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HomeNewsNew chair for training

New chair for training

AgForce Training is proud to announce the appointment of Kelly Ostwald as the chair of the board, effective immediately.

With a wealth of experience in agriculture, leadership, and professional development, Kelly brings a fresh perspective to AgForce training’s mission to empower rural and regional communities through accessible, high-quality training opportunities.

AgForce Training, accessible at ag.training/, is a trusted provider of tailored training solutions for the agriculture sector.

Under Kelly’s leadership, the organisation will continue to support producers, agribusinesses, and communities in developing skills that drive innovation and sustainability.

AgForce general president Shane McCarthy said Kelly Ostwald’s extensive knowledge and passion for rural education make her an outstanding choice to lead the AgForce Training Board.

“We are confident that her leadership will guide us toward delivering even greater value to our members and the broader agricultural industry,” he said.

Kelly’s background underscores her fit for the role.

An experienced advocate for rural education and agriculture Kelly has held many key leadership roles to champion positive change for remote communities and has personal experience educating children through distance education, mainstream schooling, boarding, and university pathways.

Kelly understands the unique challenges faced by rural families.

As a former Queensland secretary and now federal secretary of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA), Kelly has been a dedicated voice for equitable access to education, ensuring the needs of isolated students and families are represented at the highest levels.

In addition to this advocacy work, Kelly has served as a representative on both school and industry boards, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and decision-making processes that support rural communities.

As an agricultural producer, Kelly possesses a deep understanding of the skills and training required in the agricultural sector, working to align education initiatives with industry needs to secure the future of regional Australia.

“I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the AgForce training team and stakeholders to strengthen our programs and create lasting impacts for our industry,” Kelly said.

The AgForce Training Board provides producers with the tools they need to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

Kelly’s vision aligns with AgForce Training’s strategic goals to foster resilience and innovation across the sector.

For more information about AgForce Training and its programs, visit ag.training/

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