Recently we held our 2023 AGM which was attended by a record number of members. Proudly hosted by Sarah, Leza and the team at Nutworks the event marked a transition for FAN with the departure of long serving Chair and Board Member Jacqui Price. We also welcomed three new Board Members – Lucy Knowles, Matt Hepburn and Attie O’Rourke – and officially confirmed the appointment of Glin Bayley as an Appointed Director and David Hoath as our new Chair.
With the support of members – we also passed a number of amendments to our constitution. FAN has grown and developed over the past eight years and the changes better reflect where the organisation is now, and also better position the organisation for the future. Please feel free to review here.
We also inducted Jim and the team from Chilli Coffee and Sarah and the team at Nutworks in our FAN Long Time Legends *Hall of Fame* – in acknowledgment of their unwavering support, give back ethos and being just FANtastic.
Thank you to our valued supporters Sunshine Coast Cider, Your Mates, OK Boocha, Sunshine & Sons and The Noosa Forager for your tasty treats and beverages and contribution and support of the event!
As we close out what has been a truly busy and productive year it would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge our community of supporters, partners and stakeholders for their continued and unwavering support of FAN and the work we do.
To our FANtastic hardworking and truly passionate team Bec, Anna, Jacki and Sam – thank you for everything you do for our network and community.
And finally to our valued members – it is an absolute privilege to work alongside you and be a conduit of connection and collaboration. You are our why and your support, engagement and friendship is the reason we do what we do.
Yours in collaboration,
Nicole McNaughton
CEO, FAN
Table of Contents
The FAN Board
As we usher in this new era for FAN we proudly introduce and extend a warm welcome to our esteemed new Board of Directors – read more about our new members here. Their wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and commitment to our organisation’s mission make them invaluable additions to our leadership team.
We invite our members and supporters to join us in welcoming our new Board who bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm and expertise to our network. In 2024 our Board Meetings will be immediately followed by Member Meet Ups – held across our regions. Our new Board look forward to meeting our members at these newly formatted Board Meetings. Stay tuned for dates and details for these events in 2024.
Thank you Jacqui Price
At the recent AGM, we farewelled Jacqui Price – Board Director and Chair of FAN, and Board Director and Secretary of Turbine. With one of the longest tenures on the board – over seven years and three years at the helm, Jacqui has been the calm, strategic and influential centre of FAN. Under her leadership, and implementation of fantastic procedures Jacqui has transitioned FAN into a model of contemporary governance. We thank Jacqui for her input, expertise, time, dedication, support and friendship over the past seven years – it is greatly appreciated by all. We wish Jacqui all the best in her growing international role with the Australian Macadamia Society and like all FAN members and team – we’re sure she will be back to support us in some shape or form in the future!
Grow National
FIND OUT MORE HERE or email us [email protected].
Grow National is proudly supported by the Advance Queensland initiative – Accelerating Female Founders Program. The program is also supported by the Turbine Precinct, Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Council, Moreton Bay Council and Noosa Council.
Sunshine Pantry
About the Queensland Sunshine Pantry campaign
FAN in partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast recently launched the exciting new Queensland Sunshine Pantry campaign
Commencing in earnest in February 2024, VSC will amplify the campaign nation wide via online video, social media, digital display, and on Visit Sunshine Coast’s website, EDM and social media channels. Follow #qldsunshinepantry.
Get Involved
- As a valued member of the food, drink & agritourism industry, VSC have developed a toolkit will that help leverage your involvement in the campaign. In this tool kit you’ll find the Industry Brand Stamp, usage guidelines, key messaging and more. Remember to tag #qldsunshinepantry #FAN #VisitSunshineCoast on any social posts. Download the toolkit here.
- Further producers, makers and agritourism experiences will be profiled through VSC content in 2024.
- For our producers who don’t have an agritourism experience / offering – we’ll be featuring them in the ‘What’s in our Pantry’ section on the updated Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory, coming in 2024.
- Pop up Pantries will be activated at upcoming food industry, consumer and trade events – with details shared in early 2024.
Would like to be featured? Make sure your experience or offering is listed on ATDW or email us for more information on how to be involved.
Industry Development in 2024
This campaign will be supported by ongoing industry development in 2024 including;
- Agritourism Mentoring Panel
- Advanced Agritourism Workshop – 20 February
- Ongoing topic specific workshops – stay tuned
- Updated resource page – view here
Submit your EOI here for the mentoring panel and workshop
With thanks to…
The Queensland Government and our partners, members and wider industry for their collaboration on this exciting new campaign.
For questions or more information please don’t hesitate to contact us at members@foodagribusiness.
Out and About
Celebrating Manufacturing Excellence on the Sunshine Coast
Members from both the Food & Agribusiness Network the Manufacturing Excellence Forum were invited on an informative manufacturing best practice tour, orchestrated by the team at Sunshine Coast Council. The event was a remarkable display of innovation and expertise in the industry.
A special thank you goes out to Gourmet Garden, The Country Chef Bakery Co., Artisan Chemist, and Your Mates Brewing Co. for graciously hosting us and providing an array of delightful treats. Your dedication to manufacturing excellence is truly admirable!
These companies are leading the charge in manufacturing advancements on the Sunshine Coast, and those touring were excited to witness their significant contributions. Here’s to continued success and innovation in the world of manufacturing on the Sunshine Coast.
Upcoming Grants
On Farm Connectivity Program aims to assist primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety. It forms part of the $656 million Better Connectivity Plan which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country. $3k – $30k matched funding. Closes 31 May 2024
Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program aims to support QLD’s small to medium enterprises (SME) in the manufacturing sector. Increasing their competitiveness in a low carbon future by implementing energy efficiency measures that reduce energy costs and operational emissions. $5k – $25k matched funding. Closes 30 June 2024
Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) aims to leverage the crucial link between events and the destinations in which they are staged, extending the flow of the economic, marketing and social benefits of events throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland. $10k – $100k with 75% co-contribution. Round 27 closes 1 February 2024
Building Bush Tourism Program aims to create new or enhanced tourism, social and community infrastructure or deliver community and cultural experiences that improve local lifestyles while also driving visitation. Note: Outside SE Qld only (excludes SC and Noosa Council) $50k – $200k (up to 100% of project costs) Closes 1 February 2024
Find grants that suit your business with the QLD Government Grants Finder
Thanks to the Successful Grants team who have provided the above information. Please contact the team if you would like to chat about how they can support you.
REVIEWING & RENEWING YOUR CURRENT INSURANCE
FAN members can access the exclusive partnership between FAN and KBI Specialist Insurance Brokers, and take advantage of a number of special offers
Before you renew your business insurance, you should consider evaluating your current coverages with KBI and compare them to the tailored insurance offering designed for FAN to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your organisation.
The FAN / KBI insurance program offers:
- Customised coverages designed for your industry (designed in partnership collaboration with FAN),
- Competitive pricing,
- Streamlined renewal process,
- Strong service commitment to members;
- Tailored advice.
Request a complementary review two months before your renewal and receive a customised coverage report.
Member News
Congratulations to the Georges Yoghurt (The Natural Yoghurt Company) team who are finalists in the Australian Grand Dairy Awards (AGDA) in the Flavoured yoghurt category. Georges Yoghurt Passionfruit and Georges Yoghurt Ginger are BOTH finalists! This is pretty exciting news as there are only 3 finalists named in ALL Australia!
Moffat Beach Brewing’s Matt Wilson named Brewer Of The Year
Congratulations to Matt Wilson, head Brewer and co-founder of Moffat Beach Brewing Co, who has won the prestigious Beer & Brewer magazine’s Brewer Of The Year award for 2023.
Congratulations Creative Tours!
The team from Creative Tours were awarded both ‘Excellence in Food Tourism’ and ‘Tour & Transport Operators’ at the recent Queensland Tourism Awards.
“To be recognised by our industry peers in this way is such an incredible honour and to now have won the award for excellence in food tourism 2 years in a row is an achievement of which we are very proud.”
Arakai Estate on ABCs Landline
Did you catch Darryl, Lorraine, Brendon, Kristie and family on ABC’s Landline this past Sunday? If not, head to ABC’s iView and read more about the journey with their Bellthorpe tea plantation here.
Congratulations to Steve Grace from Beachtree Distilling Co. on the Best Product Award at the First Nations Bush Botanical Alliance Awards Night!
Our Supporters
Special thanks to FAN’s Partners and Sponsors who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth and resilience of our regions’ food and agribusiness industry.
