National Farmers' Federation

Developing diversity.
Elevating agriculture.

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector. This unique initiative connects and empowers leaders to elevate their careers, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change within the industry. 

Focused on preparing participants for senior leadership, the program is tailored to suit the unique needs and schedules of those committed to driving positive change. Each year, a select group of 12 participants is welcomed, allowing for a personalised experience that hones individual strengths, supports career aspirations, and addresses key challenges in agriculture.  

The National Farmers’ Federation is excited to work with the 2025 cohort, 12 talented leaders ready to make their mark in Australian agriculture.

Be a part of change.

Designed to support the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks and to make agriculture an inclusive industry for all by 2030, this program offers unique opportunities and new experiences for women who are looking to take their leadership to the next level. 

  • Attend a three-day leadership retreat in Canberra
  • Be mentored by an established industry leader
  • Develop personal and professional goals
  • Engage with industry influencers
  • Join an alumni network of peers across the country

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to women in Australia who are looking for the next step in their leadership journey and have a vested interest in the Australian agricultural sector. We welcome applicants from across all parts of the agricultural sector who are ready to make a difference. 

Applications will be hosted through our website, and we are committed to making the process accessible and inclusive for everyone. We’re here to provide assistance and ensure your application experience is smooth and supportive. If you have any challenges with writing or have any other needs, please reach out. 

NFF Portraits 2024_10

Key dates

  • Applications open - 24 February 2025
  • Applications close - 24 March 2025
  • Applicant webinar Q&A - 12 March 2025
  • Notified of application outcome - Early May
  • Canberra Retreat - 23-27 June 2025 (includes travel days)
  • Monthly online catch-ups - May to October 2025
  • Graduation - 22-24 October 2025 (includes travel days)

Diversity.

The NFF recognises that diversity is more than gender. Diversity includes ethnicity, cultural identity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic background and more. We encourage women of all backgrounds to apply for the program. 

2025 Partners

This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners and their commitment to making meaningful change in representation across Australian agriculture. The NFF celebrates the most recent pledges and progress reports from partners here.  

If your organisation is interested in becoming a partner please reach out to Program Manager, Bec Wilde, e: rwilde@nff.org.au

Meet the Patron

Fiona Simson is a visionary leader shaping the future of agriculture. A farmer from the Liverpool Plains, Fiona was elected in 2016 as the first female President of the National Farmers’ Federation in it’s 40 year history. 

Driven by a passion to create more opportunities for women in agriculture, Fiona spearheaded the launch of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program in 2018 with a vision to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks. 

In 2022, Fiona stepped into the role of Patron. In this capacity, she provides strategic guidance to the program and is a champion for inclusion and diversity in agriculture. 

Fiona represents Australian farmers on the global stage as Director of the World Farmers’ Organisation for Oceania. She is also the Chair of the Commission for International Agricultural Research.

2025 Cohort

Allison Dakin

Currently the Executive Officer for the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia, Allison has spent a lifetime working in the Australian agricultural industry. She is looking forward to the program particularly for the opportunity to learn and be inspired by amazing women doing amazing things! 

Allison Dakin

Bronwyn Venus

Bronwyn Venus is a strategic leader with more than 30 years’ experience in agricultural research and industry engagement, currently serving as Head of Partnerships and Project Management at Sugar Research Australia. With a career spanning executive roles in research funding, capability development, and innovation strategy, she has championed equitable access to science and leadership pathways, particularly for women in regional and rural Australia. Bronwyn is passionate about building inclusive, future-ready agricultural systems through collaboration and impact-driven investment.

Bronwyn Venus

Georgia Campbell

Georgia's passion for agriculture has allowed her to work across the entire supply chain, from cattle stations to butcheries, and from the Northern Territory to the Solomon Islands. She is currently moving into the Program Manager role at Farmers for Climate Action, combining her interest in regenerative, fair, and sustainable food systems with her passion for developing strong leadership throughout all levels of the agriculture industry. She looks forward to the opportunities this program will bring her as she navigates the next stage in her career and being connected to other inspiring women across ag. 

Georgia Campbell

Malinda Guest

Malinda is Director and Clinical Psychologist at Boundless Psychology, passionate about rural mental health, communication, and relationships. She wears many hats, including university lecturer, psychology supervisor, mentor, and guest speaker — all focused on educating and supporting individuals in rural communities. Malinda is focused on advancing rural mental health advocacy, resources, and policies.

Malinda Guest

Mon Saunders

Mon Saunders is an experienced communications leader and philanthropy specialist, currently serving as Communications and Philanthropy Manager at Rural Business Support. Mon brings a values-based approach to building partnerships that strengthen regional resilience and wellbeing. Her current objective is to enable farming families in South Australia to navigate drought conditions with dignity and support. She lives off-grid on a small farmlet in Wistow and is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and rural communities.

Mon Saunders

Victoria Fish

Victoria is a wool metrologist with over 20 years’ experience working in research at the Australian Wool Testing Authority. A founding board member and current president of Women in Wool Association, Victoria is passionate about furthering the careers of women in agriculture, especially within the Australian Wool Industry. Victoria is looking forward to the opportunity to expand her leadership skills and connecting with diverse professionals in the agricultural sector.

Victoria Fish

Anna Cochrane

Currently based on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, Anna has a background in regional and rural development, community engagement and station management. She’s looking forward to leaning into the DiALP, widening her network and really challenging herself.

Anna Cochrane

Courtney Bailey

Courtney is the Agriculture Sector Lead at Voconiq and the volunteer CEO of Country to Canberra, a national not-for-profit supporting young rural women and gender-diverse leaders. With a background in agribusiness, teaching, and psychology, she works to strengthen trust between agricultural industries and the communities they serve. She’s passionate about building a more inclusive, community-connected future for agriculture.

Courtney Bailey

Karen Penfold

Karen Penfold works proudly with her family to grow and fatten beef cattle on their fourth-generation family properties in South-West Queensland. Karen is passionate about agriculture and is focused on the successful transition of their business to the next generation. With a background in rural small school education, Karen is also passionate about connecting with city-based consumers, to help build a deeper understanding about the role agriculture has in food production and food security.

Karen Penfold

Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson is Meat & Livestock Australia’s Industry Engagement Manager. Prior to this role, she worked in MLA’s London office for four years, with a focus on expanding market access for Australian beef, sheep meat and goat meat producers in the UK and EU. Mary also has a personal affiliation with the Australian red meat sector, running a commercial beef breeding operation alongside her brother in south-western NSW. She enjoys running and cycling and cooking for family and friends, with Australian beef and lamb as the centrepiece.

Mary Johnson

Nada Sukkarieh

Nada Sukkarieh has built a career around impact-driven work across the corporate, government, and startup sectors. She’s motivated by complex challenges and values opportunities to drive meaningful change. Nada is looking forward to connecting with others on this Program who share a commitment to shaping the future of the agricultural sector and learning from their experiences along the way.

Nada Sukkarieh

Viv McCollum

Viv McCollum is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary at DIT AgTech, bringing over 30 years of experience in agricultural innovation across Australia’s cotton, grain, dairy, and beef industries. Raised on a sheep property in western Queensland, she has been a pioneer in AgTech since the early 1990s, with a career focused on applying strategic technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Viv is passionate about driving innovation in both cropping and livestock systems, with a particular focus on solutions that enable a more climate-resilient future for agriculture.

Viv McCollum

The Alumni

The NFF’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is building an alumni of skilled female leaders from across the country. The alumni consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills sets, all with one thing in common – a vision for agriculture and a commitment to being a part of the sector’s growth. Graduates of the program have called the experience ‘life changing’. Explore the vibrant alumni community below. 

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

"Having never had a mentor before, I hadn’t realised how invaluable it is to sit down with someone who is genuinely interested in your career and leadership goals. His guidance and experience have helped articulate my goals and given me the confidence to start my own freelance PR, media and comms business – a long held dream of mine."
Skye Ward
Skye WardBungendore, NSW
"The program has supported, developed, and strengthened my confidence as an industry specialist, consultant, and representative. It has placed me in a position to establish new and valuable professional relationships that have provided stepping stones to setting new goals and aspirations that will benefit my career and the sector."
Simone Cameron
Simone CameronKatherine, NT
"The greatest impact of the program has been meeting the cohort of amazing women from across Australia. Getting to know each other's challenges and skill sets has helped broaden my understanding, knowledge and leadership skills. It has been incredibly insightful to learn from the diverse group of women on the course."
Anna Playfair-Hannay
Anna Playfair-HannayForbes, NSW
“This program has been truly transformative - connecting me with like-minded women, providing incredible upskilling opportunities through workshops and networking, and offering mentorship that helped me grow and develop in my role.”
Stephanie Terry
Stephanie TerryExton, TAS
“The best thing about the program is how seamlessly it fits into an already busy life. It gave me the confidence to expand my work beyond the farm, contribute more broadly to agribusiness, and take the leap in applying for new leadership roles.”
Meridie Jackson
Meridie JacksonDixons Creek, VIC
"The program has been instrumental in helping me navigate key career challenges, with my mentor offering invaluable guidance and practical solutions to grow as a leader in  agriculture."
Becky Dickson
Becky DicksonWarragul, VIC
“I’ve gained so much confidence in my contributions to agriculture through this program. The mentorship and connections I’ve built have helped me embrace my ability to shape discussions and drive change.”
Jenny Crema
Jenny CremaMission Beach, QLD