Do you have a passion for the Wet Tropics region, the environment and sustainable agriculture? Do you want to know what goes on inside a boardroom and see first-hand how good governance underpins successful businesses? Terrain NRM is looking for the next ‘emerging leader’ to join its board of directors.

The Emerging Leader program is entering its sixth year, creating an opportunity for a new young leader to take on a 12-month paid mentoring program. ‘Emerging Leaders’ participate in board meetings and learn from Terrain NRM’s directors and its leadership team.

The Board’s Deputy Chair Lucy Friend is a former ‘Emerging Leader’.

“As a young person who had never been on a board before, the role gave me an opportunity to gain practical experience and build confidence,’’ Lucy said.

“I’ve studied governance and read about the theory of being a director but practicing it with the guidance of great mentors gave me the skillset I needed to progress my understanding and my career.

“My ideas and viewpoints were valued, and they contributed to boardroom decisions, so the benefit was mutual.”

Lucy is also North Queensland Airports’ Environmental Manager and a community volunteer across conservation, agriculture, youth support and mental health sectors. She said the Emerging Leader opportunity was open to a wide range of people, and believes diversity is important.

“We’ve had Emerging Leaders from sectors including business, tourism, environment, economic and agricultural,’’ she said.