CBH Group awards inaugural leadership scholarships

The CBH Group is pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Growing Leaders’ Scholarship Program.

The program partners with Leadership Western Australia and the Grower Group Alliance and was established to support existing and emerging grain industry leaders in growing their skills, essential for industry and community leadership roles.

Three regional women have been awarded the scholarships:

• Niki Curtis, from Esperance, is the executive officer of the South East Premium Wheat Growers’ Association (SEPWA). She is an active member of the Esperance community, serving on various committees, and is driven to create an efficient WA grain industry with a clear purpose. Ms Curtis has been accepted into the 10-month Signature Leaders Program.
• Jasmyn Allen, from Yuna, is a partner in the family owned grain farm, Banksia Plains. She continues to be involved in local research projects investigating better farming techniques, and is keen to take the growers’ message to industry related groups and organisations. Ms Allen has been accepted into the Rising Leaders Program.
• Rebekah Burges, from Meckering, works within the family crop and livestock business, NP Burges & Co and provides consulting services through her home-based business. She is an active member of a number of regional groups, and is keen to make a real and sustained different to the industry. Ms Burges has been accepted into the Rising Leaders Program.

CBH General Manager Grower and External Relations Brianna Peake said the scholarship program is part of CBH’s commitment to building capacity and skills within regional communities.

“We’re proud to support these three very capable regional women on their leadership journey,” Ms Peake said.

“Our industry and communities require strong, bold and diverse leaders – our scholarship program will enable Niki, Jasmyn and Rebekah to grow their leadership skills and further contribute in this space.”

Grower Group Alliance Executive Officer Annabelle Bushell said the GGA was proud to be part of the program to build leadership capability in grower groups and the wider WA agriculture industry.

“Grower groups are an incubation hub for the next leaders and innovators in agriculture and play a critical role in the WA agriculture extension network,” she said.

“The Growing Leaders Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for grower group members and staff to develop leadership skills to ensure a sustainable and profitable agriculture industry.”
Leadership WA Chief Executive Officer Dominique Mecoy said the scholarship is one pathway for emerging leaders to have a positive social impact within their community.

"We are excited to welcome such inspiring participants into our Leadership WA programs and to share CBH Group's commitment to strengthening the regions of Western Australia,” Ms Mecoy said.