Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural “Five Under 30” program. GTA recognises the imperative of engaging further with the younger generation in the Australian grain industry and is committed to fostering an environment that nurtures future leaders.

GTA’s ‘Five Under 30’ annual program was launched to assist, guide and recognise future leaders in the industry, as well as boosting the involvement of the younger generation of members in GTA activities. Each year, GTA will carefully select 5 individuals as the “Five Under 30” cohort and offer them additional opportunities, encourage involvement in GTA activities, offer mentorship and guidance over a period of 12 months. Given the lower level of diversity historically within the agricultural sector, the program is particularly focussed on creating mentoring opportunities that are inclusive and actively seek to mentor individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The application process for the ‘Five Under 30’ program was open to eligible participants from GTA Member organisations under the age of 30 at the time of application.

Selecting the Winners of the Inaugural ‘Five Under 30’ Program

GTA received an overwhelming response to the program. Each application, was carefully reviewed by the Membership Committee and the Board. Selection of the successful candidates was based on merit, gender, background, experience and geographic diversity to ensure a degree of balance across the program.

GTA congratulates the following 5 winners of the inaugural ‘Five Under 30’ Program:

• Cooper Vinci, Grain Accumulation, Fletchers International Exports, NSW
• Edwina Cockburn, Quality Services Manager, Viterra, SA
• Jess Kirkpatrick, Grain Merchant, CHS Broadbent, VIC
• Michael Shanahan, Customer Success Relationship Manager, AgriDigital, SA
• Tessa Bevilacqua, Trade Support, CBH Group, WA