Three locals graduate from leadership program

THREE Limestone Coast leaders were part of the fifteen strong cohort of women from across South Australia to become the latest graduates of the Stepping Into Leadership Program, strengthening the presence of women at the forefront of agricultural leadership.

The program provides emerging leaders in agriculture and rural communities with opportunities to build networks, explore their strengths, overcome challenges, set goals, and take the next step in their professional journeys.

Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the Stepping Into Leadership Program is run by Women Together Learning (WoTL), an organisation dedicated to growing and inspiring women in agribusiness.

Emily Clarke, Genevieve Kelly and Amy Trevilyan were the Limestone Coast women part of the program.

Participants completed eight months of professional development, including face-to-face workshops, individual coaching, mentoring, and webinars. The program aims to build leadership capacity, inspire women in agribusiness, and provide the support needed to succeed in leadership roles.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the program has supported more than 160 women to step into leadership roles across agriculture, related industries, and their communities.

WoTL executive officer Kim Blenkiron said WoTL was proud to partner with PIRSA to deliver a program that is building the next generation of leaders for South Australian agriculture.

“Stepping Into Leadership is about giving women in agriculture the skills, confidence and connections to step forward and make an impact,” Kim said. “The graduates of this program are already showing what’s possible when women are supported to lead – not just in their businesses and communities, but across the industry as a whole. “

Participants represent a broad range of industries, including livestock, grains, fisheries and aquaculture, education, animal health, dairy, sales, extension, and research. They hail from regions across South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Murraylands, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula, and Eyre Peninsula.

South Australian Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven congratulated the 2025 cohort of inspiring women who are making meaningful contributions across agriculture and regional communities.

“Through this program, participants are developing leadership skills, expanding their networks, and gaining the confidence to take on influential roles in agribusiness and beyond,” Minister Scriven said.

“The State Government is proud to support WoTL and the Stepping Into Leadership Program, helping to nurture exceptional rural leaders who will continue to make a tangible impact in their industries and communities for years to come.”

Applications for the 2026 program are now open. For more information, visit wotl.com.au/sil