Rising Champions state finalists announced
Seven young shining stars of the Australian beef industry have been named as the state finalists in the prestigious NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions Initiative.
Rob Ewing, Victoria,
Hannah Marshall, South Australia,
Kirsty McCormack, Queensland,
Kristy-Lee Fogarty, Northern Territory,
Jeremy Cummins, NSW,
Weldon Percy, Western Australia,
Laura Shepherd, Tasmania.
The national winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, on August 24.
Now in its sixth year, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions Initiative caters for 18 to 35-year-olds and aims to inspire, empower and support young people passionate about the Australian beef industry.
Cattle Council of Australia president Howard Smith said the peak industry body played an important role in supporting the next generation.
"This initiative was created because we want the cattle producers and stakeholders of tomorrow involved in today's planning,'' Mr Smith said.
"We are identifying future leaders and providing them with an opportunity to network with policy makers and develop the knowledge, political acumen and leadership skills to be a young champion in the beef industry,'' he said.
National Australia Bank's WA/SA state agribusiness manager Matt O'Dea said NAB was delighted to continue its support.
Mr O'Dea said the initiative was growing each year, with the applicants displaying a high level of professionalism.
He said NAB was confident the young finalists all had a bright future in the agricultural sector.
The state finalists will attend a three-day program in Canberra on August 22-24, networking with staff from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, learning effective communication techniques, developing their leadership skills and participating in Cattle Council committee meetings.
The 2016 NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion will attend the International Beef Alliance conference in New Zealand on October 18-21, 2016.
The runner-up will receive a scholarship to the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership program provided by the Australian Beef Industry Foundation.