On The Land
22 February, 2026
Women graduate leadership program
TWO of the Far Northern region’s women in agriculture have graduated from the Queensland Women in Ag Leadership (QWAL) Program.
The course supports 15 women from across rural Queensland to strengthen their leadership capabilities and make a positive impact in their industries and communities.
In her role as operations manager of Rocky Creek Orchards, Lorraine Stopford is involved in packing shed operations as well as logistics, teams and value-adding to the farming operation’s products.
“I wanted to learn how to improve communication and leadership to scale new ventures,” she said about why she joined the program.
Ms Stopford said that her key career goal was to expand freeze-dried fruit and avocado oil products.
“I believe the Queensland Women in Ag Leadership Program has great benefits, particularly in promoting women in agriculture and also supports North Queensland agriculture advocacy,” she said.
Burketown grazier Kylie Camp also attended the recent QWAL graduation event.
She runs a 94,000ha property, and is heavily involved in succession planning.
“I joined the QWAL program to develop advocacy and amplify rural voices,” she said.
“My children have grown and now I am ready for more leadership involvement.”
She said one of her industry’s benefits after the course targets the improvement in public understanding of agriculture and rural policy.
As part of the program, participants take part in a series of online and in-person training sessions over a 12-month period, focused on self-leadership, communication, team dynamics, innovation and safety.
Each participant is also paired with a mentor from the agricultural sector.
The program is proudly delivered by AgForce Training, with funding from the Queensland Government’s Women in Industry Grant.
Chair of AgForce Training, Kelly Ostwald, said the program was designed to recognise the depth of experience women already bring to agriculture and help translate that experience into visible leadership.
“Women in agriculture are often leading without the title or the platform,” she said.
“QWAL is about backing their capability, building confidence and giving them the tools and networks to influence decisions that shape their businesses and communities.”
Most participants in the program live in remote or isolated regions across Queensland.
Ms Ostwald said the outcomes reflected the long-term intent of the program.
“This is not a finish line. It is a foundation,” she said.
“These women are better equipped to lead teams, influence decisions and contribute to the future of Queensland agriculture. The impact of this program will be felt for years through the businesses they run, the people they lead and the communities they serve.”
