A Western Australian forester has completed a prestigious nationwide course aimed at shaping rural Australia's leaders of tomorrow.

    Australian Fisheries and Forestry Minister Senator Ian Macdonald was on hand today (Thursday October 16) to congratulate Melissa Campbell on her involvement in the Young Rural Leaders' Course, being held in Canberra this week.

    The 28-year-old forester from Bridgetown is the human resources and project manager for a plantation resources company. After graduating with honours in natural resource management from the University of Western Australia, Ms Campbell joined the Western Australian Department of Resources and Development, where she worked on a variety of development projects, including the Ord River Irrigation Project.

    "A number of young people from the fisheries and forestry industries were awarded places on the course, which I am told was a very competitive selection process," Senator Macdonald said.

    "Ms Campbell's success in being selected for the course recognises the contribution he has made to her industry."

    Senator Macdonald said the Young Rural Leaders' Course existed to encourage young people to become more involved in the decision-making processes of their industries by gaining the skills and knowledge to do so.

    "More than 160 men and women aged 18-35 have participated in the course since it began in 2001," Senator Macdonald said.

    "As Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, it is very encouraging to see young people in these industries grasping the opportunities offered to them. I hope that through other elements of the Young People in Rural Industries program, young people will continue to make the most of what is on offer."

    Applications are currently open for another aspect of the program, the Corporate Governance Scholarships for Young People. The scholarships allow 14 people to attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course, all with the aim of assisting young people to contribute effectively to decision-making boards and forums.