Building on two decades of industry involvement, Rachael joined the Murray Dairy board in 2020.
What started as a six-month co-opted director position soon revealed a keen passion for achieving best industry outcomes and a natural leadership ability that saw her quickly elevated to deputy chair — a position she holds today.
“For me, it’s the opportunity to be a part of the bigger picture. To have a say and be heard when it comes to developing new resources and working to achieve best outcomes for farmers,” Rachael said.
“I’ve developed a better understanding of how and why decisions are made, and how funding is secured. So many of the skills I have acquired since joining the board have transferred into other areas of my life, including other committees.”
Now, as Murray Dairy opens applications for two farmer director positions to join the board, Rachael is encouraging farmers to bring their perspectives to the board and apply.
“A farmer levy should include a farmer’s voice and that is what is great about the specialised farmer director position,” she said.
“Farmers bring a grass roots view and decades of real experience. I have seen a very high calibre of farmers represent their peers since joining the board. Dairy farmers truly are industry leaders.”
Rachael’s advice for someone considering applying: “If you are thinking about joining the board, you are halfway there. There are a lot of skills we master on our own farms which transfer into the board room”.
Rachael also reiterated Murray Dairy’s encouragement for a diversity of applications for the advertised positions.
“There are amazing women out there, who have a lot to contribute to the board, busy running their own businesses. Sometimes it’s about timing,” she said.
“The amount of time required to sit on the board is by no means demanding. Admittedly, some times are busier than others, which is why we have several farmer directors from all walks of farming.
“Not everyone can be available for everything, but between us all we manage to cover it.
“Not only is it a chance to represent your peers, but in terms of what you get out of the role in your own personal and professional lives is so rewarding. Dairy Australia, through Murray Dairy, invest a lot of resources into developing people.
“I completed my AICD company director training last year and attended other training days focusing on strategy and people skills.
“There are always networking opportunities, I now have connections to farmer peers in every state of Australia.”
Candidates interested in applying for the advertised positions need to download and fill out the Expression of Interest form on the murraydairy.com.au homepage and email it to admin@murraydairy.com.au by 5pm on Thursday, July 6.
20°C