Strong leadership and diverse perspectives are essential to the future of Australia's grape and wine sector.
Wine Australia is proud to collaborate with Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) on an initiative designed to support women to build the skills, confidence, networks and governance capability needed to contribute effectively to boards, committees and leadership groups.
The AWiA Women on Agricultural Boards (WOAB) Program aims to strengthen the representation of women in agricultural leadership and governance through mentoring, training and practical support for people at different stages of their board and leadership journey.
The program offers three tailored tiers, recognising that women are at different stages of their leadership and governance journey. From those beginning to explore board opportunities, through to women building their governance experience and those ready to actively pursue board roles, each tier provides targeted development and support. Together, the three tiers create a strong pipeline of emerging, developing and board-ready women across Australian agriculture.
For more information:
- visit Women on Agricultural Boards Project — Australian Women in Agriculture
- download Women on Agricultural Boards 2027 Calendar (PDF)
Wine Australia Sponsored Places
As part of this collaboration, Wine Australia will sponsor up to 20 participants from the Australian grape and wine sector to take part in the program over a two-year period, providing access to valuable opportunities that can support future industry leadership. This investment reflects Wine Australia's commitment to building leadership capability and creating pathways for a broader range of voices and experiences to contribute at decision-making tables across the sector.
Who should apply?
Women who:
- are passionate about contributing to the future of the grape and wine sector
- want to strengthen their governance and leadership capabilities
- are interested in serving on boards, committees, advisory groups or industry leadership bodies.
- can demonstrate a commitment to supporting the long-term success of Australian agriculture and wine.
- are willing to actively participate in program activities and share learnings within their networks
We encourage applications from women working across all parts of the Australian grape and wine community, including vineyards, wineries, industry organisations, research, education, supply chain businesses and related agricultural enterprises.
Wine Australia welcomes and values the diversity of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives within our sector, and encourages applications from women of all ages, abilities, cultures, identities and geographical locations who are interested in strengthening their leadership and governance capabilities.
Why participate?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- develop board and governance knowledge
- build leadership confidence and capability
- connect with experienced mentors and industry leaders
- expand professional networks across agriculture
What does a Wine Australia sponsored place provide?
- Membership fees with Australian Women in Agriculture covered for two years.
- Structured profile opportunities to share your experiences, aspirations and contributions with a wider audience.
- In addition to the program, we will organise masterclass opportunities with existing wine industry leaders.
How to apply
Access and complete the 2027 Women on Agricultural Boards Application Form.
Applications close: 15 November 2026
If you are interested in the Wine Australia sponsorship component, ensure you select yes at question 10 on the application form.
Note you do not need to have a Wine Australia sponsorship to engage independently with the AWiA program.
Wine Australia sponsored applicants
Wine Australia, in collaboration with AWiA, will identify successful applicants for the Wine Australia supported sponsorship.
Wine Australia is sponsoring up to 20 women, 10 each year across the 2027 and 2028 intakes.
Wine Australia will notify the successful Wine Australia sponsored 2027 cohort by end November 2026.
We will reimburse your Australian Women in Agriculture membership fees for two years and provide further support and profile opportunities across your Board pathway journey.
If you have any queries, please email research@wineaustralia.com