Places available for SW residents in Rural Leadership Program

4/3/97

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said positions were now available for South-West residents to participate in the Rural Leadership Program designed to stimulate the development of local rural industries and communities.

The program is part of the $1 million Foundations for Leadership initiative announced by Mr House last year.

The Minister said the program, to be held in Mandurah, would provide a comprehensive range of professional leadership development opportunities and experiences.

It would work towards enhancing the leadership skills of program participants.

"This package is designed to encourage and support leadership development in agricultural and fisheries industries in WA," Mr House said.

"The leadership program will provide rural industries in WA with the opportunity for challenging training and development of leadership skills.

"It is recognised that fundamental changes are occurring in the way agricultural and fisheries industries integrate into world markets. For these industries to be able to respond to their challenging environment and keep up with growing world competition, strong leaders will need to emerge at all levels of primary industries and rural communities."

Mr House said about 20 people would be sought from the Mandurah region to participate in the program, which would run from April 7 - 11.

The participants would learn practical leadership skills such as communication, meeting procedures, dealing with media and conflict resolution.

The group would also undertake case studies, in which a number of course participants would work together to develop a strategic plan of action to address an identified issue in their region.

A number of high profile speakers from the region and throughout Western Australia would talk about their local community or industry and their experience as leaders in the community.

The Mandurah program follows similar programs in York, Albany and Geraldton.

Applications and further information are available on (096) 901 515 or - the Director, Western Australian Rural Leadership Program, Muresk Institute of Agriculture, Northam, WA 6401.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044