The South Australian Drought Hub has backed emerging agricultural leaders through its support of WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership Program.
Designed for emerging leaders in agriculture and agribusiness, the program combines professional development, individual coaching, mentoring, networking and webinars to help women build the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles within their businesses, industries and communities.
This year, the SA Drought Hub, which is one of eight Hubs established across the nation through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, was pleased to sponsor program participant Jessica Henderson, and was also delighted to see the Hub’s own Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Learning & Adoption Officer, Demi Taylor, among the 2026 cohort.
Ms Henderson said the Hub’s support of the program reinforced how women can contribute to their communities during drought.
“As a farmer who has experienced the impact of drought, I understand the value of strong communities during times of significant pressure,” Ms Henderson said.
“Through the program I was able to build my leadership skills and recognise my strengths, which I can bring to my local community to celebrate the good times, but more importantly, to ensure we have social cohesion and support when times get tough.”
Ms Henderson also shared the broader value of the program, encouraging other women in agriculture to get involved.
“The opportunity for women in ag and regional communities to connect with each other cannot be underestimated. Taking the time to build our personal skills, strengths, and identifying the kind of leaders we want to be is a commitment, however this investment in ourselves has such a positive impact, not only personally but also for the industry.”
SA Drought Hub Knowledge Broker Tony Randall, who attended the program’s recent graduation, said investing in people and leadership was an important part of building long-term drought resilience.
“Drought resilience is not only about the practices and technologies we use on farm, it is about having skilled, connected and confident leaders in our agricultural industries and regional communities who can adapt and support others,” Mr Randall said.
“It was fantastic to attend the graduation and see the impact the program has had on this year’s participants. The confidence, networks and leadership capability developed through programs like this have benefits that extend well beyond the individual participants.”
“Congratulations to Jessica and Demi for their efforts. The Hub looks forward to continuing its commitment to strengthening the skills, networks and capacity that underpin resilient agricultural businesses and communities.”
Applications for the 2027 Stepping Into Leadership Program are now open, providing another opportunity for women working across agriculture, agribusiness and rural communities to invest in their leadership development.
Find out more and apply through WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership Program via their website: www.wotl.com.au/sil/
Applications close 18 October 2026.
ABOUT THE SA DROUGHT HUB:
The SA Drought Hub brings together a dynamic network of primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusinesses, farming systems groups, traditional owners, and others to strengthen the drought resilience and preparedness of farms and regional communities in SA.
Led by the Adelaide University in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), the hub is responsible for driving extension of existing knowledge and practices to build drought resilience and preparedness in primary production systems.
The South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is one of eight Hubs established across the nation through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
For media interviews contact:
Rachel Harding
M: 0400 848 066 P: 08 8332 3277
E: rachel.harding@agcommunicators.com.au
