A young winemaker from South Australia’s famed Limestone Coast grape growing region has been named one of Australia’s brightest rural leaders.
Stonehaven senior winemaker/manager, Ms Sue Bell, 35, is the first winemaker chosen to participate in the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) in its 14-year history.
Only 33 people nationally were hand-picked for this year’s program, with Ms Bell being one of two participants from South Australia.
Ms Bell receives a $46,000 scholarship from the Grape and Wine Research Development Corporation (GWRDC), which goes towards the cost of the 18-month program, including a two-week, overseas study tour. She will also commit $4000 of her own funds.
“This is by far the most exciting opportunity I’ve had since choosing my career in winemaking,” a delighted Ms Bell said.
“I feel honoured to be selected as the Program provides a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person, as well as learn from some really inspiring and amazing people,” she said.
“The curriculum is designed to open and challenge the minds of those who participate, to question yourself about the way you do things – not just professionally, but also personally and in a greater community sense.”
The ARLP is widely-regarded as one of the most elite leadership programs in the country.
It is operated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, formed in 1992 to identify and nurture leaders from and for rural Australia.
The course consists of professional and personal leadership development, examination of key national and international issues, and interaction with leaders in federal and state government, industry and the community.
Participants study a number of challenging areas, including:
Ms Bell said: “Working as a winemaker has provided me with amazing experiences. I have met and worked with some great people across Australia and overseas.
“Part of the success of the wine industry is due to the very tight and close knit community – potentially we can be a little insular though – but I think we can probably learn a lot from other rural industries.
“Our industry is currently facing some tough challenges like drought, water sustainability and climate change that we share with the rest of rural Australia.
“In the same way the wine industry benefits from collaboration between regions and companies, we can also benefit from working with other industries.
“I want to encourage other people in the wine industry to apply for the Program now that the GWRDC has generously committed funding to sponsor a position – this shows foresight on their behalf to invest in the future of Australian wine.”
ARL Foundation Chairman, Mr David Crombie, said the ARLP was designed for men and women already active as leaders to help guide rural and regional Australia into the future.
“The people chosen for the Program all have a strong commitment and vision to developing a sustainable future for rural Australia,” he said.
“The Program is about building strong links between our rural leaders, as well as shared understanding of what needs to be done to create a prosperous future for our rural industries and communities.
“Already more than 360 graduates from the Program, and current course participants, are making a difference in rural and regional Australia, with many serving in key board and executive positions in rural industries and organisations.”
Grape and Wine Research Development Corporation (GWRDC) Executive Director, Mr John Harvey, said: “Sue was an obvious choice for the GWRDC scholarship, not only because of her winemaking and viticulture skills, but because of her commitment to regional and national industry issues.”
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