Following the success of its LEADAg Youth program in attracting a new generation of workers to the agricultural industry, CHRRUP piloted LEADAg Plus in 2024, targeting the over-18 demographic.
LEADAg is developed and delivered by CHRRUP, a community-owned, central Queensland based profit-for-purpose organisation dedicated to creating thriving, connected rural communities.
LEADAg Plus 2024 was fully funded by RESQ Plus, and their corresponding funding partner the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), who administers the Community Development Program (CDP), with the aim to support job seekers in remote Australia to build skills, address barriers to employment and contribute to their communities through activities and training.
Five participants from Atherton Tablelands, Hughenden (originally SA), Muttaburra (originally Vic), Brisbane and as far away as Leopold in Victoria ventured to Longreach and Tambo over the two-week program to learn about working in the agricultural industry.
With the pilot program wrapped for the year, CHRRUP are keen to deliver LEADAg Plus again in 2025 with even more participants. CHRRUP’s Agriculture Workforce Officer Meg Bassingthwaighte, said “the results from the 2024 participants assures us that this program not only brings new people to the industry, but keeps those here who are looking to increase their scope. I’m stoked by the results.”
LEADAg Plus participants were welcomed onto nine different properties across the Tambo and Longreach regions and were able to learn from over 20 mentors (property owners and employees) about a diverse range of commodities.
Week one in the Longreach area covered wool harvesting including sheep handling, wool classing and shearing, thanks to trainers from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Participants also handled goats and cattle, were given presentations on biosecurity, pasture management, animal nutrition, breeding and genetics and tours of the WQLX saleyards and a local butcher shop, gaining exposure to the supply chain outside of the farm.
The group travelled to the Tambo area for week two where they completed a rural and remote first aid course with Impulse Training. AgForce Training brought their training unit to location, leading the group in UTV operation, small motor operation and maintenance, welding, chainsaw use and fencing. The program ended with stock handling and horsemanship and the participants reflected on their experiences and shared goals for their future.
“This program has introduced me to skills that will make me more employable when seeking work on a cattle station next year” reflected LEADAg Plus participant, Sarsha Bryant of Brisbane. “I also loved that it enables people over the age of 18 to gain this hands-on experience, rather than only high school students.”
Having gained a job in the industry through AgCAREERSTART three years ago, Pierson Watchman said he was able to build on his existing skills with the LEADAg Plus program. “My LEADAg experience has been overwhelmingly positive. There are so many skills which I can take back to work and further expand on, and a huge variety of commodities that we got to experience.”
The many mentors throughout the program spoke to their own ag pathways and the variety of career options in agriculture. The connection to mentors and generosity of program hosts was impactful for all participants. The immersive, residential style of LEADAg Plus also fostered a sense of community, inspiration, enjoyment and self-discovery.
CHRRUP anticipate delivering both LEADAg Youth and LEADAg Plus in 2025 across central and western Queensland.
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