Ag leader hopes to build on predecessor’s legacy

QUIET achievement is one thing Paula Doran hopes for in a new role supporting the agricultural community.

The Ballarat businesswoman was named executive officer for industry learning group Partners in Ag (PinAg) in March.

Doran, who has a background in rural journalism, industry and business, has taken over from Katherine Colbert.

PinAg aims to deliver support across areas such as financial management and on-farm safety.

Doran said she was happy to be in the role.

“I’m really just looking at ways that I can build from Katherine’s legacy and look at where we take it,” she said.

She said the communities PinAg serviced were facing stressful times.

“I’m looking at ways that we can support them and build their capability in a modern context,” she said. “Farming today is very different than it was 20, 30 years ago, or even a few months ago, particularly with the diesel price.

“So what Partners in Ag have done very well is help with that sort of farm management. Obviously we won’t be changing anything today, but we will be evolving what we offer.”

Doran said part of her approach would include consulting with stakeholders inside the organisation and within communities.

“I don’t want to have dramatic change, but I do want to quietly achieve things,” she said.

PinAg chair Tracy Dart acknowledged Colbert’s contribution to the organisation and the broader farming community and welcomed Doran to the role.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Paula’s passion for regional and remote communities leading the next chapter of Partners in Ag,” she said.