Program Information
DonateFarmsafe Australia Safer Farmers Ambassadors Network
Program Overview
The Farmsafe Australia Safer Farmers Ambassadors Network is a selective leadership development program for farmers who want to strengthen their voice and help lead positive change across Australian agriculture.
The program focuses on building confident communicators and trusted industry advocates who can influence conversations about farm safety, wellbeing and culture. Through advanced media training, leadership development and real-world industry engagement, participants will develop the skills to represent agriculture in public forums and help promote safer, stronger farming communities.
Participants will work alongside respected industry leaders, communications professionals and safety experts to develop compelling personal stories, build public communication capability and gain practical experience engaging with industry audiences.
By the end of the program, ambassadors will be equipped to speak confidently with media, industry, communities and policymakers, and to contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape the future of farm safety in Australia.
Key Dates – Cohort One
Applications Open: 23 March 2026
Applications Close: 12 April 2026
Participants Announced: 15 April 2026
Program Retreat: Canberra, 19-21 May 2026 (TBC)
Farmsafe Australia Conference: Sydney, 18-20 November 2026
What Participants Will Experience
The program combines practical training, industry exposure and real-world application.
Participants will:
Develop communication and leadership skills
- Media training across television, radio, podcasts, social media and print
- Presentation and storytelling masterclasses
- Guidance on writing for advocacy, including articles and opinion pieces
- Training in communicating safety and behaviour change effectively
Engage with industry leaders and mentors
- Structured mentoring sessions with experts across agriculture, safety, communications, research and policy
- Networking with industry leaders and peers
- Opportunities to learn from experienced communicators and advocates
Gain real-world industry experience
- Attend major agricultural events, conferences and field days with Farmsafe representatives
- Participate in panel discussions, media opportunities or stakeholder engagement activities
- Observe and engage in conversations shaping farm safety policy and practice
Contribute to national farm safety initiatives
- Participate in activities linked to National Farm Safety Week
- Produce communication pieces such as videos, articles or presentations that promote safer farming practices
- Develop and deliver a keynote presentation at the Farmsafe National Ag Day Conference
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Communicate confidently about farm safety and wellbeing
- Understand the cultural and behavioural drivers influencing safety on farms
- Build strong networks across the agricultural sector
- Develop the skills to influence conversations and advocate for safer farm practices
- Join a growing network of ambassadors contributing to long-term culture change in Australian agriculture.
Graduates will become part of an ongoing Farmsafe Australia Ambassador Network, and will be provided opportunities for continued engagement through campaigns, media opportunities and industry events as they arise.
Who Should Apply?
The Safer Farmers Ambassadors Network is designed for farmers and agricultural professionals who want to play a stronger role in shaping conversations about farm safety, wellbeing and culture.
We are looking for people who:
- Are actively involved in Australian agriculture or rural communities
- Have a genuine interest in improving safety, wellbeing and sustainability in farming
- Are motivated to share their experiences and perspectives with others
- Are willing to learn new communication and leadership skills
- Are open to engaging with media, industry audiences and community conversations
- Want to contribute positively to the future of Australian agriculture
Participants may come from a wide range of agricultural sectors, regions and backgrounds. Farmsafe Australia encourages applications from farmers at different stages of their careers, including emerging leaders and those already active in their communities.
Selection will aim to create a diverse cohort representing different agricultural industries, regions and experiences.
What the Program Covers
Farmsafe Australia is committed to ensuring participants can fully engage in the program without financial barriers.
The program will cover:
Training and Program Delivery
· All professional training sessions, workshops and program materials
· Media and communication training
· Mentoring sessions and industry engagement activities
Travel and Accommodation
· Travel required to attend program events and training activities
· Accommodation associated with program activities
· Meals provided during program retreats, workshops and official program events
What is Not Covered
Participants are responsible for their own:
- Personal or incidental expenses
- Travel upgrades or additional accommodation beyond program requirements
- Costs associated with personal activities outside the official program schedule
- Any additional travel or accommodation not required as part of program activities
- Any income or business costs associated with time away from work while participating in the program
Participants are expected to manage their own incidental expenses during travel, such as personal purchases, minibar charges or additional meals outside the program schedule.
Participant Commitment
Participation in the Farmsafe Australia Safer Farmers Ambassadors Network requires a genuine commitment to learning, engagement and contribution.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend the program retreat and core training sessions
- Participate in scheduled mentoring sessions and learning activities
- Engage respectfully and actively with other members of the cohort
- Contribute to program activities and outputs, such as articles, presentations, media opportunities or campaign contributions
- Represent the program and Farmsafe Australia professionally when participating in public or industry activities
- Commit to completing the program over its duration and maintaining communication with program coordinators
The program is designed to be practical and flexible, recognising the demands of farming and rural life. However, participants should ensure they can allocate the time required to fully engage in the experience.
Still have a question? Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mikaila via the below:
Mikaila Lipinski
Senior Engagement Officer - Farmsafe Australia
mlipinski@farmsafe.org.au
0437682266