INDUSTRY capacity building programs were a key motivator to take the next step in industry leadership for newest Cattle Council of Australia board member Amanda Giles.
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Amanda Giles, the Livestock SA representative on the Cattle Council board said programs such as the Rising Champions Initiative gave her the opportunity she needed.
“The Rising Champions Initiative was the key step for me in becoming involved with Cattle Council and Livestock SA,” she said.
“The program gave me an opportunity to build a network and gain direct experience in industry governance,” Ms Giles said.
“After sitting on Cattle Council’s Animal Health, Welfare, Biosecurity and Environment policy committee for over two years I jumped at the chance to join the Cattle Council board.
“For me it was about representing South Australia and beef producers across the country, while effecting change in the industry.”
The South Australian producer said during her time on the board her focus would be on market access and consumer perception of the industry.
“I want to ensure Australia is placed in the box seat in regards to market access and consumer preference,” she said.
“I see challenges ahead for industry in improving adoption rates of industry programs and communicating the story of the industry to consumers.
“Continued industry collaboration is needed to ensure we use our industry systems and networks to best place Australian beef in regards to market access and consumer preference.”
Ms Giles also had a message for young people in the industry.
“Farmers need to contribute to their industry to ensure it is strong and provides a prosperous environment for businesses to operate in.”
“Take the time to complete rural leadership and governance training programs – whatever is out there and available to you.
“Seek out opportunities, build a wide network and broad view of the beef industry, because one day you might want or need to be involved in advocacy or governance and it’s important to have the skills to do your role and your industry justice,” Ms Giles said.
Cattle Council’s Australian Institute of Directors Course is currently open for applications and Cattle Council will run it’s Rising Champions Initiative once again in 2017.
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