nicholas recognised that this program was a good opportunity to gain professional advice and tools to further excel in these roles.

It would be wonderful to be able to highlight all the participants and their achievements to date, along with their future ambitions, but obviously time does not allow for that. But I want to acknowledge all the participants, who each have their own story to tell. It is a fantastic program, and the future of regional leadership across the state, and in particular in this case the Murraylands and Riverland, is clearly in good hands as the participants take an even greater role in their communities in the years to come. I would like to thank them for putting up their hands to further develop their leadership skills. I know they will continue to contribute to their local communities, and I am sure we will continue to see many diverse achievements from each and every one of them.