THE rise to head stockman or woman can be a challenging leadership transition, but one that the doesn’t always come with clear guidance on how to do it well.

“One day they’re one of the mates, and the next day they’re their boss, which makes it difficult,” Kimberly Pastoral Cattlemen’s Association (KPCA) CEO Bron Christensen said.

“It’s a phenomenal change, so we’re holding this event, specific to these new and emerging industry leaders to help them understand the leadership challenge.”

Next week close to 40 head stockmen and women and leading hands from stations across the Kimberley and Pilbara will gather in Broome for the first of what KPCA plans to be an annual program to help emerging station leaders navigate the initial steps greater responsibility.

The catalyst behind the inaugural Head Stockman’s Leadership Forum, she told Beef Central this week, conversation with pastoralists at last year’s KPCA annual conference, including fifth-generation grazier and KPCA executive member Lux Lethbridge and several KPCA Members and staff.

“At the conference last year you looked around the room at the average age and there were a lot of young people, stations are starting to bring all their staff to our conference, which is great,” Bron said.

“But how good it would be to actually have something that is centred around them?

“So the idea was borne and the idea is really about capacity building for them, and helping them to gain the resilience to handle the leadership transition.”

Video: One of the drivers behind the Inaugural Head Stockman’s Leadership Forum, Lux Lethbridge, explains the reasons behind the concept, and why he would like to see the program extended nationally.

The two-day event to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday (May 12–13) brings together emerging head stockmen and women from across northern Australia to build practical leadership skills, strengthen resilience, and grow confidence in leading teams.

The program focuses on practical, on-the-ground leadership, open conversations around workforce challenges, and strong peer-to-peer connection.

Participants will gain practical communication skills, insights into career development, and the opportunity to learn from experienced industry leaders.

Facilitated by Stuart Austin (Audacious Agriculture), with contributions from Barb Bishop (Barb Bishop & Associates), Dr Holly Ludeman (Milne Feeds / The Livestock Collective), and Justin Morrissey (Yougawalla Pastoral), along with panels where participants will also benefit from the experience of young industry leaders and experience managers.