GROWING LEADERSHIP, GROWING IMPACT
Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) is excited to offer Wine Australia’s Next Crop Leadership Program for the first time in the Coonawarra Wine Region.
Coonawarra Next Crop is an experiential leadership development program that will bring new perspective and energy to what it means to be an authentic leader.
The program will focus on culture and wellbeing, creative and strategic thinking, and collaborative action for up to 15 aspiring regional leaders.
Next Crop Coonawarra 2025 will support personal and professional development, growth and diversification of professional networks, and empowered leadership that goes well beyond traditional business training.
This immersive program will be available for a diverse, curated mix of people at all career stages associated with the wine industry.
Applications from the Coonawarra Wine Region and broader Limestone Coast will be considered.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN (CLOSING 12 MAY)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Next Crop Coonawarra 2025 program features six days of in-person leadership development including:
• Professional leadership profiling
• Wellbeing management strategies and tools
• An online peer space (for ongoing communications and connection)
• Hosted ‘lunchtime’ online meetings between in-person sessions
• Leadership resources and reference materials
• Fully catered leadership days and retreats (with accommodation options).
Program sessions and experiences will feature some of the most inspiring people and places of the Coonawarra region and beyond. Together with a range of expert facilitators and special guests, participants will explore the cultural, social, environmental and economic challenges and opportunities influencing the region.
Next Crop Coonawarra 2025 themes will include (but not be limited to) cultural awareness, authentic leadership, strategic thinking, wellbeing for leaders, environmental, social and governance responsibilities, persuasive storytelling and collaborative impact.
Every leader will gain insights, frameworks and tools to take local action in response to the great challenges influencing our world. At the program culmination there will be a graduation ceremony.
This program is delivered by Engage Change in partnership with Coonawarra Grape & Wine Incorporated, trading as Coonawarra Vignerons.
KEY DATES
The Program commences from early July until late October 2025, with a combination of single-day and overnight sessions in the Coonawarra, Limestone Coast and Adelaide.
Please observe key dates below:
• 3 July, Limestone Coast
• 6–7 August, Coonawarra
• 11 September, Coonawarra
• 29–30 October, Adelaide
Participants must be available for all in-person sessions , with monthly online ‘lunchtime’ sessions available on an opt-in basis
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The program is inclusive and welcomes people from all backgrounds, abilities and age brackets. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (and no longer in school) and work in or with the Coonawarra Wine Region or Limestone Coast.
FEES
The Next Crop Coonawarra Program is valued at more than $4000 per participant. Thanks to generous support from Wine Australia, the program is available for a fee of $800 incl GST. CGWI Members are entitled to a reduced rate of $500 incl GST.
Payment plans and some bursaries are available to support eligible applicants.
APPLY NOW
If you or someone you know works in or with the Coonawarra Wine industry, this could be their chance to shine!
In addition to those seeking professional development support, we are looking for people who have a strong motivation to lead change in the region.
Submit your application via the online form. Allow up to 45 minutes to complete.
Participants will be notified of the outcome by the end of May. The program is scheduled to commence on 3 July 2025.
Applications Close 12 May 2025
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Matthew is also co-director of Newday Leadership, a unique social enterprise devoted to ‘inspired leadership for the greater good’ and is Dean of microphilanthropy group, the Awesome Foundation in Adelaide, providing funding to people doing awesome things in the community.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
The 2025 Coonawarra Next Crop Program is presented by
Coonawarra Grape & Wine Incorporated (CGWI), and supported by Wine Australia.
This program is delivered by Engage Change in partnership with CGWI trading as Coonawarra Vignerons.
CONTACT US
For enquiries, please contact program director, Matthew Wright-Simon.
Email: matthew@engagechange.au || Mobile: +61 419 862 393
Acknowledgement of Country
Coonawarra Vignerons Association acknowledges the Pinechunga people as Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Coonawarra Wine Region stands today. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and ongoing connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
