* Fiona Nash will keynote the second Women in Agribusiness and Primary Industries Leadership Summit in Melbourne

* As a community, we must encourage and mentor women to put their hands up for leadership roles

* The three-day summit theme is “Plant the seeds to success”

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Strategic Adviser Regional Development the Hon. Fiona Nash will open the second Women in Agribusiness and Primary Industries Leadership Summit in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 November.

Ms Nash will open the summit with a keynote address on the importance of developing women leaders in agriculture and the particular skills women can bring to these roles. The address will also cover building personal resilience, seizing opportunities and the value of being flexible and adaptable in dealing with the challenges the agriculture industry faces.

Ms Nash, a former Senator, Minister and Deputy Leader of the Federal National party with extensive agricultural and farming experience said that the summit would be an opportunity to highlight the importance of communities and their role in encouraging women to put their hand up for positions in the industry.

“As communities we need to encourage women to put their hand up for positions and to be involved in the industry,” Ms Nash said.

“Women who are already successful in the industry also need to identify and mentor other women to become involved.

“Women bring a different skill set and a different way of thinking. Those skills broaden the contribution to the growth and sustainability of the industry.”

With Ms Nash’s experience in farming spanning some 25 years in central west NSW, she understands first-hand the challenges and opportunities within the agribusiness industry.

“The ability to be able to adapt and be flexible is incredibly important. Being able to embrace new technology and apply new thinking is critical in advancing agricultural practices,” Ms Nash emphasised.

“Being able to deal with challenges like drought and floods, and to maintain a long term focus through those challenges is difficult, but really important to long-term sustainability.”

The theme of this year’s three-day summit is ‘Plant the Seeds for Success’ and Ms Nash believes that to achieve success and develop as a leader, you must push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

“Have confidence and don’t doubt your ability. Great leaders face challenges calmly and confidently and work to find solutions."

This year’s summit will be held over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available until Tuesday 13 November and can be purchased here