Growing The Next Generation Of Primary Industry Leaders

Are you ready to take your place among the next generation of leaders shaping the future of primary industries?

The Zanda McDonald Award is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most prestigious leadership opportunities for emerging professionals in primary industries, aged 21–35.

Through exceptional mentoring, influential industry connections and career-defining experiences, the Award helps ambitious people accelerate their careers, broaden their perspectives and create meaningful impact across the primary industries sector.

Learn from exceptional leaders.
Connect with the best in trans-Tasman agriculture.
Experience opportunities few early-career professionals ever receive.
Grow your capability, professionally and personally

Applications open 1–31 October each year.

Why the Zanda McDonald Award?

Since 2014, the Zanda McDonald Award has identified and developed outstanding emerging leaders who will help shape the future of primary industries across Australia and New Zealand.

More than an award, it is a career-defining leadership experience that opens doors, builds lifelong connections and challenges participants to think bigger about their careers and their contribution to the industry

Is It Right for You?

If you're passionate about shaping the future of primary industries, driven to make a difference, and ready to invest in your leadership journey, we'd love to hear from you.

Our alumni come from across the primary industries — including farming, agribusiness, aquaculture, infrastructure, horticulture, research, veterinary science, consulting, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.

What they all share is ambition, curiosity and a commitment to making a positive impact on the future of primary industries.

Read Our Winners' Stories