The banana industry was well represented at the first Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) program in Canberra from 2-4 July.

LEAD involves growers from a range of industries including bananas, avocado, melon, strawberry, pineapple, lychee, passionfruit and persimmon.

Participants learn from and collaborate with leaders across a range of industries, designed to improve their business and make a positive difference to industry.

Among those in attendance were Far Northern banana growers (pictured in first slide) James Howe, Ben Abbot and Luke Gilbert. Also pictured in second slide),  Australian Banana Growers’ Council Communications Manager Sonia Campbell who delivered media training to participants.

Topics of the workshop included effective lobbying, decision making, organisational governance and change; and workplace culture.

The next round of the program will be held in Brisbane in October.

The LEAD program has been made possible through the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to support Australian agricultural industry.