Current Projects

In partnership with Engaged Solutions, RuralScope has designed and developed the cutting edge Foundations of Facilitation program for individuals, groups, and organisations. Its key goal is to support those working in or with the agricultural, regional and rural sectors. And more specifically to develop facilitators who connect, engage, and consult effectively to build capability and advance change. This experiential program includes effective facilitation models / approaches, skills and traits of a facilitator, processes, tools and tactics and a checklist of how to plan, facilitate and evaluate an engaging and inclusive event. Jo Eady and Wendy Agar are the facilitators of this program. With over 20 years of professional facilitation experience each, they are well regarded and generous in their sharings of practical models, tools and tactics. Download the Program Prospectus here. 

Beef Australia is committed to developing future leaders across the Australian beef industry through its Graeme Acton Beef Connections Mentoring Program.  RuralScope is contracted to facilitate this industry recognized program across 2023 – 2024.  The program offers a unique 14 month course of knowledge development and skills application, and pairs participants with industry recognised mentors to help them deliver on a project that will positively impact the beef industry.  The program is open to people under 35 years from across the beef supply chain.  10 participants are selected for each program with the third face to face being held as part of Beef2024 in Rockhampton. Download the Prospectus here.

Seven Innovation Hubs have been established across Australia.  Their key role is to bring stakeholders together to nurture ideas into community changing products and services taking account of end users and those with lived experience.  It’s an Australia wide effort to create and build a culture of innovation resulting in more vibrant, prosperous and resilient communities.  New approaches to innovation are required.  Jo Eady advises the Southern NSW Innovation Hub regarding a Co-design approach to foster and nurture change resulting in increased buy in, collaboration and ownership of the solutions/ outcomes.  This includes materials design, facilitation of training and self-access Co-design resources.

Hosted by Cotton Australia in partnership with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, the core of this program is the identification and development of next-generation leaders.  Delivered each two years, the program coincides with the Australian Cotton Conference. The program boasts over 100 graduates with many taking on local to national industry leadership roles and influencing industry development and direction.  This includes roles at a local, state and national level including industry boards, working groups and committees.  Evaluation from the programs highlights the value of the learning experience through professional facilitation and industry integration.

RuralScope is currently designing, developing, and facilitating LeadHER, a strategic leadership initiative for Australian Women in Agriculture.  The key goal is to support women in agriculture to develop their knowledge and skills in the policy to politics pipeline.  LeadHER is providing a mix of online, distance, and face to face activities.  Gains for the state/territory representatives undertaking this bespoke experience will include the development of strategic outlook, political awareness, personal resilience, and the capacity to speak up, have their say, and lead others to do the same. The Face to Face is integrated with a trip to the political capital of Australia, Canberra.

Developing the capability of an industry requires leadership succession planning.  Jo Eady is currently working with Cotton Australia to develop and implement this bespoke and highly integrated industry mentoring program.  Up to 4 emerging leaders will undertake this program each two years.  Mentors will come from within and beyond the industry and matchings will be made in alignment with the emerging leaders industry leadership pathway plan.  Mentors and mentees will be well supported and each program will run over 4 months.  The outcome will be an increased readiness for emerging leaders to effectively take on local – national industry leadership roles.