It’s a bumper edition of FANMail – so grab a cuppa, enjoy reading, and here’s to continued success as we close out the year strong!
Warm regards,
Nicole
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
Table of Contents
FAN AGM 2024
FAN AGM Recap: A Celebration of Growth and Exciting Plans for 2025
The FAN Annual General Meeting at the historic Yandina Station was an afternoon to celebrate the network’s growth and look ahead to an exciting future. With membership now exceeding 420 members, FAN continues to strengthen its position as a leader in fostering collaboration, innovation, and trade across the food value chain. Read our 2023-2024 Annual Report Here.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of five esteemed members into FAN’s Lifetime Legends. John Tidy’s Organics, Little White Goat Cheese, Woolooga Farm Kitchen, Parker Food, and Sunshine Coast Cider were recognised for their significant contributions to the region’s food and agribusiness community, embodying the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines FAN.
Looking ahead to FAN’s 10th anniversary in 2025, CEO Nicole McNaughton shared plans for a milestone year. Highlights include an expanded Meet the Makers event, activations around EvokeAg 2025, regional food showcases under the Queensland Sunshine Pantry banner, and enhanced programs to build member capability, raise profiles, and grow connections at every level.
2025 promises to be a year of transformative opportunities for FAN members, with a strong focus on driving regional, national, and international collaboration. For updates on these initiatives and more, visit foodagribusiness.org.au.
At the 2024 AGM, we premiered a special video showcasing a snapshot of the incredible member activity from the past year. From exciting product launches and collaborative workshops to impactful activations like Grow National and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry @The Station! The video highlights the passion, innovation, and success stories that define our vibrant FAN community. This celebration of achievements reminds us of the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities as we work together to grow, innovate, and connect. Here’s to an even more inspiring 2025!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re delighted to release our Sponsorship Opportunities for 2025.
And did we mention it’s our 10th Anniversary Year. So time to celebrate!
Interested in joining in the celebrations – and supporting an event or program – find out more here.
Or for more info contact our Business Development Manager Bek Wall.
FAN Events
You’re Invited to a FAN-tastic MEFSC End of Year Bash!
We’ve cheekily gate-crashed the MEFSC end-of-year celebrations at Your Mates! As the proud big sister to MEF – they love it! Because, let’s be honest, it’s the best kind of gate crash – as we’re bringing along a pop-up Queensland Sunshine Pantry.
📅 Wednesday, 18th December 2024
⏰ 4:45 pm – 7:00 pm
Come join us for an evening of fun, laughs, and great company as we toast to an epic year! 🌟
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.
In February 2025, we’re launching From the Bay to the Corridor. This exciting initiative leverages the unique opportunity of evokeAG being in Brisbane.
Join us for a special delegation to evokeAG and also a series of curated regional side events.
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.
Member Opportunities
🎄 Unwrap over $3,200 in Christmas Gifts with FAN!
Celebrate the festive season with exclusive FAN Connect member offers, including discounts, FREE consultations and more. Don’t miss your chance to make the most of these FAN-tastic opportunities!
Discover the Offers Here
Not a Connect Member yet?
Don’t miss out on these FAN-tastic deals and perks – click here, join TODAY, and start enjoying the rewards! ✨
Already a FAN Community Member and feeling some FOMO? Contact us to level up to FAN Connect and access these exclusive perks!
Upcoming Grants
Manufacturing Benchmark Program
The Queensland Government partners with The Ecoefficiency Group (TEG) to provide benchmarking assessments for manufacturers. These focus on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon emissions to help businesses improve sustainability.
Funding: 50% subsidy – $1,862.50 (≤100 staff) or $2,505 (>100 staff).
Closing date: Open and ongoing.
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 Spotlight
Congratulations to Colleen and the team at Gourmet Taste Creations on their amazing achievements! Lolli’s Artisan Soups are now ranged year-round in all 33 Harris Farm Markets stores thanks to incredible sales, and their Social Eats Dip Mixes are now available in 170 Woolworths stores. What a fantastic milestone for a hard-working team!
Congratulations to Woolooga Farm Kitchen for their incredible achievement! Their Queensland Rosella Jam won the prestigious PLATINUM award at the World Taste Award with an outstanding score of 94. This vibrant jam showcases their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality. A well-deserved recognition—cheers to their success! Read more.
Love My Earth & Green Smith Grocers featured on Taste of Australia!
We’re so excited to see FAN member Jess from Greensmith Grocers and Love My Earth featured on Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn! Tune in on 7Two to see her incredible organic spice mixes in action and learn how they elevated that episode’s recipe.
Sunshine & Sons featured on Taste of Australia
Hayden Quinn also paid a visit to FAN member Adam from Sunshine & Sons to showcase their incredible craft spirits on Taste of Australia. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at their distillery and the passion behind their products..
Eastwell Farms on Taste of Australia
Tune in to Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn to see FAN members Eastwell Farms featured! Learn about their incredible work and passion for grassfed beef straight from their farm in Kin Kin. Awesome work Bryant, Susie and Alex and the rest of the Eastwell team!
A huge congratulations to Josh and Deb and the entire team from Creative Tours for their incredible success at the Queensland Tourism Awards! 🏆 ⭐️ Silver – Excellence in Food Tourism ⭐️ Bronze – Tours and Transport. This well-deserved recognition celebrates their dedication to showcasing the best of Queensland’s food and drink. Cheers team! 🎉
Congratulations to the Mary Valley Rattler Volunteer Team! 🎉 This passionate group has been awarded Gold for ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group’ at the Queensland Tourism Awards. Since relaunching in 2018, they’ve welcomed over 145,000 guests, sharing the rich heritage of rail and Gympie’s history. An incredible achievement! 🚂✨
Congratulations to Bamboo Park! 🌱
FAN members Angela, David, Ed, and Julia from Bamboo Park have breathed new life into the iconic Fairhill Nursery. Under their ownership, the nursery is set to thrive, offering quality plants and a passion for community. Exciting times ahead for this local gem! Read more.
Member Resources & Opportunities
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!
Free Continuity Planning Course UniSC is offering a free microcredential course on Business Continuity Planning for QLD business owners and managers. Learn to build resilience, navigate disruptions, and develop a robust continuity plan through interactive workshops. Supported by the Queensland Government.
Find out more and register here.
Small Business Cyber Resilience Service
A free Australian Government initiative helping small businesses (≤19 employees) improve cyber security and recover from incidents like hacking or phishing. Access tailored support through a helpline or online form. Visit idcare.org/smallbusiness for details and explore free programs like Cyber Wardens online training.
Tis the season to shop local! 🎄
Santa’s already spreading cheer with his Buy Local gift card from City of Moreton Bay. Join him and make the holidays magical by supporting local businesses. ✨ Grab your Moreton Money gift card today and give the gift of community this festive season! Learn more.
Showcase Your Innovation! Be part of the Sunshine Coast Future Industries & Careers Showcase on 14 March 2025. Inspire Year 10 students by sharing your fun, innovative work in industries like food, agribusiness, aviation, and more. A great opportunity to shape future careers! Contact us today to find out how you can be involved.
Get Festive at the HallowGreen Christmas Party! 🎄🎃
Join the fun at Kunda Park’s Friday 13th HallowGreen Christmas Party. Celebrate with a spooky twist, great food, drinks, and live entertainment. Don’t miss this unique festive event on Friday 13 December! Book your tickets here.
Hungry for a piece of the action at Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival 2025? FAN members are invited to showcase their unique products to 30,000+ food enthusiasts through tastings, masterclasses, and collaborations. Spaces are filling fast—submit your EOI before 10 January 2025. Ready to join the feast? Click here for more information.
Industry partners are being sought to join The Curated Plate 2025
If you are a chef, food producer, tourism, operator, venue manager, restaurant owner or can offer and agri-tourism experience, then you are invited to add some extra flavour to one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prominent events. For more info and to submit your EOI head here.
FAN Friend – Dr Karen Sutherland from UniSC offers tailored AI and social media training to help businesses elevate their marketing. Courses cover AI Basics, Content Creation, Persona Training, AI Audits, and Integration Strategy. Designed to save time, cut costs, and drive growth, her programs ensure the safe and ethical use of AI. Head here for more info.
Food Manufacturing 2025: AI Technology Drives Inventory Innovation. AI is revolutionising the food manufacturing and distribution industry. Almost nine in 10 businesses are planning to increase tech investments, according to the 2024 CommBank Manufacturing Insights Report. Fishbowl, one of FANs key partners, produced this white paper to assist businesses to understand AI trends.
Are you properly covered for your next Insurance Renewal? Start planning now.
Understanding your insurance renewal is about proactive planning to protect your business. KBI supports FAN members by simplifying the process and ensuring you have the right coverage. Click here if you have questions or need assistance, KBI are here to help secure your success.
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!
The Food & Agribusiness Network is proud to be members of the Economic Recovery Local Advisory Group, working closely with the Sunshine Coast Council and other key stakeholders to support our local businesses in preparing, mitigating and recovering from challenges.
Below are three practical steps you can take now to build your business resilience against potential impacts:
- Assess and Document Your Risks
- Take photos or videos of your business premises, equipment, and infrastructure. These records can be invaluable for insurance claims after an event.
- Review and confirm details of your insurance policy, including what is covered and how to file a claim. Keep your insurer’s contact information and policy number in an easily accessible location.
- Create and Communicate an Emergency Plan
- Conduct a walkthrough of your business with staff to identify hazards and evacuation routes.
- Update your plan with staff responsibilities during an emergency, such as shutting down equipment, securing inventory, or contacting suppliers.
- Digitally store and share the plan with employees via email or a cloud-based platform so they can access it anytime.
- Build and Check Your Emergency Kit
- Add practical items specific to your business, such as backup hard drives, USBs with critical data, portable power banks, and a printed list of key contacts (e.g., employees, suppliers, emergency services).
- Test equipment like generators or backup power supplies to ensure they are functional and ready to use.
Let’s work together to strengthen our business community and stay safe this storm season.
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.
