Drought resilience mentoring program ticks all the right boxes

The strides she has made, both personally and professionally, through this learning and development experience have been enormous; so much so that she has just earned a place on the Peter Cullen Trust's Women in Water Leadership Program.   

"The program places a strong emphasis on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which has been very helpful in understanding my leadership style," Laura said.

"Through reflective exercises and feedback sessions, I have gained deeper insights into my strengths and areas for growth which is always confronting!"

The focus on drought preparation and resilience is what initially prompted Laura to sign up for the mentoring program. It is a topic that lies particularly close to her heart, having seen firsthand the impact of extreme weather and climate events on the region, and being involved in various local initiatives over the years to support the community, farmers, and Murray Irrigation customers through such challenging periods.

In 2019, she was part of Murray Irrigation’s Drought Response Team and, more recently, played a role in assisting primary producers during a flood event. 

"Working closely with Council and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), we ensured that community feedback reached the right authorities promptly," she said.

"This collaboration aimed to implement timely support systems and secure funding for our local farmers."

Over the course of the 12-month program, Laura embraced the opportunity to challenge herself both personally and professionally, and found herself with a rich mine of talented individuals to tap into for encouragement and inspiration.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with inspiring peers and my mentor, Sheree Finney (Manager of Disaster and Drought for the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority), who shares my passion for rural and regional development and resilience," Laura said.

"There were some amazing sessions throughout the program such as 'Awareness and Perspectives in Leadership” with Dr Kate Burke; but a personal favourite was the 'Courage to Connect session with Dr Gemma Munro.

"Gemma specialises in the science and art of courage, transformation, and the creation of impossible dreams.

"Overall, this program has given me the confidence to keep putting myself out there, and to remain curious. I would encourage others to throw their hat in the ring for future programs for sure!"

From a personal perspective, Laura says she has grown in confidence and resilience since embarking on the program, having been pushed to step outside her comfort zone and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness. 

Professionally, she has been able to enhance the essential leadership and communication skills that she relies upon every day in her customer focused role.

"Learning how to tackle tough challenges and collaborate effectively has been key," she said.

"The program has also enhanced my understanding of community engagement and sustainable practices, which are crucial in ensuring we meet customer needs sustainably. 

"Overall, I feel better equipped to make a positive impact both at Murray Irrigation and within my community."