As we wrap up a full and energising year at FAN, our recent 10 year AGM gave us a meaningful moment to pause and reflect. It was a chance to celebrate how far our community has come, acknowledge the people who helped build the foundations of FAN and look ahead to the next chapter with clarity and purpose.
With that in mind, we wanted to share an update about a small shift within our team that will help us continue to grow well into the future.
From early January, Nicole will step into a new role as National Project Director with FAN in a contract capacity. This adjustment allows her to focus more deeply on FAN’s strategic and national work, including our role as the Agrifood Industry Partner Organisation for the Federal Government’s Industry Growth Program.
Bek Wall will move into the General Manager role and take on the day-to-day running of the organisation. As a team, we value supporting internal growth and creating pathways for our people to step into new responsibilities.
This change also gives Nicole some space to balance family commitments while remaining closely involved in FAN’s strategic direction.
It has been a significant year for our regions and our members, and planning for 2026 is already underway with a strong programme of events, activities and opportunities to support the continued growth of our ecosystem.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our community and look forward to stepping into the new year together.
The FAN Team
Nicole, Bek, Anna, Jacki & Rebecca
Table of Contents
FAN AGM
Celebrating 10 Years of FAN at our AGM
On Thursday 20 November, our community gathered at Hip Hops Brewers in Moreton Bay to mark a milestone occasion. FAN’s 10-year anniversary AGM brought together members, partners and friends to reflect on a decade shaped by connection, collaboration and a genuine commitment to growing our industry together.
We were honoured to welcome three of our founders, Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, Andrew Eves-Brown and Julie Shelton CF, with fellow founder Sara Bucher joining us via video from Switzerland. Their early vision and courage set the foundations for the network we continue to strengthen today.
This year we also inducted three FAN Lifetime Legends. Eastwell Farms, Mallory’s Jerky and Maleny Cuisine have each contributed significantly to the character, resilience and collaborative spirit of our regions. While Maleny Cuisine could not attend in person, they shared a heartfelt message reflecting their long involvement in FAN and the community that has championed their journey.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to recognise the past decade and look ahead to what we can achieve next. FAN has always been built by the people in the room. Your support continues to shape an ecosystem where businesses can grow, connect and thrive.
Here’s to the next chapter of collaboration and impact across our regions.
A very big thank you to FAN Commercial Member, Andy Lewis Photography for capturing the event so thoughtfully.
FAN Board
The Food & Agribusiness Network is celebrating a major milestone – its 10th anniversary – and marking the moment with new Board leadership.
Since its foundation in 2015, FAN has grown into a strong, supportive community of more than 500 members across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Noosa and Gympie. Built on collaboration and sharing, FAN has become a go-to organisation for producers, makers and supporters who want to grow together.
Following its recent Annual General Meeting, FAN is pleased to welcome its 2025-26 incoming Board:
- Julie Shelton – Chair
- Olivia Ratten – Treasurer
- Tanya Alison
- Kylie Farrelly
- Melissa Kingham
- Lance McInnes
Full bios can be found on the FAN website.
FAN Chair, Julie Shelton, said the new Board brings strong industry knowledge and a genuine passion for supporting the region’s food and agribusiness community. “These directors personify the collaborative spirit of FAN. We’re excited about the energy and experience they bring as we look ahead.”
Julie Shelton
Chair – FAN Board
chair@foodagribusiness.org.au
L-R: Lance McInnes, Melissa Kingham, Olivia Ratten, Julie Shelton. Not pictured: Tanya Alison (Arnold), Kylie Farrelly.
FAN Partnerships
We’re pleased to share a new strategic partnership between FAN and Grab Life By The Balls, announced recently at an event at UniSC’s Innovation Collider.
Grab Life is a national organisation focussed on strengthening men’s wellbeing through everyday conversations and inclusive community spaces. Together, we’ll explore opportunities to support wellbeing across our food and agribusiness community at events and within workplaces.
Strong communities grow from strong, supported people. We look forward to working together on initiatives that help create healthier, more connected environments across our regions.
FAN Events
Two Pop-Up Christmas Markets are coming to Brisbane City, shining a light on regional producers and the spirit of giving back through Morgans Big Dry Friday.
Across two days, the markets will bring together a vibrant mix of Queensland flavours, thoughtful gifts and delicious bites – all supporting communities in rural Australia who continue to face challenging conditions. It’s a chance to experience the depth of talent from across our regions, right in the heart of the CBD.
Day 1 – 123 Eagle Street | Date: Wednesday 10 December | Time: 7.00 am to 2.00 pm | Location: Outdoor forecourt and foyer.
Day 2 – 111 Eagle Street | Date: Thursday 11 December | Time: 7.00 am to 2.00 pm | Location: Outdoor forecourt and foyer.
These pop-ups offer a meaningful way to celebrate the season, discover regional favourites and support communities doing it tough.
We’re pleased to share this update from our friends at the Manufacturing Excellence Forum as we come together for our end-of-year celebration at Moffat Beach Brewing Co.’s Production House in Caloundra.
This gathering is a great opportunity for our MEF-FAN communities to connect, unwind and recognise the people who have contributed so much across our regions this year. With Moffat Beach Brewing Co. hosting, it’s set to be a relaxed and welcoming way to finish the year.
If you’d like to wrap up the year with the MEF-FAN community on Wednesday 10th December from 4.45pm-7pm, you can find more event details and the link to register your attendance here.
Love what FAN’s doing to grow our regional food and agribusiness community?
If you know someone who’d enjoy being part of the network too, please forward this email or invite them to subscribe and join us at https://foodagribusiness.org.
Grow National: Ripe & Ready
We’re planning the next chapter of Grow National and would like your input on the topics that matter most to you and your business.
Grow National is designed to build capability across our food and agribusiness community, so we want to make sure future sessions reflect the real challenges and opportunities you’re facing. Whether you’re looking for support in scaling, market development, product innovation, systems, or something new, this is your chance to shape the 2026 program.
You can share your preferences in this short survey – Grow National Topic Survey
Thanks in advance for helping us design a program that continues to meet the needs of our community.
Grow National 2026 – Workshop series – REGISTER NOW! Ripe & Ready is FAN’s, in-person program designed for established food, beverage, and agribusinesses ready to scale. From streamlining production to preparing for export, this hands-on program gives you access to industry experts, tailored support, and powerful connections to help take your business to the next level.
Grow National Workshop: Food Preservation & Process Control
In today’s food industry, safety and consistency are non-negotiable. This hands-on 6-hour workshop, led by Mashhuda Carrigan (UQ Skills), explores the science of food preservation and process control – from managing spoilage and extending shelf life to understanding CCPs and risk management. Strengthen your systems, boost compliance and build confidence across production. Register here
Grow National Workshop: Food Packaging & Sustainability
Unlock the science and strategy behind effective, sustainable food packaging in this immersive 6-hour workshop with Mashhuda Carrigan (UQ Skills). Explore how packaging preserves quality, extends shelf life and reduces environmental impact. Learn about Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), circular design principles and smarter material choices to make packaging a true competitive advantage. Register here
Please note: the date for the above Grow National food packaging workshop has changed. All other details remain the same, and we look forward to welcoming those who can make the updated session
Grow National Workshop: Legal, Financial & Growth Pathways
Build the legal, financial and structural foundations your agribusiness needs to grow with confidence. This practical half-day workshop brings together experts from Argon Law, and SRJ Walker Wayland to unpack the essentials of business protection, succession planning and investment readiness. Through real examples and guided discussion, you’ll explore how to strengthen your structure, manage risk and prepare for long-term resilience. Register here.
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
Grow National is proudly supported by Regional Development Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast, Turbine Sunshine Coast and funding from AgriFutures Australia and Westpac
Member Opportunities
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer. Our Member Opportunities page brings together the latest EOIs, programs, events, and ways to get involved – curated especially for FAN members. Bookmark it and check back regularly to make the most of what’s happening across the network.
Right now on our Member Opportunities page you’ll find a wide range of programmes and pathways to support capability, visibility and growth. Current listings include tourism activation opportunities, manufacturing grants and incentives, state procurement updates, major events EOIs, funded business planning courses and upcoming Brisbane 2032 supply-chain pathways. Explore the latest here.
Right now on our Member Opportunities page you’ll find ways to connect and grow – from FIAL’s Advanced Food and Ingredients Initiative and the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 Roadshow, to Brisbane 2032 business opportunities, Middle East export webinars, and free advisory sessions for Noosa businesses. Explore more here.
Upcoming Grants
Funding opportunities you need to know about – see what’s open and apply now..
FAN Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest insights and practical tools to support your business. Check out our recent webinars featuring industry experts and FAN partners—designed to help you grow, connect, and build a more resilient and inclusive business..
The F&B Market Trends in Action webinar explores real-life case studies from the food and beverage industry, illustrating how businesses are successfully identifying and capitalising on emerging market trends.
Gain insights into the practical steps companies are taking to innovate and create value-added products that meet consumer demand. Ideal for: Businesses looking to stay competitive by adopting innovative market strategies.
This webinar is presented in partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).
Looking for more webinars, tools, templates and tips to support your business journey? FAN Connect and Commercial Members can access the full FAN Resource Centre via our member platform, WAVE.
There is a whole library of practical, industry-ready resources sitting inside WAVE. These resources are created with our community in mind and shaped by the real challenges food and agribusiness owners face each day. They cover everything from investment basics and new product development to factory design, food safety, export readiness, government regulations, promotion, marketing, insurance, and practical support for running and growing a food and agribusiness.
Members can revisit recordings from our IGP – Cluster Connect programme, FAN Masterclasses and Business Bites sessions at any time. You will also find presentations, slides, links, and step-by-step guides, along with specialist content from partners across areas such as branding, legal, digital strategy and supply chain efficiencies.
The Resource Centre is updated throughout the year as new programmes and sessions roll out across the regions, giving members a consistently expanding toolkit they can rely on. This level of support is available only through a paid Connect or Commercial membership and is accessed exclusively through WAVE.
FAN Office Closure
FAN will be closed from 19 December to 12 January for a short summer break. We’ll be back online and ready for the year ahead on our return.
Getting Natural Disaster Ready
With storm season upon us, now’s the time to make sure your business is prepared. Severe weather can disrupt operations, supply chains and staff safety – but planning ahead makes all the difference.
Visit FAN’s Natural Disaster Support page for local resources, continuity planning tools and recovery contacts. You can also explore Get Ready Queensland for practical guidance on preparing your business for extreme weather events.
Our Supporters
Don’t forget — there’s almost $4,000 worth of exclusive offers waiting for you! Thanks to our incredible FAN Partners and Commercial Members, you can access a wide range of member-only deals designed to support and grow your business. Head to our Member Deals & Offers page to see what’s available to you.