QUEENSLAND WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP (QWAL) PROGRAM

Helping shape the future female leaders of our industry

Shining a spotlight on women in ag.

The Queensland Women in Agriculture Leadership (QWAL) program supports women to tap into their leadership potential, drive change and shape the future of Queensland agriculture. This 12-month program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Women in Industry grant, was secured by AgForce and is delivered by AgForce Training. It provides tailored training and mentoring to 15 women in the agricultural sector, helping them develop the skills and confidence to lead and innovate.

Key Details

12-month training and mentor program with 15 scholarships available
Online and in-person training and networking sessions developed specifically for women in agriculture
One-on-one mentoring with an established industry leader
Applications open Monday 20th January 2025
Applications close 5pm AEDT Friday 14th February 2025

Program benefits

Gain insights into your own value, and where you can build future impact
Receive mentorship from industry leaders and trailblazers to guide your professional growth
Receive tailored training to develop your leadership skills and strengthen workplace relationships
Establish a clear pathway to achieving your career goals within the agricultural industry
Progress towards representative positions for industry associations and boards
Strengthen your ability to lead your farming operation and drive innovation

Make strong connections with a cohort of like-minded women
Contribute to increasing the representation of women in agriculture’s leadership roles
Help shape the future of Queensland agriculture by empowering female leaders
Drive positive change in rural communities through diverse and inclusive leadership
Champion initiatives that benefit the well-being and future of rural communities

Who the program is for

The QWAL program is designed for women working in agriculture, representing industry associations or involved in agri-business in Queensland who are ready to make a difference. Applications are welcome from women of all ages and stages of life.

Emerging leaders

Early to mid-career female professionals who are beginning to take on leadership responsibilities.

Women returning to the workforce

Women transitioning back into careers after maternity leave or children who have left for boarding school, who want to gain confidence and build a supportive network.

Aspiring leaders

Women who are not yet in formal leadership roles but are preparing for future opportunities.

Women working on-farm

Women looking to develop skills to contribute more effectively to the management and strategic direction of their farm.

Women facing leadership challenges

Women who feel uncertain or lack confidence when required to manage teams, make decisions or resolve conflicts.

Current leaders looking to strengthen skills

Women who are already in leadership roles but feel they need to build on their ability to lead, particularly in challenging situations.

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply you must:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of applying
Be female
Reside in Queensland (proof of residency required)
Possess 5 + years work experience and currently employed within the agricultural sector in Queensland. This experience can include working for a family-owned property or self-employment.
Be able to attend one virtual and two in-person networking and training sessions in Brisbane or major regional centre scheduled for:
- Friday 7 March 2025 (virtual session)
- Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025
- Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th February 2026

The participant or their employer will be responsible for associated travel expenses including accommodation and meals that are not part of the training session.

Participants will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their leadership potential. You don’t need to be a member of AgForce to apply.

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Your program experience

This is a blended program developed from the BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management qualification. The program will be guided by the participants’ unique goals and areas of interest, however some examples of training include:

Leading self priorities
Leading effective workplace relationships
Demonstrating leadership
Building team cohesion
Impactful communication
Promoting innovation
Leading business operations

The training is non-accredited, however depending on the course content participants can work towards a formal qualification by completing a mapping and assessment process after the program ends.

The program combines six mandatory training sessions; four sessions will be held online over two days and two sessions will be held in-person over two days in Brisbane or a major regional centre. The program also facilitates a one-on-one mentoring relationship to help set clear goals for personal and professional growth.

QWAL Schedule

Online Meet n Greet	7th March 2025
Face to face networking event and training session	26th and 27th March 2025
Online training session	14th and 15th May 2025
Online training session	16th and 17th July 2025
Online training session	17th and 18th September 2025
Online training session	19th and 20th November 2025
Face to face networking event and training session	5th and 6th February 2026
Fortnightly online sessions with mentor (or as mutually agreed)	March 2025 – March 2026

Dates may change subject to program requirements.

About you

Be able to effectively balance study with their current employment or personal commitments
Have the potential to take leadership roles amongst the agricultural community
Be willing to commit to completing the requirements of the program
Be able to support and influence others to achieve greater things
Work well and communicate easily with their peers, in teams and with others
Be committed to personal awareness and growth