Media Release
15th September 2025
“Failures are okay, it’s how you respond that can make you a leader”
This is one of the “little things” that stuck with Edwina Warby, Senior Client Manager with Black Box, after attending the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Programme earlier this month with the support of LarnOO Agricultural Investments, a Benefactor Donor to the Australian Beef Industry Foundation.
Edwina was one of 8 scholarship recipients this year with the support of ABIF and their donors. There were some other take aways for Edwina –
- Leadership is everyone’s business, it is not limited to positions
- Sweep the shed – don’t be afraid to walk in your team’s shoes
- The standard you walk by, is the standard you accept.
Edwina said: “I think the biggest thing that I have already found since returning to my work life/community, is really being more self-aware and mindful – taking the time to really understand before either jumping to judgement, conclusions or solutions. “
Those who shared Edwina’s experience by attending MORLP2025 with ABIF scholarships were –
Centralian Beef Breeders Association Scholarship
Ms. Annie Harvie – Mount Riddock Station, via Alice Springs, NT
LarnOO Agricultural Investments Scholarships
Mr Ryan Ackers – Rose Grange Pastoral, Trawalla, VIC
Meat & Livestock Australia Scholarships
Ms Bella Hanson – Grazier, Hanson Cattle Co, Theodore, QLD
Ms Zoe Puls – AuctionsPlus, Rocklands, VIC
Ms Jo Tulloch – Bindaree Food Group, Inverell, NSW
Australian Beef Industry Foundation
Ms Bethany Rands – North Australian Pastoral Company, Brisbane, QLD
Ms. Sarah Patterson – Santa Gertrudis Breeder, Rolleston, QLD
Chairman of ABIF, John Gunthorpe said: “These eight impressive young people join an alumnus of over 100 who have attended MORLP with an ABIF scholarship over the past 14 years. They are now making important continuing contributions to Australia’s beef industry supply chain.”
Ryan Ackers from “Trawalla” west of Ballarat commented on his time at Marcus Oldham: “The skills and knowledge I got from attending the Marcus leadership course were excellent. I have brought back many of these skills and tips back to the workplace and we as a team have unlocked new potential.
Again, Jo Tulloch, who has recently taken up a new role with Bindaree Food Group in Inverell, NSW said: “It was an incredible week, and I came away with a wealth of knowledge and a fantastic new network that I’ll draw on throughout my career.”
John Gunthorpe said: “Clearly this is a life-changing event for those fortunate enough to receive the week’s tuition. Personal development and networking ensure others will seek out this opportunity in the future and ABIF will be there with the support of their donors to offer encouragement and financial support.”
From left to right: Zoe Puls, Jo Tullock, Bethany Rands, Ryan Ackers with Simon Falkiner, Chairman of the ABIF Education Fund. They attended the first intake of MORLP 2025 in May 2025.
From left to right: John Gunthorpe, Chairman of ABIF, Annie Harvie, Bella Hanson, Edwina Warby, Sarah Patterson with Simon Falkiner, Chairman of the ABIF Education Fund. This is the second intake this month.
Contact: John Gunthorpe, Chairman ABIF
E: jgunthorpe@bigpond.com
T: 0400 403 456
