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Leadership Program Supports Wine Industry  http://www.english-wine.com/vineyards.html The first year of the Wine Industry Leadership Program (WILP) has ended on a high, with 28 people graduating from the program and intense interest shown for future courses across Australia. By Department of Primary Industries - 20th September 2007 - Back to News Developed by Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Rural Training Initiatives (RTI), the program is a four-year leadership project designed to build the next generation of wine industry leaders.
"During the program people came together at a local level and developed networks and skills, which apply to the regional industry, in their own business as well as in everyday life," said WILP program co-facilitator, Jill Briggs.
"The program is tailored to meet the needs of each region and is developed in consultation with local wine industry personnel."
During the program the graduates attended one of three regional courses and represented a variety of sectors including grape growing, winemaking, management, cellar-door, administration and marketing.
DPI Senior Wine Industry project officer, Cynthia Mahoney, is excited by the industry’s response to the program so far and believes it will only continue to grow.
"We have received fantastic feedback and look forward to delivering the program in at least nine regional areas throughout Australia over the next three years," Ms Mahoney said.
North East Victoria program graduate Tim Long from Granite Range Estate, said the course gave participants a better understanding of themselves and an appreciation of the extra power that effective communication can bring to problem-solving and decision-making.
"I sometimes struggle to present information in the best manner, so components of the course such as dealing with media, participating in meetings effectively and networking were particularly important," Mr Long said.
Central Victoria program graduate, Victoria Leeke of Fosters Group Ltd and family company, Kimbarra Wines, said she had increased energy, enthusiasm and confidence in managing her team as a result of the course. For a complete list of graduates, refer to page 2.
Next year, the three day course will be run in South Australia and Western Australia. The cost is $297 (GST inclusive) for FarmBis-eligible participants.
For further information please contact Jill Briggs on (02) 6035 7284 or Cynthia Mahoney on (03) 9296 4628 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/wineindustryleadership.
Congratulations to the following Wine Industry Leadership Program Graduates:
North East Victoria Program
Damien Cofield - Cofield Wines and Drinkmoor Wines
Sarah Flamsteed - Smiths Vineyard
Tyce Light - Chrismont
Tim Long - Granite Range Estate
Peter Long – Granite Range Estate
Rowland Milhinch – Scion Vineyard
Mellissa Millgate - Cofield Wines and Drinkmoor Wines
Michael Oxlee – Stanton and Killeen Wines
Central Victoria Program
Helen Bethune – Shelmerdine Vineyards
Lisa Cole – Yuroke Vineyards
Kate Cotter - Gentle Annie Wines
Deborah Jones Munari – Munari Wines
Andrea Hart – Fosters Group Ltd
Victoria Leeke - Fosters Group Ltd and Kimbarra Wines
Robyn Simmie – Yuroke Vineyards
Steve Thomas - Blaxland Vineyards
Attwood Program
Loretta Breheny – Brown Magpie Vineyard
Adam Dalton – Mitchelton Wines
Lyn Gleeson – Whistling Eagle Vineyard
Sharni Hutton – Mitchelton Wines
Graeme Millard - Milvine Estate Wines
Jo Millard - Milvine Estate Wines
Alan Murray – Ten Minutes By Tractor Wine Company
Deb Orr – Heathcote Cellars
Lynn Rathjen – Whistling Eagle Vineyard
Trish Rathjen – Whistling Eagle Vineyard
Joanne Sheridan – Ten Minutes By Tractor Wine Company
Matthew Zerbe – Box Stallion
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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