Helen Campion (Anna Plains Station) leads Forum delegates through an impromptu panel session

THE future of the northern pastoral industry was on full display in Broome last week, with 37 emerging industry leaders gathering for the inaugural Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association (KPCA) Head Stockman’s Leadership Forum.

Held on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 May 2026, the Forum brought together current and future leaders in Head Stockman and Leading Hand roles from across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, representing both corporate and family-owned pastoral operations.

The Forum was facilitated by highly regarded cattleman Stuart Austin, founder of Audacious Ag, whose passion for supporting people to reach their potential within the pastoral industry resonated strongly with delegates.

“The opportunity to be a part of an event such as this, with the opportunity to assist young pastoralists in current or future leadership roles to better manage and gain greater fulfilment from their role, from their potential and from their leadership style is a privilege,” Mr Austin said.

“The commitment of the Forum delegates throughout the one and a half days of the Forum was unwavering – discussions and questions flowed freely with some intense topics and some lighter ones, all remained engaged and determined to make the best outcome of this
opportunity.”

The Forum commenced with an introductory networking session at the Broome Golf Course, featuring a four-hole Ambrose competition that mixed station representatives into teams, encouraging delegates to share their experiences, roles and aspirations while competing for both winning prizes and the coveted wooden spoon.

Delegates also completed Myers Briggs personality assessments and participated in communication and leadership workshops led by Barb Bishop, Director of Capacity in People Consulting, who is well known throughout the northern agricultural industry for her work in people dynamics, communication and positive workplace relationships.

Dr Holly Ludeman, Group Veterinarian with Milne Feeds and founder of The Livestock Collective, brought her experience as a livestock export veterinarian and agricultural communicator to the workshop, discussing the importance of nutrition and EarlyWeaner before helping delegates identify their individual strengths and develop the confidence to share both their own stories and the broader story of industry.

A series of industry panels formed a key part of the program, including a delegate panel facilitated by Helen Campion of Anna Plains Station, where participants discussed their motivations, ambitions and future pathways within the industry.

A Young Achievers panel featured younger station managers sharing their own career journeys, while the program concluded with an experienced Managers Panel comprising leaders from across the regions discussing their leadership experiences and the qualities they seek in emerging leaders.

Additional topics including Low Stress Stock Handling, biosecurity and station safety were also explored throughout the Forum.

The event concluded with a formal dinner under the stars in the gardens of the Mangrove Hotel, where delegates, sponsors and invited guests enjoyed the Broome sunset while strengthening industry networks and celebrating the success of the inaugural event.

Parker Marr (Yougawalla Pastoral Co.) and Alex Ristuccia (Warrawagine Station)
demonstrate ‘pressure’ as part of a low stress stock handling session with Andrew Lewis.

KPCA thanked the stations that supported staff attendance during the busy first-round mustering period, along with the presenters, facilitators and sponsors whose contributions made the Forum possible.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 Head Stockman’s Leadership Forum, scheduled to be held in the Pilbara in late March or early April next year.

Source: KPCA

• Interviews with the organisers of the event are being prepared for the Behind the Collective podcast.