This month’s FANmail is packed with opportunities to keep building momentum – from member meet ups across our regions to hands-on workshops and online webinars designed to build capability and spark new ideas. You’ll also find updates on funding opportunities, collaborations and upcoming events that continue to strengthen our community.
It’s been a busy month, and we’re excited to share that planning is underway for this year’s AGM – save the date, 20 November. More details will follow soon.
Let’s keep doing what we do best: working together to grow a stronger, smarter and more connected food and agribusiness ecosystem.
Warm regards,
FAN Team – Nicole, Bek, Rebecca, Anna & Jacki
Table of Contents
FAN Board
Have you considered joining the FAN Board?
We’re especially calling on industry members, the FAN Connect Members (paid) – those who live and breathe food and agribusiness every day. Your perspective as an active participant in this industry is exactly what will help FAN continue to thrive and deliver value to our members.
1. Elected Directors (Industry Members – FAN Connect Members)
If you’re a Connect Member who lives and breathes food and agribusiness, your perspective is vital. To stand for election, you will need to be formally nominated by another financial Member.
The call for nominations will open in early October. At that time, nomination forms will be provided and these need to be returned, signed by both the candidate and their nominator.
2. Appointed Directors (Other Skills-Based Roles)
We also welcome interest from members outside the industry base who bring governance, legal, HR, finance or other leadership skills. Prior board experience is valued but not essential. These roles are appointed by the Board rather than through the election process.
What to do now
If you’re interested in either pathway, whether as a future Elected Director (with a nominator) or as a potential Appointed Director, you can reach out in confidence to the FAN Chair at chair@foodagribusiness.org.au.
Expressions of interest, CVs and availability will be considered in due course.
Membership Price Update
Membership Update: Price Change from 2025
Since our last membership price change in 2021, FAN has continued to grow as a network and deliver greater value to our members. Over the past four years, we’ve expanded our programs, events, and initiatives – from Meet the Makers to Grow National and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry – while keeping fees unchanged.
To ensure FAN remains sustainable and can continue to provide meaningful support, connection and opportunities for our members, the FAN Board has endorsed a membership price increase effective 1 October 2025 (payable upon renewal).
New membership prices are as follows:
Connect Members: $225 per annum (plus GST) – previously $195
Commercial Members: $450 per annum (plus GST) – previously $390
Community Members:Â Free
Your membership is an investment in a strong, connected and collaborative food and agribusiness community. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to continuing to work with you to create more opportunities for your business and our regions.
FAN Events
Experiencing a touch of FAN FOMO?! Don’t miss these key events. Check out what’s happening and secure your spot.
Grow National: Ripe & Ready
Grow National 2025 – Workshop series – REGISTER NOW!
Ripe & Ready is FAN’s, in-person program designed for established food, beverage, and agribusinesses ready to scale. From streamlining production to preparing for export, this hands-on program gives you access to industry experts, tailored support, and powerful connections to help take your business to the next level.
Innovation, Product Development and Lifecycle workshop – Learn how to develop a safe, high-quality food or beverage product with confidence. This hands-on workshop walks you through creating a tailored product development roadmap, identifying food safety risks, and navigating labelling and legislation. You’ll apply industry tools to build your own product brief and simulate taking it to market.
Presented in collaboration with FaBA – Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator.Â
When: Wednesday, 17 September – 9am-3pm
REGISTER HERE
Being Audit Ready – Building Robust Food Safety Systems for Successful Audits Facing a retailer audit or certification against SQF, BRCGS, Freshcare or HACCP? This practical, expert-led workshop will help you prepare with confidence. Learn what auditors look for – and why – plus how to get your people, paperwork and site ready. Includes real-world examples, mock audit exercises, and practical tools to support ongoing compliance. Led by UQ Skills Educator and food technologist Mashhuda Carrigan. Presented in collaboration with FaBA – Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator.
When: Thursday, 16 October 9am-3pm
REGISTER HERE
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
Grow National is proudly supported by Regional Development Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast, Turbine Sunshine Coast and funding from AgriFutures Australia and Westpac
Cutting Costs, Creating Value Led by Dr Barry McGookin and the SRJ Walker Wayland Sunshine Coast team, this Grow National workshop gave Food & Beverage manufacturers practical tools and big-picture thinking to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and unlock value across operations, finance, logistics, and production.
Food industry professionals came together at UniSC for our Plain English Allergen Labelling Workshop. With undeclared allergens behind almost half of recent food recalls, practical tools and clear labelling are vital. Thanks to our presenters and participants for strengthening knowledge and capability in this critical area.
Member Opportunities
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer. Our Member Opportunities page brings together the latest EOIs, programs, events, and ways to get involved – curated especially for FAN members. Bookmark it and check back regularly to make the most of what’s happening across the network.
Right now on our Opportunities page you’ll find details on Pick of the Crop connecting schools with local produce, support to create a Digital Action Plan, a chance to feature in QHA Review’s Bite Size, and an EOI for Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry at Aura Farmers Markets. Explore more here.
Expressions of Interest open for Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Market at Aura Farmers Markets. FAN has partnered with Stockland and market organisers to offer this low risk opportunity to showcase your products, meet local customers, and connect with the wider food and agribusiness community. Celebrate provenance, share your story, and raise your profile as part of this vibrant market event. More info here.
Upcoming Grants
Funding opportunities you need to know about – see what’s open and apply now..
FAN Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest insights and practical tools to support your business. Check out our recent webinars featuring industry experts and FAN partners—designed to help you grow, connect, and build a more resilient and inclusive business..
This workshop, presented by NoonGar Land Enterprise Group, offers agrifood businesses practical insights into respectfully engaging with First Nations communities. Covering cultural protocols, Indigenous knowledge, land and water significance, and economic development, the session equips participants with tools to build culturally sensitive and collaborative partnerships.
Brought to you by Cluster Connect, the Industry Growth Program partner for the food, beverage, and agribusiness sector. Learn more: foodagribusiness.org.au/
Email remains one of the most powerful tools to connect with customers, build loyalty, and drive repeat business. In this session, FAN Partner Presstwood Design shares practical strategies to help food and agribusinesses design effective email marketing programs that engage audiences and deliver results.
Looking for more webinars, tools, templates and tips to support your business journey? FAN Connect and Commercial Members can access the full FAN Resource Centre via our member platform, WAVE.
Member News
Thanks to FAN members Fat Wren Farm, First Batch Coffee Roasters, Noosa Black Garlic, Nutworks, Rocky Creek Mushrooms, Suzie June Drinking Chocolate and Woolooga Farm Kitchen for donating to the sold-out Noosa Reds fundraising dinner raffle, which raised over $2000. Special thanks to Eastwell Farms for organising, and Sunshine Coast Foodie for the image.
It’s been a big season of wins for Lisa and the team at Saucy Wench. Their Green Sambal took home Silver at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards and Bronze at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards. Adding to the tally, their Chilli Jam earned a Silver medal, while their Chilli Oil collected both a Silver and Bronze. A well-deserved recognition of their bold flavours and dedication to quality.
Maleny Cheese Factory is celebrating a major achievement at the 2025 DIAA Queensland Awards, taking out Champion Greek Style Yoghurt. The team also received Gold for their Passionfruit and Apple & Cinnamon yoghurts, and Silver for their Buffalo Fetta and Unsweetened Yoghurt. A true testament to the skill and dedication behind their Hinterland dairy.
Congratulations to our FAN Members named finalists in the 2025 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards: Candice Kiss and Olivia Tulloch (Gather and Feast), James Anderson (Hop To It Collective), Annie Lane Cafe, Hip Hops Brewers and Gourmet Taste Creations. A wonderful recognition of their impact and innovation in the Moreton Bay business community.
Heart Therapeutics has been recognised in the Clean + Conscious Awards 2025, with Rancho Relaxo and All Heart teas both winning Silver, and Rancho Relaxo also taking Editors’ Choice. A very big congratulations also to founder Misha Moran, named a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards 2025.
Congratulations to Cecelia Diaz-Petersen of Woolooga Farm Kitchen and Amber Scott of Kandanga Farm Store, both named finalists in the Gympie Women in Business Awards 2025, Agri-Business Excellence category. This recognition celebrates their leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening the region’s food and agribusiness community.
A big congratulations to Joel McPherson of Joel’s Journeys, who was named a finalist in the Top Tour Guide category at the 2025 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards. Joel is recognised for creating authentic and memorable visitor experiences that showcase the best of our region.
The FAN team were proud to be part of Sunshine Coast’ Council’s Thriving Through Change Business Expo, which brought together entrepreneurs, small businesses, government and industry leaders. The expo showcased practical tools and pathways for growth, while FAN highlighted the strength of its members and the collaborative spirit that helps our food and agribusiness community thrive.
Our Supporters
Don’t forget — there’s almost $4,000 worth of exclusive offers waiting for you! Thanks to our incredible FAN Partners and Commercial Members, you can access a wide range of member-only deals designed to support and grow your business. Head to our Member Deals & Offers page to see what’s available to you.