FANmail January 2025

FANmail January 2025

This post is part of our monthly FANMail newsletter for everything Sunshine Coast Food & Agribusiness.

Join for free and stay up to date with the industry!

Welcome to 2025 – a landmark year for FAN as we celebrate our 10th anniversary! What an incredible journey it’s been so far, and we’re just getting started.

This year, we have so much in store – from exciting events and programs to new opportunities for connection and growth. There’s a lot on offer for FAN members and we want you to stay in the loop.

Make sure you don’t miss a thing:

Check your inbox – Make sure we have your correct email address on file for updates, invitations, and announcements. Login to WAVE, all your membership details are there for you to manage. Or email us at members@foodagribusiness.org.au.

Follow us on socials – Stay connected on FacebookInstagram, and LinkedIn.

Come along to an upcoming event – visit our events page for details of upcoming events and programs.

Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and success. 

Warm regards,
Nicole


Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO

Table of Contents

FAN Events

Kick off 2025 with FAN’s First Member Meet-Up! Join us at Dacelo Distilling for a Sunshine Coast and Noosa Member Meet-Up! Connect with fellow members, share insights, and enjoy great local flavours. Thursday, 7 February, 4pm-6pm. 
Register now

Harvest to Hospitality at Loop Growers Barn – an event not to be missed!

Join Moreton Bay’s hospitality leaders on Monday, 10 February, from 3–6 pm for an inspiring afternoon connecting with our region’s local producers. Enjoy samples, a grand grazing table, and insights from Alastair McLeod on how sourcing local enriches both your menu and community.  

Free entry – RSVP required.

From the Bay to the Corridor – Limited Spots Left!

Our evokeAG delegation is now at capacity, and our City of Moreton Bay event is sold out, but you can still secure tickets for our Sunshine Coast and Noosa events! Don’t miss this chance to be part of these wonderful, curated regional side events showcasing agri innovation. 
Click for more and to book now. 

This initiative is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Support Regional Trade Events Program. 

Join us at Nutworks for our Sunshine Coast FAN Member Meet-Up, Thursday, 10th April, 4pm-6pm. Connect with fellow members, share insights, and explore this iconic local business. A great chance to network, learn, and enjoy delicious local flavours. Register Now.

Join us at Glasshouse Plantation for our Sunshine Coast and City of Moreton Bay FAN Member Meet-Up. Network with fellow members, share insights, and experience a behind-the-scenes look at this unique venue. Thursday, 8 May, 8am-10amRegister now

Get Ready for FAN’s Major Events in 2025
Save the Dates!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming – exciting events, networking opportunities, and industry showcases. Mark your calendars!

Meet the Mentors: 18-19 March 2025 
An exclusive, interactive event for FAN members to connect with experts, seek advice, share challenges, and gain insights in a confidential setting, with attendees selected via expressions of interest. More details coming soon!

Meet the Female Makers: 13 May 2025 Join FAN, SCBWN, and MEFSC for an evening of innovation, networking, and inspiring stories from exceptional female makers. Explore exhibits from talented producers and connect with industry leaders. Updates to follow.

Mind your Mates! 11 June 2025
A special FAN and Manufacturing Excellence Forum event supporting Men’s Health Week – focusing on  mental and physical well-being with discussions, stories, and industry connections. Stay tuned for more info!

FAN AGM: 20 November 2025 
Lock this date in your diaries please!
A special 10 Year Celebration, Annual General Meeting to be held at Ocean View Estates. More info to come.

Meet the Makers and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market – 25 July 2025

Meet the Makers, FAN’s flagship trade show, is being held in the morning to mid afternoon. This event connects food and beverage producers with buyers and industry professionals.

Late afternoon to evening transforms the event into our Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market! As the gateway to The Curated Plate 2025, this event showcases local makers and producers inviting consumers to experience the best of our local food and drink through tastings, demos, and engaging activities.

FAN’s signature 2025 event, highlights the region’s culinary excellence and fosters connections between industry professionals, producers and the community. 

We will be bringing more information to you over the coming weeks. Please lock this date firmly in your diaries!

Get Ready for Australia’s New Sustainability Reporting Framework

From 1 January 2025, SMEs supplying goods to distributors, wholesalers, and retailers may need to meet new ESG obligations. Interested in a one-day workshop to help you navigate these changes? Get a toolkit and checklist to keep your business compliant.

📩 Contact us to express your interest!

Upcoming Grants

CSIRO-Kick-Start Program Helping small-medium enterprises access funding for research, development, or testing through CSIRO. Focuses on connecting businesses to CSIRO expertise, expediting processes, and maintaining end-to-end engagement. Can be applied for again after the first project is completed. Budget: $100,000-$50,000 (voucher to subsidise project costs). Open and Ongoing.

Hort Innovation – Event Sponsorship Program Supports events that promote the horticultural industry by increasing awareness and driving participation in research, development, and marketing initiatives. Funding can assist with event costs, encouraging collaboration and showcasing industry innovation. Budget: Up to $10,000. Open and Ongoing.

AgriFutures Australia – Industry Development Grants: Honey Bee and Pollination Program Invests in RD&E for a productive and sustainable future for the Australian beekeeping industry. Proposals must align with Varroa destructor strategy and Honey Bee and Pollination RD&E priorities. Budget: No limit specified. Closing Date: 12 February 2025

Coles Nurture Fund Supports small to medium-sized businesses in Australia’s food and grocery sector to innovate and grow. Eligible projects include areas such as fresh produce, food processing, logistics, and energy efficiency, driving sustainable practices and reducing imports. Budget: $500,000. Closing Date: 14 February 2025.

Sunshine Coast Council Grants Supports not-for-profit community groups to deliver one-off projects, activities, and events with broad community benefit. Funding can be used for initiatives that enhance community engagement and wellbeing. Budget: Up to $15,000. Closing Date: 10 March 2025.

Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) – Grassroots Grant Program Stimulates cotton-growing communities and increases industry capacity. Projects should involve the broader community and/or financial contributions from partners. Budget: $10,000. Closing Date: 30 November 2025.

City of Moreton BayNoosa Council & Sunshine Coast Council have partnered with Grant Guru to assist community and business groups, along with local businesses, to find grants and funding opportunities. This free Funding Finder allows you to search for available grants to help grow your business or project. Visit the Grant Funding Finders: MORETON BAYNOOSASUNSHINE COAST

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

Digital Pulse Check: Have Your Say! 
We’re surveying FAN members to better understand your online presence and tailor workshops, resources, and support to your needs. Long-time FAN partner Austin from Presstwood Design will then shape a workshop for next year. It’s quick, non-commercial, and you could win a $100 gift voucher!  [Take the Survey Here] Thank you for helping us shape FAN’s future support!

2025 FAN Member Badges Are Ready!
Proudly display your participation in our local food and agribusiness community. 2025 Member Badges are available in the Resource Section of WAVE. Adding your badge boosts your SEO and helps grow the FAN community. Instructions are included for easy setup – access yours today and display it proudly! Login to WAVE now!

Member Spotlight

Production Direct – FAN Member Vitawerx’s Manufacturing Solution offers turnkey contract manufacturing for food, health, and nutrition brands. Their HACCP-approved facility handles powder blending, liquid filling, sachet packing, chocolate coating, and protein bars. Supporting startups to large-scale brands, they provide full-service production solutions. Get in touch here to scale your product.

FAN Featured in QHA Review – Celebrating Local Provenance

FAN is proud to be featured in QHA Review, thanks to FAN Members QHA and Horse & Water, highlighting the importance of provenance and collaboration in Queensland’s food and agribusiness sector. The article showcases how FAN connects local producers, venues, and industry leaders to build a sustainable and thriving food ecosystem.

With insights from FAN’s Bek Wall, the feature explores how locally sourced ingredients, regenerative farming, and strong industry connections are shaping the future of hospitality. It also spotlights FAN’s key initiatives, including Meet the Makers and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry, which provide valuable opportunities for producers to showcase their offerings.

As demand for authentic, high-quality, and sustainable food grows, FAN remains committed to supporting members and strengthening our regional food network.

📖 Read the full article in QHA Review here.

FAN Members Featured in QHA Review Maleny CuisineZest ElementKenilworth DairiesBrazen BrowniesMooloolaba Fisheries and Hum Honey took up the opportunity with Horse & Water to showcase their products to Queensland’s hospitality sector in QHA Review. This exposure highlights the growing demand for local, sustainable, and high-quality produce, strengthening connections between producers and venues. 

Member Opportunities

Be Part of the 2025 Curated Plate Festival Program! EOI closes 3 February 2025. Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita invites food and drink businesses to submit event concepts celebrating local producers and diverse cuisines. Participation is free, with full revenue retained by organisers. Submit online or contact Peter at peter@peterkuruvita.com.

Startup Onramp Female Founders Pre-Accelerator Queensland-based female founders can apply for a fully-funded spot in this program, including weekly masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring, tech advice, and networking with like-minded founders. Open to early-stage startups, even at idea stage. Apply now for the February 2025 cohort. Learn more and register here.

Advancing Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program – Apply Now! Applications are open for this fully funded program empowering women in manufacturing to step into leadership roles with confidence. Gain practical skills, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Limited spaces available—EOI closes 7 February 2025. Express Your Interest.

AIFST Virtual Workshop: Navigating the Food Regulation Maze Confused by food regulations? Learn how to navigate ingredient approvals, labelling, and compliance in this interactive virtual workshop. 12 February 2025, 1pm-5pm. Cost: From $60. There will be no recording available – please attend live!
Register here.

Queensland Women in Agriculture Leadership (QWAL) Program A 12-month program empowering women in agriculture through training, mentoring, and networking to develop leadership skills and drive change. Funded by the QLD Government and delivered by AgForce Training. 15 scholarships available – apply by 5pm AEDT, 14 February 2025. 
Learn more and apply here.

Help Shape the Sunshine Coast Innovation Hub Sunshine Coast Council and Lucid Economics are seeking input on the proposed Sunshine Coast Innovation Hub in Maroochydore. Complete this 10-minute survey to share your needs and help shape its services.
Survey closes 20 February 2025.

2025 Food Microbiology Conference – 5-6 March 2025 Join the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s annual conference in Sydney. This year’s theme, “Bugs in the Balance: A world of diversity”, features expert speakers, networking opportunities, and insights for all in the agrifood sector. Visit AIFST’s website for details and registration.

EOIs Open – FWD Fest 2025 Innovation Showcase Apply for the FWD Fest Innovation Showcase! This free opportunity spotlights solutions for public and private sectors. Selected exhibitors gain exposure, networking, and business matching. EOI closes 7 March 2025.  Sunshine Coast businesses preferred.

Exhibit at the Coeliac Australia Gluten Free Expo! Join the FAN Farmers’ Market area15-16 March at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. FAN members with gluten-free products can access a discounted rate to showcase to a highly engaged audience. For more information contact Julie Walsh, 0402 621 544, julie.walsh@coeliac.org, or click here.

Agritourism is projected to be worth $5.5 billion by 2030, yet it’s not a focus in Queensland’s 20-year tourism plan. QFF and Agritourism Queensland are advocating for its inclusion. Have your say here and help shape the future of agritourism by joining the consultation.

EOIs Open: Introduction to 2D/3D CAD Training Queensland Manufacturing Hubs are offering a heavily subsidised 4-day accredited CAD training program in March. Learn to create 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoDesk Inventor. Cost: $300 per person. Register your interest here. For further info, contact: Steve Howard on 0448 112 681 or Gil Harkness on 0417 047 523.

Access the Latest IGP Cluster Connect Recordings!

We’re excited to share that the recent IGP Cluster Connect sessions are now available for our FAN members to view.  Dive into valuable content that can help drive your business forward!

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.

This post is part of our monthly FANMail newsletter for everything Sunshine Coast Food & Agribusiness.

Join for free and stay up to date with the industry!

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