Georgina Simson, of Premer, has been selected as part of the 2026 intake for GrainGrowers’ OnBoard director development program, an initiative aimed at strengthening leadership across the Australian grains industry.
She joins a cohort of emerging leaders chosen for the program, which has been running since 2021 to equip growers with the skills needed to take on board and governance roles within the sector.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management and Marketing from Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Georgia brings a strong mix of strategic and commercial expertise to both agribusiness and the not-for-profit sector.
Based on the Liverpool Plains, she co-manages a 13,000-acre mixed farming enterprise with her husband and in-laws, producing predominantly winter and summer grain crops. Her responsibilities include operational oversight, long-term planning and driving sustainable business growth.
In addition to her work in agriculture, Georgina serves as president of a large not-for-profit early childhood education provider across Northern New South Wales.
In this role, she provides governance leadership, strategic direction and advocacy to support accessible, high-quality early learning services for regional families.
The OnBoard program offers participants a combination of technical and interpersonal skills training, alongside funding to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
It is designed for growers seeking to represent their industry through board appointments and leadership positions.
GrainGrowers chief executive officer Shona Gawel said the program plays an important role in building capacity within the industry.
“GrainGrowers is proud of its investment in developing the next generation of industry leaders through programs like OnBoard, which provide opportunities for growers from regional Australia to represent the views of our industry in the boardroom,” Ms Gawel said.
“Each year, it’s great to welcome talented participants who are passionate about developing their skills and knowledge so they can play a role in the industry’s future.
“Since OnBoard commenced, many of our participants have put the training to good use, taking up positions on our National Policy Group and Board, other industry association boards, GRDC Panels and regional community groups.”
The program runs for approximately nine months, beginning with a three-day training session in Sydney in March.
GrainGrowers also acknowledged the support of GRDC, which has provided funding to assist with the delivery of this year’s program.
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