She’s been selected for two prestigious national leadership programs thanks to her years working in senior executive roles overseas and on the family farm in Wombat, and her passion for growth.

Jane is among this year’s cohort of 30 diverse people from around the country who will embark on a unique leadership development experience through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

The program consists of 59 days delivered in six sessions over 17 months, five of which take place in locations in Australia such as the Kimberley Region and Canberra with the last component in Indonesia.

The Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) kicks off this month, with Jane hopping aboard a plane on May 19 - until May 30 - for her first session in the Kimberley.

The selection of the Kimberley location was an important one for the program because it stripped away distractions and the technology many were so often hooked to, and had the leaders exploring personal values, leadership styles and teamwork.

“I have recently returned to the Australian agricultural sphere and I’d like to contribute to the advancement of rural interests in a senior capacity, I believe this program will help me to do that,” Jane said.

“I think it will be challenging so I’m a bit nervous, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I am so grateful to the ARLP and Woolworths [my sponsor] for giving me the opportunity to participate.”

Jane spent nearly a decade working and living internationally as an executive business consultant and international project officer in London, and doing aid work in Africa.

Upon her return home to give birth to her now five-year-old twin daughters, Jane has been working in her family’s farming business comprising of mixed livestock and grain enterprises over 20,000 acres across NSW. 

She is involved in the strategic planning, operations, business and financial management of the farm.

Jane is also involved in the community with the Young District Maternity Unit, Baby Friendly Initiative and the Murrumburrah Landcare Group.

As part of the ARLP program, participants receive scholarships from a wide range of rural and related industry organisations.

Two weeks ago Jane was one of 40 women across Australia to be awarded a scholarship under the Board Diversity Scholarship Program, a partnership program through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Government.

Jane said projects like this were invaluable in helping more women achieve positions in the boardroom.

“These programs not only bring new skills but also important networks and more confidence for women to operate at that level,” she said. 

Applications for the next ARLP (Course 23) are now open to leaders from around rural, regional and remote Australia.

To apply visit http://rural-leaders.com.au/programs/australian-rural-leadership-program-for-established-leaders.

Before even embarking on her own leadership program, it’s something Jane strongly encouraged others in Young to get involved in.

“I think passion is an essential ingredient and with passion comes the opportunity for great things,” she said.

“My advice to young people is to keep looking for opportunities and thinking toward the future. Never stand still.”