Beef Australia Opens Applications for the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program
Published 02 February 2026
Beef Australia has opened applications for the 2026 – 2027 Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program and is calling for emerging leaders to participate as mentees in the next program intake.
The 14‑month program provides future leaders with a structured mentoring experience designed to deepen their leadership capability, enhance their practical industry skills, and support the delivery of a project that delivers value to the Australian beef sector.
The program is open to individuals aged up to 35 who are working in or connected to any part of the beef supply chain, including production, processing, corporate affairs, or agribusiness.
Beef Australia CEO, Simon Irwin, said the organisation will recruit up to ten mentees for the next cohort, with applications now open via the Beef Australia website.
“This will be the fifth intake of the program, which has already produced a national network of more than 35 emerging leaders who are contributing to positive change across the beef industry,” Mr Irwin said.
“Beef Connections continues to play a critical role in developing the next generation of leaders by combining knowledge building, practical experience and the invaluable guidance of dedicated mentors.”
Program graduates have progressed to Director roles, contributed to industry‑shaping committees, earned leadership scholarships, and even returned as mentors.
Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program Alumna Isobel Heffernan, 2024 Mentee, said the program gave her exposure to all facets of the Australian beef industry, broadening her understanding of the complexity and opportunities present.
“The peers, mentors and networks created through the program are the greatest benefit and I actively lean upon these relationships today,” said Ms Heffernan.
“I believe the program was pivotal in challenging my way of thinking, encouraging me to continually grow and ultimately built my confidence, which spurred my decision to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship,” she said.
The program will again pair each mentee with a senior industry mentor and will introduce new group mentoring sessions to strengthen collaboration and shared learning across the cohort.
The application process involves completing an online form, providing an individual project pitch, and submitting a 1-2 minute video via the Beef Australia website.
Applications will close on COB Friday, 13 March 2026.
To find out more and apply visit Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program – Beef Australia Ltd.
The Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program is an initiative of Beef Australia, in memory of the late Graeme Acton.
As one of Queensland’s leading beef industry figures, Graeme was renowned for supporting young people in entering the agriculture sector and generously donated his time and extensive knowledge to supporting the younger agricultural generation. Graeme also donated his time and expertise to Beef Australia as a board member and Chairman.
Since its inception in 2015, the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program has been supported by Westpac.
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