To our FAN Community,
This month we farewell our passionate, enthusiastic and energetic FAN Ambassador Martin Duncan, who is off on new adventures. A huge, heartfelt thanks to Martin for his support and service to FAN and our members over the past 7 years, and for how fabulous he made us all look on socials!
Meet the Makers 2022 – in the words of a guest “It went off!” Thank you to our members, sponsors and supporters for making it such a success, and a big shout out to Nic and the FAN team for their superhuman effort. Missed it like me – here’s a recap…
In the coming months our focus shifts towards working with you, our members on shaping future activities and initiatives. FAN is your organisation and we need your voice to ensure that we’re delivering what matters to you. Please get involved if you can.
Thanks to FIAL, from 9-17 June I’m heading to the Netherlands with a group of industry leaders from around Australia to learn about their production systems, including the world’s first floating dairy! Keep an eye on our socials for insights and inspiration.
Yours in collaboration,
Emma
Table of Contents
FAN Events
Information Session Barns Lane
Join us Thursday June 2 at 11.00am and meet the team from Barns Lane Farm to hear about their exciting new development at Coolum Beach. In this session, the team will share their vision, and attendees will learn more about opportunities to be involved. RSVP HERE.
Meet the Female Makers
In this special event as part of The Curated (Side) Plate, we join forces with the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network to present Meet the Female Makers – a celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s amazing female food and beverage producers. BOOK HERE.
Regional FAN Action Plans
Working with our members, we’re developing FAN Action Plans across our four regions to shape future activities and opportunities to meet your needs. CLICK HERE to share your input. Want more info on the approach and how you can be involved READ MORE.
Member Opportunities
Noosa Agrihub Forum
Saturday 11 June
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, in association with Country Noosa and Noosa District Landcare is holding a Stakeholder Symposium to establish the region’s priorities and action plan for a Noosa and Region Agri-Hub. RSVP HERE.
SC Craft Beer Best Practice Tour
Tuesday 14 June
Sunshine Coast brewers are invited to a Best Practice Industry Tour to visit a genuine world class FMCG business. This free event is thanks to the support of Sunshine Coast Council. Note limited seats and 1 rep per brewery. BOOK HERE.
Moreton Bay Council Meeting and workshop
Wednesday 15 June
Moreton Bay producers and growers are invited to join Mayor Peter Flannery, Councillors, and Council representatives for lunch followed by an Industry Engagement workshop. BOOK HERE.
SC Regional Tourism Conference
Friday 17 June
This event will focus on the regional tourism’s role in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics; how to activate a vibrant tourism region; and the Sunshine Coast’s role in tourism infrastructure, capacity, demand and challenges. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Strengthening Business Program
The Strengthening Business Program is a service under the AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Programme that connects you with experts to make your business stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Business Growth Fund EOIS open
The Business Growth Fund offers funding up to $50,000 to help established businesses purchase specialised equipment to grow and create jobs. EOIs applications for Round 4 are now open. Review the full guidelines and FAQs on the Business Queensland. MORE INFO HERE.
Sustainable Table Fund
The Sustainable Table Fund is enabling food systems to transform across Australia, by connecting innovative programs with philanthropic funds and aligned investors to catalyse regeneration. INFO HERE.
The Curated (side) Plate schedule released
Sunshine Coast Council has released the first schedule for this year’s The Curated (side) Plate. There’s been a great response to EOIs resulting in 85 events from 37 businesses, with more businesses expected to join. This event is proudly supported by FAN. INFO HERE.
Member News
Brouhaha: Baked and Wasted!
Brouhaha have teamed up with celebrity chef and sustainability advocate, Simon Toohey in consciously crafting a sustainable and no-waste brew: Baked and Wasted! Launched recently at GABS, this brew will be available in selected bars across Australia from 30 May. READ MORE HERE.
Caboolture Sports Club celebrating local
Kudos to the Caboolture Sports Club team for their continued celebration of local. There was another great turn out at the recent Meet Me at the Bay Markets. The Mill Restaurant also recently launched its new menu – with some incredible farm to table dishes, inspired by local suppliers.
Supporting our local growers
Did you hear the recent interview with Mick from Good Harvest Organic Farm? He says “this wet weather is really tough on us with the farm suffering loss of produce… and we’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories from our sister farms.” Another timely reminder to #supportlocal.
Out & About
Little Farms Singapore – Inbound Mission
Thanks to Export Connect for bringing Little Farms Singapore to our region. 15 members profiled their businesses and learnt valuable insights on the Singapore market. Looking forward to seeing FAN member product in Little Farm stores soon (watch this space!!).
Moreton Bay Member Meet Up – April
A FANtastic April Moreton Bay Member Meet up kindly hosted by Woggoon Farm! We greatly enjoyed hearing Debbie’s story and taking a tour of her historic (and very beautiful) The Acres Farm. Thanks to everyone who attended and Moreton Bay Foodie for the happy snaps!
Meet the Chefs
FAN recently invited a number of local Chefs to connect with local producers in the lead up to Meet the Makers. Thanks to Damien Grimes of Sunshine Coast Hotels for hosting and a very big thanks to TAFE Queensland for sponsoring the event.
Gympie Member Meet Up – April
Our April Gympie was kindly hosted by Jeremiah’s Crust who put on a scrumptious spread of crumpets served with cultured butter, farm grown honey and passionfruit butter spread! Wonderful food and rich conversations were a plenty!
Member Spotlight
In this month’s Member Spotlight – we pay tribute to Martin Duncan a.k.a Sunshine Coast Foodie – who is hanging up his apron as a FAN Ambassador to pursue other adventures and opportunities as Moreton Bay Foodie and the Ambassador for Basset Barks. Martin’s passion for our regions producers and growers is contagious – and we’re truly grateful for his time and dedication to promoting and profiling FAN, our members and community. “Work it, own it, love it.!!”
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.
