Hi everyone,
Welcome to the delicious May edition of FAN Mail! This month is bursting with incredible opportunities you won’t want to miss, all outlined below for your convenience. Stay in the loop and catch all the latest updates by following us on our social media platforms!
Your thoughts mean the world to us! Please spare just 5 minutes to complete our annual member survey. Your feedback helps us make your experience even more FANtastic!
We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events. Mark your calendars and get ready for some unforgettable experiences.
Cheers,
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
Table of Contents
FAN Events
Join us for the “Seed to Sprout” one-day workshop, an essential event for food entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the industry. Held at UniSC, this workshop is divided into two insightful sessions. Click here for more information on FAN’s Grow National Program.Â
Grow National is supported by funding from the Advance Queensland Accelerating Female Founders Program and Turbine. Grow National is also supported by SRJ Walker Wayland, Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Sunshine Pantry
Join Us as an Exhibitor at the Premier Food Showcase on the Sunshine Coast!
This year, the Food and Agribusiness Network in collaboration with Visit Sunshine Coast invites you to participate in the celebrated Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry. This prestigious event will be held at the Station SC, offering a day brimming with the rich tastes, innovative creations, and communal spirit of our beloved region. More info here.
Turbine
Turbine CEO Andy Eves-Brown shares an update on the overall project and tenancy EOI process – which launched April 15 2024.
We’re pleased to share that TURBINE is now seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties interested in leasing space in this new facility.
A total area of up to 9,100m2 is available for lease for food and beverage production. This area is available for manufacturing activities and is supported by shared services as outlined in the Leasing IM. Tenancy sizes can be negotiated, subject to availability.
All tenancies are expected to be available for occupancy from mid-2025, with possible early access for tenant fit-out works (to be determined), subject to progress against construction programming. All configurations can vary depending on tenancy requirements.
2,100m2 of floor space has been allocated for smaller tenancies, initially set at 300m2 each. Tenancies 1 – 7, and up to 7,000m2 has been allocated for larger partnership tenants. As warehousing, offices and shared services are provided outside the Manufacturing space, the 300m2 smaller tenancies may be considered to be the equivalent of a 500-600m2 facility.
The manufacturing tenancies will be provided as a shell with the specified services, features, and utilities provided to specific points in the tenancy.
IMPORTANT – Tenant fitout, supply of internal infrastructure such as platforms, and reticulation of services within the tenancy may form part of an incentive package where matched funding is available for qualifying applicants.
The EOI will close on Friday 24 May, 2024 at 5:00pm
Upcoming Grants
Business Growth Fund The Business Growth Fund (BGF) targets high-growth businesses who can accelerate growth, drive Queensland’s economy and employ more Queenslanders. EOI’s Open1 May 2024. EOI’s Close 14 May 2024.
Circular Economy Program Grants are available for up to $50,000 to support innovative projects that align with circular economy principles. Application Deadline: 31 May 2024
Climate Smart Agriculture Program – Small Grants This program aims to support the adoption of sustainable agriculture best-practice that improves management of the natural resources and increases on-farm productivity. It forms part of the $302.1 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program which will drive agricultural sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness. Closes 4 June 2024.
Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) This program 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. Closes 6th June 2024.
City of Moreton Bay has partnered with GrantGuru 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 Moreton Bay Funding Finder HERE.
Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with GrantGuru 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 Sunshine Coast Funding Finder HERE.
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 News
Canefields Distillery secured funding in the 4th and final round of the Industry Kickstarter grants from the UQ Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. Luke and Kylie Farrelly will work with Dr. Marlize Bekke to create unique artisanal rums using heirloom sugarcane varieties. This collaboration aims to innovate and expand Queensland’s spirit industry. Read more here.
Congratulations to Kakadu Organics who have officially launched in Singapore with Ryan’s Grocery stocking their native jams, chutneys oils and dukkas.
Congratulations to Buderim Ginger for their achievement as finalists in the Best Complementary Medicine Brand category at Naturally Good for their Buderim BioActive Ginger Plus (BG+). o.
Congratulations to Maleny Dairies who have been named a finalist in the Dairy Industry of Australia’s Product Competition Awards of Excellence – highlighting the company’s commitment to quality and innovation in the dairy industry. The winners will be announced on May 17, 2024.
Member Resources & Opportunities
Economy and Efficiencies View recording of an economic update of 2024 and beyond – presented by Judo Bank. And learn more about Business Optimisation Processes – presented by Fishbowl Inventory.
About Fishbowl
Fishbowl is the industry’s most flexible provider of inventory management and manufacturing software solutions for Xero and QuickBooks users across Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and North America. An exciting, dynamic and rapidly growing company, we onboard, train and support companies using the Fishbowl software suite.
Fishbowl & COYO: A Coconut Yoghurt Company’s Recipe for SuccessÂ
In the dynamic consumer goods sector, COYO, a top coconut yoghurt brand, excels with key pillars: innovation, standout customer service, and streamlined inventory. Thanks to Fishbowl inventory software, COYO’s operations have transformed, setting a path to efficiency, growth, and industry leadership. Learn more here.
AI is pivotal for Australia’s food and beverage future, says a white paper by FaBA. With 37 recommendations, it urges embracing AI responsibly. Prof. McColl-Kennedy highlights AI’s potential in enhancing productivity, safety, and consumer satisfaction. Collaboration and transparent policies are vital for success. Read the white paper here for insights.
Join Young Farmers Connect’s National Survey! Understand the challenges and opportunities of small-scale agriculture in Australia. Your input shapes policy recommendations for a resilient farming future. Visit www.smallfarmscount.com to participate and make your voice heard
Join Innovate Moreton Bay on the 15th May for an insightful breakfast event at Hip Hops Brewers, exploring the future of the region’s food and agriculture. Featuring keynote by Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer OAM and local updates, followed by a collaborative roundtable and panel discussion on technology-driven growth. Register now!
Access Ignites Panel Event: A dusk soiree that will explore the benefits of workforce diversity and why inclusion supports business success. Is your business ready to open up to opportunity and position itself for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and more? Ticket price includes panel event with guest speakers, free drink on arrival and canapes. 31 May 2024, 4pm-6.30pm. Tickets here.
AusIndustry: Sustainable Growth – Unlock your manufacturing potential! Join AusIndustry’s workshop to master energy measurement and reduction strategies in manufacturing, optimising performance and aligning with net-zero goals. Secure a spot to future-proof your operations for sustainable and profitable growth. Reserve now! Wednesday, 5th June, Sunshine Coast Maker Space, Warana.
TEDxQUT are calling for expressions of interest for local food and beverage brands that would like to partner with them to deliver their flagship event, occurring on the 27th of October on campus at QUT. They are providing a unique opportunity to our partners to activate their brands through a range of in-kind or partnership agreements. Email Montana & Kym on [email protected] by 30 June 2024.
Maximise the benefits of digital tools! Join the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water’s webinar series on leveraging technology for enhanced decision-making, streamlined operations, talent management, and workplace safety.Â
10 May –Â Unlock the Power of your Operations and Integrated Systems
11 June –Â Data, AI and Cybersecurity for Manufacturers
18 June –Â Workplace Health and safety considerations for technology adoption.
Exciting news! Mark your calendars for the inaugural Sunshine Coast Buy Local Day on June 22, 2024. Celebrate and support our incredible local businesses, emphasising the importance of buying local. Join us in showcasing and appreciating the contributions of our community business. Find out how to get involved here. Buy Local Day is proudly brought to you by Sunshine Coast Council and Buy Local Sunshine Coast.
The 25th Symposium of Australian Gastronomy runs from July 5th to 8th, 2024, at UTAS Inveresk Campus, Launceston. Events include keynotes, dinners, and a showcase of Tasmanian design. Highlights: abalone tasting, island imaginaries, and a feature banquet with whisky at Grain of the Silos. More info- https://www.
Bookings Now Open! Coeliac Australia has announced the 2024/25 Gluten Free Expo program. Contact Julie Walsh for more information and your exhibitor prospectus.
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.
