The pool of skilled leaders in the Australian grain industry is set to deepen further, with GrainGrowers announcing the newest cohort selected for the 2026 OnBoard director development program.
The successful applicants for the program are:
- Natalie Lee, Kukerin, WA
- Chelly Litster, Minlaton, SA
- Leanne Pridham, Paskeville, SA
- David A Robb, Bungunya, QLD
- Dili Schoenberg, Waterloo, SA
- Georgina Simson, Premer, NSW
- Sharon Single, Magometon, NSW
- James Venning, Bute, SA
The program, which has operated since 2021, provides a range of skills training and funds participants to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course.
Designed for growers who want to be an active voice for their industry through board appointments and directorships, OnBoard integrates an immersive in-person program of hard and soft skills training delivered by expert facilitators.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the course was an ideal opportunity for the selected participants to build expertise and contribute to the longer-term development of the industry and the wider community.
“GrainGrowers is proud of its investment in developing the next generation of industry leaders through programs like OnBoard, which provide opportunities for growers from regional Australia to represent the views of our industry in the boardroom,” Ms Gawel said.
“Each year, it’s great to welcome talented participants who are passionate about developing their skills and knowledge so they can play a role in the industry’s future.
“Since OnBoard commenced, many of our participants have put the training to good use, taking up positions on our National Policy Group and Board, other industry association boards, GRDC Panels and regional community groups.”
OnBoard graduates who have and progressed to leadership roles within the industry include:
- Ashleigh Brooks (VIC) - GrainGrowers Board.
- Bruce Watson - GrainGrowers National Policy Group.
- Tracy Lefroy (WA) - Board Member of the Grain Industry Association of WA and a member of GrainGrowers National Policy Group.
- Renee Anderson (QLD) - GrainGrowers National Policy Group, a non-executive director on the Board of the Central Highlands Healthcare serving as Chair of their Community Education and Advocacy committee.
- Hannah Dabinett - Company Secretary of Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC)
- Ruth Sommerville (SA) - member of the GRDC Southern Panel and serves on the Upper North Farming Systems Group.
The OnBoard program runs for approximately 9 months, commencing with a 3-day training session held in Sydney in March.
GrainGrowers would like to acknowledge OnBoard's Supporting Sponsor, GRDC, which has provided funding to assist in the running of this year’s OnBoard program.
Details on the participants can be read below.
Ends
Quotable quotes from previous participants:
Tracy Lefroy
The GrainGrowers OnBoard program gave me the credentials to step beyond the farm gate and contribute more broadly to our industry with confidence. As growers, we have first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Australian grain production but translating that experience into effective governance requires a different skill set.
Through the AICD course and the excellent leadership development within OnBoard, I gained the skills to be at the board table, hold the space, and ensure the grower perspective is heard in discussions around markets, policy and industry strategy. Since completing the program, I’ve stepped into several industry roles, and the foundation built through OnBoard has been invaluable.
Hannah Dabinett
The program gave me the confidence to step forward into board work with a clearer understanding of the contribution I could make.
One of the best aspects of this program is the network gained. I stay in touch with my cohort, and those connections are highly valued.
2026 Participant Biographies are available at the links below