Viterra’s Quality Services Manager, Edwina Cockburn was recently named in Grain Trade Australia’s (GTA’s) Five Under 30 programme.
The programme, which is running for the first time this year, aims to assist, guide and recognise future leaders in the grain industry while increasing involvement of younger people in GTA activities. Over 12 months, the five recipients receive additional opportunities and involvement in GTA activities, mentorship and guidance.
Edwina, who first joined Viterra as a harvest worker in 2012, oversees Viterra’s Thebarton laboratory and grain classification across the Viterra network. The laboratory team assists Viterra sites to ensure grain meets customer requirements by supporting and training classification processes. They also conduct in-depth classification and technical testing including protein reference, chemical residue and DNA testing for genetically modified canola.
Edwina says she applied to the Five Under 30 programme because it presented a great opportunity to become further involved in the grain industry.
“I am currently involved with reviewing the Visual Recognition Standards Guide with GTA and enjoy working on this to improve grain classification processes and standards,” Edwina says.
“I’m enthusiastic and passionate about the grain industry and saw the programme as a way to build on my ongoing work with GTA, expanding my knowledge and assisting me in making informed decisions in my role at Viterra.”
Edwina says she is looking forward to establishing networks within, and gaining wider exposure to and understanding of, the industry.
“I’m excited to interact with people from various organisations who all play different roles in the industry, along with having mentorship and guidance from senior industry leaders,” Edwina says.
“I also hope that through the programme I’m able to play a part in driving an active network of younger people in the industry, with the help of the fellow participants.”
General Manager Quality and Inventory, Julie O’Dea says Edwina’s achievement reflects her contribution to both Viterra and the grain industry.
“Edwina plays an important role in our network, overseeing our laboratory and classification across sites to ensure grain delivered to Viterra meets quality and food safety requirements,” Julie says.
“We congratulate her on her achievement of being selected for this exciting opportunity.”