This past month has been full of activity, from our EvokeAG side events to the Harvest to Hospitality showcase, celebrating the incredible producers and businesses in our community. FAN Members also took the opportunity to Meet the Mentors thanks to the QLD Government’s Mentoring for Growth Program.
As we move through another exciting month, it’s incredible to see the momentum building across our network. From new collaborations to upcoming events, there’s so much happening that reflects the strength and creativity of our FAN community. This month, we’ve got some exciting updates, valuable opportunities, and stories of success to share — all made possible by the incredible work of our members and partners.
Thank you for being part of this journey. There’s plenty more ahead, so keep reading and stay connected!
Warm regards,
Nicole
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
Table of Contents
FAN Events
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-10am. Register 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 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! 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.
This is your chance to not only meet key industry decision-makers but also engage directly with passionate consumers who love to support local.
Upcoming Grants
Stay ahead with the latest funding opportunities! FAN members can access a curated list of grants each month, thanks to our grant partner, Successful Grants. Explore funding options to support your food, agribusiness, and innovation journey.
Search Grants HERE
City of Moreton Bay, Noosa 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 BAY, NOOSA, SUNSHINE 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
Trending into 2025 – Food & Drink Insights
Kim Berry from Food & Drink Business explores 2025 trends, including personalised nutrition, plant-based 2.0, and AI-powered products. Consumers are focusing on health, sustainability, and global flavours, with mental health and weight management driving innovation. Read more here.
Exclusive to FAN Connect and FAN Commercial Members! Explore webinars, presentations, tools and insights to help your business grow.
Login to WAVE, FAN’s membership platform HERE
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
Heidi Walker Wins MSC Sustainable Fishing Hero Award
Heidi Walker from Walker Seafoods Australia has made history as the first woman to win the MSC Sustainable Fishing Hero Award. Recognised for her leadership in sustainable tuna fishing, Heidi’s work includes securing MSC certification for Walker’s Tuna and launching the first 100% Australian shelf-stable tuna at Woolworths.
Read more here.
Member Opportunities
Lean Manufacturing – Leading the Change
Unlock profitable growth with Lean Manufacturing! This workshop for business leaders explores how Lean principles uncover hidden opportunities and drive sustainable change. Learn how to engage staff, overcome barriers, and transform organisational culture through strategic leadership. Learn more and register: Workshop 1.
Lean Manufacturing – Creating Change
Designed for operational leaders, this workshop covers Lean tools like 8 Wastes, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, and A3 Plans. Gain hands-on experience and practical techniques to improve team performance and drive immediate results. Learn more and register: Workshop 2.
Explore and Learn with a Churchill Fellowship
Churchill Fellowships let you travel and study best practices in your industry, then apply your insights in Australia. Open to Australian citizens and permanent residents from any background — no academic qualifications required. Applications open 28 February 2025 and close 1 May 2025. Learn more at ChurchillTrust.com.au.
Gourmet Grazing – Mother’s Day at Belli Beef
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a paddock-to-plate feast at Belli Beef & Wild Barrel in the Noosa Hinterland on Sunday, 11 May 2025, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Enjoy a seasonal menu by chef Matt Golinski featuring premium Belli Beef and barrel-aged beers, plus live music, lawn games, and insights into regenerative farming. Learn more and book tickets HERE.
HEART Summit 24th + 25 May 2025 – Early Bird Tickets Open Join Eastwell Farms for the HEART Summit 2025, a two-day event exploring human and environmental health. Featuring expert talks on wellness, regenerative farming, and sustainability, with catering by chefs Matt Golinski and Josh Smallwood. Early bird tickets close 12 April 2025. Learn more and book at Eastwell Farms.
Seeking Small Scale Farmers holders for Research on Policy Needs
Researchers from The University of Queensland are conducting research on how government policies support small local farms and align with farmers’ needs. Applications close 1 May 2025. For more details, head here.
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards
Nominations are open until 30 April 2025 to recognise locals or groups making a difference. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen, Young Citizen, Community Group, Creative Arts, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, and Biosphere Business of the Year. Ceremony on 13 June 2025. Learn more at Sunshine Coast Biosphere.
Farmers2Founders Agfood Tech Accelerator
Farmers2Founders is seeking agtech, food tech, and climate tech founders for its 2025 Accelerator. Areas of focus include robotics, biosecurity, water management, animal health, and more. If you know an early-stage founder, share this with them! Find out more or apply at farmers2founders.com/scale.
TEKWOMEN QLD – Supporting Female Agrifood-Tech Innovators
Applications are open for TEKWOMEN QLD, a 15-month incubator for female founders in agrifood-tech. Gain expert mentorship, industry connections, and business training to scale your venture. Open to early-stage founders with a prototype or pilot. Applications close 27 April 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Telstra Best of Business Awards
Nominations are open for the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards, celebrating small businesses driving positive change in Australia. Categories include Accelerating Women, Building Communities, Championing Health, Embracing Innovation, Indigenous Excellence, Outstanding Growth, and Promoting Sustainability. Nominations close 11 April 2025. Learn more here.
Innovate to Grow – Queensland
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow is a free 8-week online program for Queensland SMEs developing innovative solutions in sectors like agriculture, AI, health, and renewables. Gain expert mentoring, refine your R&D idea, and build industry connections. Applications close 23 March 2025. Learn more at CSIRO.
Plant Vitality Accelerator – Applications Open
AgriBusiness Connect’s Plant Vitality Accelerator, supported by GRDC, helps innovators fast-track crop health solutions. The 12-week program offers expert mentorship, industry connections, and real-world validation to bring products to market faster. Open to technologies improving crop health, soil nutrition, and biosecurity. Applications close 24 March 2025. Learn 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.