Boosting skills and networks at AWI Breeding Leadership
AWI Breeding Leadership ran from 16–20 February 2026 for the eleventh time. This week 26 young people from wool-growing regions across Australia took part in AWI Breeding Leadership in Clare, SA.
Running since 2006 and connecting over 250 participants to date, this is a significant and highly valued investment in young wool industry leaders made by Australian Wool Innovation.
The sessions delivering across the week of the AWI Breeding Leadership course are diverse. The group spent time building their personal leadership talents, skills required to think strategically for business, community and industry roles, and skills to better work with and lead others.
The course also provides time to exchange ideas and learnings about the wool industry, including firsthand accounts from industry and an interactive session with AWI covering market insights, product development and innovation, and current research and marketing investments. AWI Breeding Leadership includes tours to local Merino businesses, to see local wool processing firsthand, learn from prominent business leaders and gain insights into overcoming industry challenges, as well as an industry dinner to network and build opportunities for their future.
AWI CEO, John Roberts, says “AWI is proud to have a long-term connection to this course. We are committed to providing this opportunity for young people in the wool industry. I regularly connect with the alumni when I am out at field days or industry events. When I see them engaging and actively participating, this is where the value really flows through to our industry.”
AWI Breeding Leadership empowers young wool industry participants to step into leadership roles within their community and industry, with many AWI Breeding Leadership alumni going on to actively pursue leadership opportunities within the wool industry.
AWI Breeding Leadership 2026 Participants
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New South Wales |
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Lachie Barrett |
Harden |
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Georgia Cluff |
Dubbo |
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Chase Ginders |
Frogmore |
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Veronike Hartmeier |
Dubbo |
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Michael Hueske |
Woomargama |
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Lara Mitchell |
Barmedman |
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Barrick Parker |
Muttama |
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Bridget Parkman |
Young |
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Samuel Picker |
Bigga |
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Jack Turner |
Marrar |
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Queensland |
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Lachie Brumpton |
Cunnamulla |
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David Peskett |
Cunnamulla |
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Will Ringrose |
Longreach |
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South Australia |
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Jack Francis |
Olary |
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Wade Hall |
Mintaro |
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Rachel Martin |
Belalie East |
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Ebony McCauley |
Keilira |
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Lucy Meyer |
Brinkworth |
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Tasmania |
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Hugh McShane |
Oatlands |
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Victoria |
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Lach Finlay |
Darriman |
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Ben McCullum |
Stockyard Hill |
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Jack McRae |
Gre Gre North |
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Harry Sellers |
Melbourne |
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George Thomas |
Dunkeld |
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Western Australia |
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Brittany Bold |
Wagin |
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Kelly Gorter |
Katanning |
Contact:
Emily King, National Extension Manager, AWI (emily.king@wool.com, 0437 523 036)
