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Executive Director Update
Welcome everyone to the weekly news,
As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, it is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hardworking, capable and committed women who contribute to Australia’s livestock and rural transport supply chain every day.
From paddock to processing, from compliance desks to the driver’s seat, women are playing an increasingly influential role across agriculture and transport. Their professionalism, leadership and expertise are strengthening our industry and helping shape its future.
Across agriculture and rural business, women are taking on senior and influential roles as:
Modern agriculture is more technology-driven, compliance-focused and commercially complex than ever before. Women are contributing strongly in governance, traceability, welfare standards, business management and AgTech integration.
For livestock and rural transport, this matters.
Our customers and supply chain partners increasingly include women making operational and commercial decisions. At the same time, regional workforce shortages mean we must attract and retain the best available talent.
Expanding participation is not about symbolism. It is about strengthening capability, improving culture and securing the long-term sustainability of our industry.
Closer to home, we are proud to acknowledge our ALRTA Secretary, Ann Ferry, a former participant in the ATA Future Leaders Program.
The Future Leaders Program has supported many emerging leaders, both women and men, to step confidently into leadership roles within transport. It provides structured development, national exposure and industry mentoring.
Ann’s progression through the program into a leadership role within ALRTA is a strong example of what structured industry support can achieve. When we invest in people early, the entire industry benefits.
Leadership in transport is evolving. The next generation is skilled, professional and ready to contribute.
Saleyards Australia recently announced the recipient of its inaugural Women in Saleyards Scholarship, following a highly competitive field of applicants from across the country.
Congratulations to Maddy Wightman (Emerald Saleyards, QLD), who will represent Saleyards Australia at the upcoming Meat Business Women Conference in Sydney and attend the National Saleyards Conference in Rockhampton later this year.
This initiative sends a clear message: structured career pathways for women in our industry are not only possible, they are happening.
Transport Women Australia Limited recently announced a leadership transition, with Jacquelene Brotherton stepping down as Chair after nearly eight years in the role.
This is an opportunity to acknowledge an extraordinary contribution to the transport industry, including a long and respected history within livestock and rural transport.
Under Jacquelene’s leadership, TWAL expanded nationally, grew its membership fivefold, strengthened sponsor engagement and delivered record-breaking events. She championed initiatives such as the Driving the Difference scholarships and supported programs including the Young Gunnette and Dream Maker awards, creating genuine pathways for women entering and progressing within our industry.
On behalf of ALRTA and the livestock and rural transport community, we congratulate Jacquelene on her outstanding leadership and thank her for the lasting impact she has made.
We also wish Coralie Chapman every success as she steps into the role and continues building on this strong foundation.
Building capability within our businesses is critical to the long-term strength of livestock and rural transport. Leadership does not happen by accident. It is developed.
Partial scholarships valued between $700 and $3,000 are currently available through the Women’s Leadership Institute for those working in the Transport and Logistics sector.
These programs support women at different stages of their careers, whether emerging leaders stepping into supervisory roles, experienced managers refining their strategic capability, or business owners strengthening governance and decision-making skills.
The programs focus on practical skills including:
For regional and rural businesses, investing in leadership development strengthens succession planning, reduces risk, improves culture and lifts performance.
Registrations close Friday 10 April 2026.
Further information is available at https://www.wla.edu.au/industry/transport/
Developing people remains one of the most practical investments we can make in the future of our industry.
Livestock and rural transport is built on responsibility, skill and trust.
If we are serious about workforce sustainability, animal welfare, compliance excellence and productivity, our industry must remain open, professional and forward-looking.
The increasing role of women across agriculture and transport is not a passing trend. It reflects the structural evolution of our industry.
To the women across our membership - drivers, administrators, compliance officers, managers, saleyard professionals and business owners - thank you. Your contribution strengthens this sector every day.
If you know a woman in our industry whose story should be highlighted, please reach out. We would be proud to showcase their contribution in future communications.
On a personal note, as someone who grew up in a family business and was mentored by my mother, as many of us were, I would like to thank the women in our industry and in our lives for everything you do.
Until next week - stay safe.