Gardiner program offers opportunities for emerging dairy leaders

The VRCLP is an opportunity for people who want to expand their contribution to the Victorian dairy industry and dairy communities.

"Our aim is to support emerging leaders by giving them access to professional development training that is based in, and focused on, their region and local communities," Gardiner Dairy Foundation CEO Dr Clive Noble said.

The regions covered include south-west Victoria (Leadership Great South Coast), Gippsland (Gippsland Community Leadership), north-west and central Victoria (Loddon Murray Community Leadership) and northern Victoria (Fairley Leadership).

Each recipient has a unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities and to make a positive difference in their local community and in the wider dairy industry.

"Through the VRCLP program we have seen recipients start community projects that grow beyond the program itself," Dr Noble said.

"They are better equipped to take on responsibilities on industry and community committees and to contribute positively in their workplaces."

VRCLP CEO Katrina Baddeley said the regional leadership programs opened up new, socially valuable, collaborative opportunities for participants.

"They develop projects that have a community benefit and for many the experience accelerates or changes their life and career trajectory," Ms Baddeley said.

"They also make many lifelong friends."

The Gardiner Foundation partnership with VRCLP has supported more than 70 participants to develop their leadership skills.

Dr Noble said he strongly encouraged individuals wanting to contribute to a strong Australian dairy industry to apply for a place on one of these programs.

Application opening and closing dates for 2020 Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program are outlined below:

Now open until October 11 - visit https://www.lgsc.org.au/.

The 2018 Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) program opened Peter Gaffy's eyes up to opportunities to collaborate with peers in the dairy community.

"The program has allowed me to grow and develop, both personally and professionally," Mr Gaffy said.

"I have gained an even greater understanding of the region that I live and work in, and I've met some fantastic people and developed a really strong community network.

"Most importantly, the program has really shown me that you don't need to be at the top of an organisation to demonstrate leadership.

"Great leaders have the ability to influence and motivate outcomes at any level."

Applications open in October. Check the website for details - visit http://www.gclp.asn.au/.

Sallie Jones's life was "already at capacity" when she applied for the Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP), sponsored by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

"It was an incredible opportunity to gain an enhanced understanding of the history, opportunities and challenges facing the Gippsland region," Ms Jones said.

She learnt to understand and enhance her leadership style of influencing employees and community volunteers to step up to the plate, whatever their skills.

Now open until September 30 - visit https://www.leadlm.org.au/.

Emma Dotollo is working on a dairy farm at Calivil in the Loddon Shire. She participated in the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program in 2018.

"It was a great opportunity for me in reaching out and helping people in need," she said.

"The community project I am investigating involves re-establishing an old gymnasium in Pyramid Hill where I would encourage the local youth to be more aware of their health rather than partying and getting involved in drugs and alcohol."

Now open until October 25 - visit http://www.fairleyleadership.com.au/.

Former Northern Victorian farm manager Ashley Gabler joined the 2018 Fairley Leadership program.

"It gave me the opportunity to develop, build confidence and take my skill sets to a new level and it will help me to become a better ambassador and future leader in the dairying and agricultural sectors especially across the Goulburn Valley," she said.

"The recurring theme I'm sensing is, good leadership takes team work and a good leader has a great team behind them with various skill sets to draw on."

For more information about Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program please go to: https://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-community/#pc7 and follow the links or email Richard Meredith or Ashley Eldridge.

Sign up below to receive our e-newsletter delivered fresh to your email in-box twice a week.