Growing up in the Mitta Valley, where dairy farms once ruled the landscape, she believes more can be done to show leadership in the dairy industry and she hopes to "make sure it has a positive future in the region".

Laura is being sponsored by Gardiner Dairy Foundation to undertake the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership program and said it will have lasting benefits for herself and the community.

"The Mitta Valley was once all dairy but there are hardly any dairy farmers left now," she said.

"I hope through this course we can find different ways of doing things and try to improve the industry."

Although now working as a physiotherapist as well as raising two young girls, Eleanor and Rosie, Laura helps the family farm at Tallandoon with administration and occupational health and safety.

"I am passionate about the dairy industry and would like to get further involved in some form," she said.

"Growing up on the farm gave me freedom to explore and work things out on my own.

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"Kids can go outside and play and develop skills you don't get in town."

She wants her children and future generations to have the same experiences and hopes a leadership program will give her expertise to help strengthen the local dairy industry and the broader community.

Laura has always enjoyed country living and hasn't ventured too far from the region, studying at Charles Sturt University and working at Align Work Health in Albury.

She moved back to the farm six years ago to be closer to family and friends and enjoy "a lovely place to live".

"This course is about empowering people and making them better at the processes so we can go back to help our communities," Laura said.

Applications for the Alpine Valley Community Leadership Program open March 16 - visit gardinerfoundation.com.au