Regional Leaders Academy grows Northern Rivers talent pipeline

Regional Leaders Academy grows Northern Rivers talent pipeline View all news Regional Leaders Academy grows Northern Rivers talent pipeline Categories University News Business Partnerships Scholarships Science, Environment & Marine Published 14 October 2026 Share The next generation of local business leaders are being developed through a new initiative delivered by Southern Cross University and Business NSW Northern Rivers. The Regional Leaders Academy is investing in local talent by providing access to further education and leadership development opportunities tailored to the needs of the region.  Through the initiative, 25 participants received full scholarships to undertake Southern Cross University’s Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management or Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy. The qualifications are designed to equip local leaders with practical, future-focused skills that can be applied directly within their organisation. Partnership driving regional capability Southern Cross University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact), Ben Roche said the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to supporting regional capability and future workforce to build greater economic resilience.    “The Regional Leaders Academy is about connecting our business community with opportunities for learning and development that respond to current and emerging workforce challenges," Mr Roche said.  “Through our partnership with Business NSW Northern Rivers, we’re creating meaningful pathways for local leaders to build their capability, strengthen their organisations and contribute to the future prosperity of the Northern Rivers.” “We’re creating meaningful pathways for local leaders to build their capability, strengthen their organisations and contribute to the future prosperity of the Northern Rivers.” Ben Roche Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Jane Laverty said the Academy represents a natural evolution of their Regional Leaders program.   “We’ve seen the impact of connecting and supporting local leaders through the Regional Leaders program,” Ms Laverty said.   “The Regional Leaders Academy takes this a step further by providing access to formal qualifications that will strengthen leadership capability and support the ongoing growth of our regional economy.” Building sustainability leadership at Norco Norco Sustainability Manager, Antene Seah Antene Seah is undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy. As Sustainability Manager at Norco, she says the course has furthered a passion for sustainability.  “The course is very informative. The content is very relevant to my role, so, it has been great to formalise what I have learned on the job,” Ms Seah said.   “All of the assignments that I have done have been based on a dairy processing factory, and I have been able to directly apply what I learn. I am very grateful for this experience.  “What I enjoy most about circular economy is being able to make a difference. It’s nice to be able to do something that will benefit future generations.”  Norco CEO Michael Hampson applauded the initiative, saying developing local talent was critical to the long-term strength and prosperity of the Northern Rivers.  “As a proud Northern Rivers business with deep roots in the region, we’re committed to creating opportunities for our people to grow, develop new skills and realise their leadership potential,” Mr Hampson said.  “We’re incredibly proud to see Antene and other Norco team members embracing this opportunity and applying their knowledge directly within our business. We commend Business NSW Northern Rivers and Southern Cross University for driving this initiative and helping build the next generation of leaders who will drive our region’s future success.”  Tropical Fruit World Tours and Fauna Park Supervisor, Elizabeth Mackenzie Turning ideas into business outcomes For Elizabeth Mackenzie, the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management has provided practical leadership and business management skills relevant to her role as Tours and Fauna Park Supervisor at Tropical Fruit World, located in the Tweed Valley.  “I am doing an industry project focused on establishing horse riding tours at Tropical Fruit World. By the end of the course, I will have a full business plan, which will be something tangible to implement at my workplace,” said Ms Mackenzie.  “The course has been really beneficial in helping me progress in my role.” Tropical Fruit World General Manager, Aymon Gow, said having an employee participate in the Regional Leaders Academy has provided insights and new perspectives to operational challenges.  "Empowering younger team members with information that is not always available in their role day-to-day has been very beneficial to us and we look to develop within," Mr Gow said.  "Partnering with a regional university such Southern Cross University has provided Elizabeth with real world examples of the application of the content she is learning." 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