New generation of women leaders to shape the future of agriculture in South Australia

A new crop of emerging leaders are stepping into influential roles across the South Australian agriculture sector after graduating from a leadership program designed to build confidence, skills and professional networks.

Seventeen graduates have successfully completed the Stepping Into Leadership Program, an 8-month initiative that supports women in agriculture to strengthen their leadership capabilities and make a positive impact in their industries, businesses and communities.

With the support of the Malinauskas Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the program is delivered by Women Together Learning (WoTL) – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring and supporting women in agribusiness.

The Stepping Into Leadership Program equips participants with practical tools to lead with confidence and drive positive change across the state’s primary industries sector.

Throughout this program, participants have taken part in a comprehensive professional development experience, including face-to-face workshops, individual coaching, mentoring, and online learning opportunities.

This year’s graduates represent a diverse cross-section of South Australia’s primary industries, including livestock, grains, horticulture, dairy, animal health, soils, education, communications, research and development, sales and quality assurance.

They come from right across the state and now join a growing network of women leaders making their mark on the state’s agriculture sector.

Since its launch more than a decade ago, the Stepping Into Leadership Program has empowered more than 170 women to take on leadership roles in agriculture, agribusiness and regional communities.

Stepping Into Leadership Program graduates for 2026:

• Alex Stratford, Lower Eyre Peninsula
• Allie Brinkworth, Coorong District
• Arabella Hinge, Limestone Coast
• Bianca Agenbag, Barossa Valley
• Bonnie Armour, Adelaide Hills
• Bryony Tucker, Barossa and Light
• Cathy Paterson, Upper Eyre Peninsula
• Charlotte Poker, Adelaide
• Demi Taylor, Riverland
• Ella Lindner, Murraylands
• Heidi Boyd, Limestone Coast
• Jessica Henderson, Mid North
• Krystal Oates, Adelaide
• Kylie Matthewson, Murraylands
• Rachel Trengove, Clare Valley
• Sarah Novy, Limestone Coast
• Shannon Logan, Adelaide

Applications for the 2027 program are open from 18 September.

For more information, go to WoTL Stepping into Leadership.