Inspiring rural women graduate in leadership course

7 Dec 2018

Sixty five women graduated this week from the new leadership and professional development course provided by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Tocal College.

The Generating Regionally Outstanding Women (GROW) course is a professional development and leadership program for regional women. It works to boost the participants’ leadership, management, communication, and networking skills, as well as provide tools to improve work health and safety and staff management in their businesses.

NSW DPI Tocal College Principal, Darren Bayley said Tocal College is very pleased to be a part of AgSkilled - a partnership program between industry and the NSW Government to deliver much needed training to grain and cotton producers in NSW.

"A total of 104 participants completed the GROW program this year, and 65 of those women attended a graduation ceremony in Sydney to celebrate their achievements."

Graduation ceremony host and DPI Deputy Director General, Agriculture Kate Lorimer-Ward said the GROW program is a great initiative to boost the leadership and skills for regional women.

"I congratulate these inspirational graduates and acknowledge their dedication and hard work to achieve their great success."

Beth Shakeshaft participated in the GROW program at Parkes and says it was a valuable experience.

"This was honestly the best training course I have ever done," Ms Shakeshaft says.

"All the information and activities were very relevant and gave me a wonderful insight into my clients’ and friends’ farms and businesses."

"I feel like a more valuable person because of this course."

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