Bronte Gorringe wants to share her love of agriculture with the world and says there’s a good story to tell.
Bronte was sponsored by DemoDAIRY Foundation to attend the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program and says the week reignited her desire to tell her story in agriculture.
“Consumers want to feel involved in agriculture and not just the romanticised idea of it,” she said.
“They want to see the everyday — not every story has negative connotations.
“We see so many things that are amazing in our everyday lives that other people don’t.
“We see new animals born, swans building nests on dams, paddocks turn from dust to a beautiful deep green — but we often get lost in the mundane of the day-to-day when we should reflect and admire the good things, too.”
Bronte has always aspired to be a leader, and the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program has strengthened her passion.
“I would highly recommend this course for any individual at any age or stage of their career,” she said.
“There was something for everyone and a lot of key takeaways that I will be trying to implement going forward.
“Marcus Oldham is known for its outstanding agricultural education program, and the presentation of this rural leadership program was no exception.”
An assistant agribusiness manager with ANZ in Hamilton, in south-west Victoria, Bronte worked on a dairy farm during her schooling and was an assistant farm manager for a year.
She is also on the Career Advisory Panel for the Great South West Food and Fibre Council, and is an industry advocate for the Cows Create Careers school program.
Bronte was one of 27 emerging agricultural leaders taking part in the program.
“It was exciting to see the number of people who worked within the dairy industry, both on-farm in their own businesses and those in the wider supporting agricultural and dairy service industries.”
She was particularly impressed by the speakers on emotional intelligence, Indigenous Australia and engaging with the public.
“We spent a lot of time learning to understand why people behave the way they do, the art of presenting feedback, the characteristics of an admired leader, the difference between management and leadership and our personal values.”
Bronte thanked DemoDAIRY Foundation for its sponsorship.
DemoDAIRY Foundation is keen to sponsor more people in the farming industry to attend this course.
More information can be found at https://www.demodairy.com.au/scholarships-and-grants/ or from DemoDAIRY Foundation secretary Ian Teese on 0427 358 987 or itag@bigpond.com