Leadership development program launched in Murray Bridge

This years Regional Leadership Development Program was launched on Tuesday night at the Bridgeport Hotel, welcoming 27 leaders.

Liana Webster

May 30, 2025 — 2 min read

Brodie Rollins, Heather Wait, Jo McGrath, Tammy O'Malley, Fiona Woodfire and Carolyn Huckel attended the launch at the Bridgeport Hotel. Photo: Jacob Jennings.

On Tuesday night Murray Bridge welcomed the next generation of regional changemakers with the official launch of the 2025 Regional Leadership Development Program (RLDP).

Twenty seven leaders from across the Murraylands and Riverland, made it out to the Bridgeport Hotel.

At the beginning of last year the state government invested $2 million to extend the program: since 2022 the program has has 1300 participants across 72 regional towns.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven personally launched the program.

"(The program) provides valuable skills relevant for work in regional industries, businesses, and in community activities,” she said.

Women are making up more than 68 percent of participants, with 2025 cohort including people in agriculture, education, health, local government, tourism, small business, and community services.

At the launch was Dara Frankel (PIRSA), The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Matt O’Brien (PIRSA), Mandy Tennant (RDAMR). Photos: Jacob Jennings.

RDAMR program manager Mandy Tennant said the RLDP continues to play a role in building inclusive, future-ready leadership across the region.

“By investing in people, we’re investing in the resilience and sustainability of our communities,” she said.

“These 27 emerging leaders are stepping up to shape a better future - not just for their workplaces, but for the region as a whole,” Ms Tennant said.

Participants will take part in workshops and on-country sessions over the coming months to build connections and foster leadership.

The program aims to remove travel barriers and time away from work and family, ensuring the training is accessible and relevant to the region needs.

Attending were Debbie Carbon, Kelly Johnson, Keryn Sutherland, Toni Richardson, Kim Schiller, Deputy Mayor Airlee Keen. Photos: Jacob Jennings.

The program is delivered by Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR) in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), with support from Aurora Meliora and LeadersHP.