We hope everyone is well and thriving as we kick off the new year – which promises to be an extraordinary year for our Network.
We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news and updates from the FAN team and look forward to connecting at one of the many upcoming events soon!
Welcoming Misha Moran as FAN Noosa Member Coordinator: It is with great joy that we officially welcome Misha Moran to the FAN family as our new Noosa Member Coordinator. Many of you may already know Misha from her business, Heart Therapeutics. With her extensive experience and unwavering passion as a small business owner, Misha brings invaluable insights that will undoubtedly enrich our network and community. Misha joins our amazing team of Member Coordinators; Anna Carrick based on the Sunshine Coast & Jacki Hinchey who is based in Moreton Bay. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Misha as she takes on this pivotal role. SAY HI TO MISHA HERE.
Introducing Samantha Prosser – Our Member Onboarding & Admin Dynamo: In addition to Misha’s arrival, we’re excited to introduce Samantha Prosser, who will be taking over member onboarding activities and connections from the wonderful Rebecca Gillingham. With a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm, Sam is poised to ensure our members have a seamless and engaging experience from the moment they join. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca for her outstanding contributions and look forward to seeing her work her magic across our digital platforms and communications throughout 2024. SAY HI TO SAM HERE.
FANtastic Events and Activities on the Horizon: As we gear up for busy year ahead, the entire FAN team is back on board and busily planning a myriad of FANtastic events and activities for 2024. From insightful workshops to networking opportunities and community-building initiatives, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates as we unveil our exciting lineup designed to inspire, connect, and elevate our FAN community.
Here’s to a year filled with connection, inspiration, and FANtastic memories!
Yours in collaboration,
Nicole McNaughton
CEO, FAN
Table of Contents
Grow National
EOIs CLOSE SOON!!
Interested in scaling your business in 2024? Submit your EOI for 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.
FAN Events
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.
Upcoming Grants
The 2024 Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards return this July and nominations are open now! This is your chance to acknowledge all the hard work you’ve put in over the past 12 months. There are 15 categories available for nomination, including one of our favourite categories the Award for Food & Agribusiness Excellence. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Head to the business awards website to start your awards journey and we’ll see you at the gala awards on July 5th, 2024. Also if you know of a business that you would like to nominate for a category, there is an option for you to nominate a Moreton Bay business this year. Plus, the judging EOI for the 2024 Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards is also now open. Visit the awards website to register your interest in being a judge. Sponsored by City of Moreton Bay and Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism.
The Queensland Training Awards shine the spotlight on the power of skills and people just like you! Apprentices, trainees and students, the people who train and the businesses that employ – your success demonstrates how training changes lives, forges careers, and builds strong and skilled workforces. Your story is powerful. Celebrate and tell your story through the Queensland Training Awards – How to prepare a nomination.
Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Seed Grants aims to support proof of concept projects that commence at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 5. NOTE: Eligible applicants include Australian universities. Universities are encouraged to partner with other institutions, industry, businesses as part of their proposal. $50k – $500k with 10% co-contribution requirement. Closes 9 February 2024
ReMade in Queensland (ReMIQ) aims to support the Queensland manufacturing sector to implement plant, equipment, and systems to increase the reuse of existing recycled material streams or diversify to remanufacture new waste streams. $50k – $2.5m matched funding. Closes 19 February 2024.
Queensland Feral Pest Initiative aims to support regionally agreed cluster fencing arrangements, as well as other invasive plants and animal control and capacity building projects across Queensland. Up to $2.163m with in-kind contribution. Closes 29 February 2024.
Transformational Experiences Mentoring Program aims to support operators in interpreting the Ultimate Transformational Experiences Guide and becoming champions of transformational experiences. It drives demand by collaborating with the industry to shape their experience offerings in line with consumer expectations. 10-week, 1:1 mentoring support. Open & Ongoing.
Industry Growth Program aims to support innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority areas: value-add in resources; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, transport, medical science, renewables and low emission technologies, defence capability, enabling capabilities. $50k – $5m matched funding alongside advisory services component. Open ongoing.
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.
Member Resources & Opportunities
The Curated Plate is back for 2024! Industry Partners are now invited to put forward event concepts for the 10 day food and drink festival to be held 26 July – 4 August 2024. If you are a chef, venue manager, local food and drink producer of tourism operator that can offer a food related experience that incorporates local, the team want to hear from you! Applications close Friday 29 February 2024. Apply Now
Pick of the Crop
Building on successes in Bundaberg, Gympie and Maryborough, Pick of the Crop is now on the Sunshine Coast. The Health and Wellbeing QLD initiative promotes enjoyment of vegetables and fruits in state primary schools, and is delivered locally by Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.
Growers! Please contact Keith Gilbert (regional coordinator) if you’re up for hosting excursions and educating kids on-farm … OR if you can visit schools to promote your produce and give tips to students, parents and staff about growing food in their gardens.
Keith – 0487 270 933 | [email protected] | htt
Food regulation can be tricky to navigate. Are you up to date with the latest changes? Join Stewart Eddie, Principal Food Technologist and Director of ASKAFOODTECH PTY LTD for a quick walk through of some of the key food regs changes that are likely to impact your business in 2024.
Some of the topics discussed are:
- Plain English Allergen Labelling
- Seafood Country of Origin labelling
- Food Safety Standards and requirements
- General overview of the Food Regulatory landscape
International Social Media Marketing Webinar
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is pleased to present a free upcoming webinar with Dante St James designed to help your business navigate the ever-evolving landscape in marketing to a global audience on social media on 20 February 2024.
Dante will guide you through a wide range of invaluable insights, including:
The varying social media platforms, and how they’re used in markets around the world
The numerous sales channels that different social media platforms can provide
The resources that are available for each platform to assist your business
Don’t miss out! Register here!
Export 101: “Path to Market” Workshop
The Path to Market workshop walks businesses through their export roadmap. It encompasses the stages, questions, and challenges that all businesses must overcome as you navigate international trade.
6 February 2024 – Logan Entertainment Centre – Register here
eCommerce 101: “Path to Market” Workshop When considering an eCommerce strategy, businesses need to nail everything in their offering – communication, promotion, delivery and engagement. TIQ’s workshop aims to provide a wholistic overview of how businesses can ensure their eCommerce strategy is developed to compete with advanced global offerings. Register here.
Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) has launched the Agricultural Digital Support Work Placement Program (ADSWPP) to connect skilled employees with host organisations, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer. The initiative aims to recruit 20 AgTech Officers, boosting Queensland’s AgTech sector by aiding agribusinesses in digital technology adoption. The 12 month program includes mentoring, coaching, six skillsets, networking, and workshops, with funding provided. Host organisations are sought for participation starting February 2024, and while the department covers program costs, host organisations are expected to remunerate trainees based on experience. For more information, contact Project Coordinator Tim Bradley at 0481 010 756 or Project Manager Renee Anderson at 0448 125 156.
Want to hear more about working with government, transforming your workforce and mitigating supply chain challenges, plus lots more? The webinar will consist of a series of Improvement Technique Talks (ITT) that share information to help build your business and improve your experience in working with government; followed by an opportunity for webinar attendees to participate in a Q&A session with government subject matter experts. 8 Feburary 2024 Online – Register here.
Advance Queensland Media & Storytelling Resource Kits
The best way to spread the innovation message is if our entrepreneurs and innovators tell their stories.
To support Queensland’s startups, Advance Queensland has produced the Media release resource kit (PDF, 2MB) and the Storytelling resource kit (PDF, 1.4MB)
ATTN: Hospitality and Tourism Operators
QTIC, MBRIT and BUSY Ability warmly invite you to their Charity Lunch, a unique opportunity to explore the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. The Charity lunch aims to shine a spotlight on the amazing benefits of inclusive employment. All profits raised from the event will be donated to Guide Dogs Queensland. 20 February 2024 RSVP here
EASTWell Farms Heart Summit
An opportunity to meet and hear from the farmers, health educators, and success mentors leading the charge in Regenerative Agriculture and Health Optimisation. 23 March & 24 March RSVP here
Davidson Branding – Healthy Foods Report 2023/24
Consumers, spanning Gen Z to Baby Boomers, unanimously prioritise healthy eating, reshaping their values and behaviours. Davidson’s survey of 750 Australian consumers reveals profound changes in eating and purchasing habits, emphasising the need for innovative approaches to brand building and product development amid the ongoing health and budget balancing act. Report here.
KBI Insurance
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 Beachtree Distilling Co team who have been awarded GOLD and Australia’s Best Varietal at the World Vodka Awards!
Congratulations to the Ocean View Estates wedding team who recently won Top 3 Wedding Venue – Winery in Australia at the Australian Wedding Awards.
Candace Kiss of Gather and Feast & Annie Lane had an absolutely cracking 2023!! We have an impressive list of accolades including; Luxe Life’s most recommended cafe Queensland | 40 under 40 entrepreneur awards | Restaurant and caterers finalist | Moreton Bay business champion | Named in Australian top 50 small business leaders | Pumicestone employee of the year & hospitality small business of the year… and the big one Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award – Cafe
Congratulations to the Sunshine & Sons team who have secured a Gold win at the World Vodka Awards. Competing against vodkas from more than 20 countries, the Original Vodka is now among the 38 country winners advancing to the next round of judging in the quest for the title of the world’s best battling it out in the esteemed company of the UK and France’s best!!
Yanalla Farms feature in ABC Rural Read how the Martin family based in the Glass House Mountains, stumbled upon the PinksBlush custard apple 25 years ago when an out-of-season fruit appeared on a single tree. Despite initial challenges, they successfully cultivated the pink-hued variety, ensuring its uniqueness in the market. Facing setbacks, they’ve persevered, and now aim to license the PinksBlush to select growers. Despite hardships, their dedication and innovation have brought success to Yanalla Farms. Read more here
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.
