Spring has well and truly arrived, and with it comes a burst of energy across our FAN community. We kicked off the season with a FAN-MEF collaboration at Sunshine & Sons, where members, makers and manufacturers came together for a behind-the-scenes evening of knowledge-sharing, connection and craft. It was a reminder of what happens when our region leans into collaboration – world-class results.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of opportunities to gather and grow. From regional member meet-ups to capability-building workshops and our upcoming AGM and End of Year Celebration on 20 November, there’s lots to get involved in. Each event is designed to spark ideas, open doors, and deepen the connections that make our ecosystem thrive.
We’re grateful for the momentum you bring, and we look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Warm regards,
FAN Team – Nicole, Bek, Rebecca, Anna & Jacki
Table of Contents
FAN AGM
FAN Annual General Meeting & End of Year Celebration 2025
Join us as we come together to reflect on the year that’s been, share a taste of what’s ahead, and celebrate with our FAN community.
Date: Thursday, 20 November, 3.30-7.30pm
Venue: Hip Hops Brewers – Brendale
Program:
3.30-4.00pm | Registration
4.00-5.00pm | FAN Annual General Meeting (AGM)
5.30-7.30pm | End of Year Celebration & Networking
The AGM provides members with a full review of FAN’s year, highlights from our Annual Report, and a look ahead to 2026. Following the formalities, we invite you to connect, collaborate and celebrate with fellow members, partners and industry friends.
Please register your attendance here. Tickets include: a beverage on arrival and finger food.
FAN Board
Have you considered joining the FAN Board?
We’re 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.
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 opened 1 October (FAN Connect Members were sent an email at 8am on Wednesday morning). In that email, nomination forms were provided and these need to be returned, signed by both the candidate and their nominator by Tuesday 14 October 2025, by 5pm.
What to do now
If you’re interested please review the email sent 8am, 1 October and follow those instructions!
South East Queensland Food Systems Strategy Forum
By 2046, South East Queensland will be home to six million people. How do we ensure our food system is resilient, productive and sustainable in the face of climate variability, global events, and growing demand?
Co-hosted by FAN and CSIRO, this forum will bring together farmers, producers, organisations and businesses from across SEQ to help shape the SEQ Food Systems Strategy. It’s an opportunity to share your insights, connect with others, and contribute to a region-wide conversation about the future of food.
Monday 20 October, 9am-12pm
UniSC Collider, Sippy Downs
Morning tea provided.
Queensland AGI Engage Workshop – Growers and supply chain participants are invited to a hands-on workshop exploring innovation in horticulture. Learn practical tools, hear from industry leaders, and uncover opportunities to diversify income and improve efficiency. 14 October, 10am–4pm | Porters Plainland Hotel. Register here
Explore how Australia’s food retail environment shapes the way we eat, and the implications for sustainability, health and agriculture. Hear insights from Roz White, Dheepa Jeyapalan, Dr David Reynolds and Dr Lilly Lim-Camacho in this online webinar hosted by Food System Horizons. Recording available after the event. 10 October, 12-1pm Register here
FAN Events
Experiencing a touch of FAN FOMO?! Don’t miss these key events. Check out what’s happening and secure your spot.
Moreton Bay Farm Trail – Tickets Now Open
On Saturday 18 October 2025, the Moreton Bay Farm Trail invites you to step behind the farmgate and experience the region’s incredible diversity of growers and makers.
With nine farms and six farmer’s hubs featuring more than 25 local producers, this one-day event offers a unique chance to:
Meet passionate farmers and hear their stories
Taste the freshest seasonal produce, flowers and artisan treats
Explore behind-the-scenes farm talks and self-guided walks
Support local family-owned businesses
One ticket provides access to all participating farms and hubs, including tastings, talks, and farmer’s hubs with food, coffee and produce.
Saturday 18 October, 9am-4pm, Across the Moreton Bay Region Tickets start from $5 – Book here
Find out more: moretonbayfarmtrail.com.au
Proudly supported by FAN and the City of Moreton Bay, the Farm Trail celebrates small-scale regenerative farming and the region’s vibrant food culture.
Grow National: Ripe & Ready
We’re planning for the 2026 delivery of Grow National – and we’d love your input. What are the burning topics you’d like to see brought to the table next year? Your ideas will help us shape a program that’s practical, inspiring and driven by industry needs! Email us here
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.
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
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.
Innovation & Product Development & Lifecycle equipped food industry professionals with the skills to take a product from idea to market. UQ Skills Educator Mashhuda Carrigan guided participants through product development, food safety, compliance and labelling – providing practical tools to embed innovation and efficiency at every stage.
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 Member Opportunities page you’ll find ways to connect and grow – from the Brisbane 2032 Procurement Update and CapTech2025 Delegation EOI, to the Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase, digital marketing webinars for small business, and Pick of the Crop linking schools with local produce. Explore more 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 webinar delivered by Dr Barry McGookin under IGP: Cluster Connect focuses on effective strategies for reducing costs within the food and beverage sector. Discover key approaches to increasing operational efficiency and applying real-world cost-reduction measures to your business processes. Case study examples provided to show how businesses are making cost-saving changes.
This workshop is ideal for: Food and beverage manufacturers seeking strategies to reduce operational costs and improve profitability.
This webinar is presented in partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).
Watch this session now.
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
We’re proud to celebrate all the finalists in the 30th Sunshine Coast Business Awards. It’s inspiring to see so many local businesses recognised for their hard work, innovation and community spirit. A special congratulations to our FAN members named as finalists – we wish you the very best of luck!
Brazen Brownies has struck gold, silver and bronze at the 2025 Royal Sydney Fine Foods Awards. Known for crafting some of Australia’s best brownies, the team continues to blend creativity and quality with every bite. This recognition cements their reputation as standout artisan dessert makers on the national stage. Congratulations team Brazen Brownies!
Congratulations to Cherry Lowe of the Mary Valley Rattler and Amy Watson of Gilldora Grove, both named finalists in the Gympie Women in Business Awards 2025. This recognition celebrates their leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening the region’s food and agribusiness community.
Congratulations to Cecelia Diaz-Petersen of Woolooga Farm Kitchen who was the recipient of The All-Rounder rural Winner in the Gympie Women in Business Awards 2025, Agri-Business Excellence category. Recognition is so well deserved – not just for the incredible work CC does, but for the way CC lifts others up and champions belonging, inclusivity and connection every step of the way.
We love celebrating the wins and news of our members – but social media algorithms don’t always play nice, and we don’t always see everything that’s happening. If you’ve got an update to share, big or small, let us know so we can help spread the word across the Network!.
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.