Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has congratulated Jane Worner from Wombat, one of 40 women across Australia to be awarded a scholarship under the Board Diversity Scholarship Programme, a partnership programme through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Government.

“It is a huge achievement for Jane to receive national recognition for her leadership in agriculture through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and also to receive a scholarship under the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation,” Mr Taylor said.

“Jane has a wealth of experience in agriculture, international development and economics, and she has encouraged others to get involved and push themselves in their chosen field. She is really pursuing her passions.”

Mr Taylor said following an extensive period working in senior executive roles overseas, Jane has been working in her family’s farming business comprising mixed livestock and grain enterprises over 20,000 acres across NSW. In this role Jane is responsible for strategic planning, operations, business and financial management. She is also involved in her local community at the Young District Maternity Unit and Baby Friendly Initiative as well as Murrumburrah Landcare Group.

Jane said projects like the Board Diversity Scholarship Programme were invaluable in helping more women achieve positions in the boardroom.

“These programmes not only bring new skills but also important networks and more confidence for women to operate at that level,” Jane said. “I think passion is an essential ingredient and with passion comes the opportunity for great things. My advice to young people is to keep looking for opportunities and thinking toward the future. Never stand still.”

Mr Taylor said the Board Diversity Scholarship Programme awards full-fee scholarships to high-calibre women to undertake the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ governance education programmes.

Caption: Angus Taylor congratulates AICD and Rural Leadership Foundation scholar Jane Worner during a visit to Wombat.