As we approach the tail end of the year, it’s an ideal time to start reflecting on the impressive achievements of our FAN members and the broader region. From recent award wins to inspiring milestones, there’s plenty to celebrate! Read more in our Member Spotlight section. We look forward to celebrating these successes at our AGM & Annual Celebration on Thursday, 21st November – be sure to RSVP.
In this edition of FANMail, you’ll find a variety of valuable opportunities, resources, and grant information. Highlights include FaBA’s Cost Reduction Workshop on 19th November and recordings from recent online sessions covering topics like new product development, labelling, and food and beverage marketing essentials.
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
Stay Vigilant: Protecting Against Cyber Threats
At FAN, the security and safety of our community is a top priority. Recently, we have become aware of a phishing attempt targeting our network, with malicious emails falsely using the FAN brand-mark.
These emails may contain suspicious links or attachments that could compromise your personal information.
What to Look Out For:
- Emails that seem unusual or unexpected, especially those with attachments or links.
- Messages claiming to be from FAN but coming from unfamiliar email addresses.
- Requests for sensitive information like passwords, account details, or financial information.
What You Should Do:
- Do not click on any suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Report any suspicious emails to us directly at info@foodagribusiness.org.au.
- Mark such emails as spam in your email client to help prevent further attempts.
Your continued vigilance is key to keeping our community safe. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Telstra, COSBOA, and Commonwealth Bank have launched Cyber Wardens program—a free, online learning course designed to simplify cyber security. This self-paced training provides quick, practical steps for safeguarding business information, recognising scams, and building cyber safety awareness across teams. Explore the program here to protect your business community.
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! 🌟
Podcast
Nicole McNaughton, FAN’s CEO, recently joined Ben Amos on Innovate Media’s Coast and Commerce podcast to discuss the Sunshine Coast’s dynamic food and agribusiness sector! In this engaging episode, Nicole shares insights into FAN’s mission to support members through networking, resources, and community engagement. From local producers to innovative partnerships, hear how FAN champions collaboration across the food and beverage industry, creating new market opportunities and fostering growth.
Catch the full episode below or on YouTube, and podcast platforms, and learn more about how FAN continues to elevate our incredible region!
Upcoming Grants
Support Plantation Establishment Program Offers funding from $40k (matched) to support plantation establishment, including landscape restoration and educational initiatives.
Budget: From $40k (matched funding). Closing Date: 13 November 2024
Future Drought Fund – Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants Program Funds evidence-based trials to explore innovative farming practices and technologies, fostering economic, environmental, and social resilience to drought and climate variability. Closing Date: 19 November 2024
Future Drought Fund – Resilient Landscapes Program Supports projects that enhance climate resilience and manage natural resources on farms through scalable practices and technologies. Budget: $2M – $6M (co-contribution recommended). Closing Date: 19 November 2024
Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd. (APRIL) – Innovation Projects Scheme Supports the Australian pork industry through R&D, education, and commercialisation efforts focused on sustainability and optimal returns for stakeholders. Budget: Up to $75k (cash contribution may be required). Closing Date: 13 December 2024
Made in Queensland (MIQ) Program (Round 7) Supports Queensland SMEs in manufacturing to boost international competitiveness, productivity, and job creation through advanced technologies and processes. Budget: $50,000 – $2.5M (matched funding required). Closing Date: 24 January 2025
Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program (Round 2) Assists Queensland SMEs in manufacturing to enhance competitiveness in a low-carbon future through energy efficiency measures that lower costs and emissions. Budget: Up to $50,000 (0-25% co-contribution depending on project). Closing Date: 30 June 2025 (or until funds are exhausted)
Advance Queensland – Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Program Supports partnerships between SMEs and large organisations to solve problems and create commercial opportunities in Queensland. Eligible QLD-developed products (MVP and beyond) can scale up or pivot to new industries. Budget: Up to $100k (1:1 co-contribution). Closing Date: 30 June 2027
Regional University Industry Collaboration Program Encourages collaboration between regional universities and SMEs to boost economic growth, innovation, and community development in Queensland, supporting R&D commercialisation.
Budget: $10,000 to $50,000. Open & Ongoing
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Supports Australian SMEs in expanding and diversifying foreign markets by funding promotional activities and marketing skill development. Budget: Multi-year funding of $20,000 – $80,000 per year. Open & Ongoing
Meat & Livestock Australia – MLA Donor Company (MDC) Funding Supports the development or commercialisation of products that drive Australian food exports or food technology, particularly targeting the Asian market. Funding split is 40% MLA and 60% partner contributions. Budget: 40% MLA; 60% partner contributions. Open & Ongoing
Scanlon Foundation – Proactive Grants Offers grants typically under $10,000, with select programs (e.g., landscape restoration, education) exceeding this amount. Available both directly and on behalf of donors.
Budget: No minimum/maximum. Open & 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 News
Sunshine Coast Cider – Best in Class!!
Join us in celebrating FAN member Sunshine Coast Cider for winning Best in Class with their Brut+ Cider Méthode Traditionelle at the 2024 Australian Cider Awards! This prestigious award recognises their excellence in craft cider. Cheers to their achievement!
Award wins for Noosa Black Garlic! Noosa Black Garlic recently took home Champion Savoury Preserve, Best in Class, and Gold for their Black Garlic Cloves at the Melbourne Royal Fine Food Awards, plus Champion Flavoured Oil for their Black Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Sydney Royal. Catch their Today Show feature from Brisbane’s Good Food & Wine Show!
Cheers to Hip Hops Brewers!
Huge congratulations to Shaun Reeves and the Hip Hops Brewers team on their incredible success at the Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards, taking home five awards: New Business, Food & Agribusiness, Entrepreneur of the Year, Customer Service Excellence, and Business of the Year.
The Curated Plate Wins Best Small Regional Event! The Curated Plate 2023 was named Best Small Regional Event at the 2024 Australian Event Awards! Recognised for its imaginative approach and industry excellence, this award celebrates the dedication, innovation, and incredible teamwork of everyone involved.
Glasshouse Plantation on My Way
Catch FAN member Glasshouse Plantation featured on My Way! Dive into their story, celebrating five generations of farming heritage and their journey in coffee growing. Watch now on 9Now: Glasshouse Plantation on My Way
Eastwell Farms on My Way
See FAN member Eastwell Farms in action on My Way! This episode highlights their sustainable farming practices and commitment to innovation in agriculture. Get an inside look at their methods and dedication to land stewardship. Catch the episode now on 9Now: Eastwell Farms on My Way.!
Canefields Distilling Co. on My Way Explore the story of FAN member Canefields Distilling Co. on My Way! This feature dives into their paddock-to-bottle journey, blending regional heritage with craft distilling. Experience the passion behind their unique spirits—watch the episode now on 9Now: Canefields Distilling Co. on My Way.
Member Resources & Opportunities
Reducing costs in F&B Manufacturing Webinar
Presented by Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA)
The webinar will look at cost reduction approaches related to the receival and assembly of materials for food and beverage manufacturing, while also highlighting how these principles can be applied to staffing, energy, transport, and more. It will provide a broad overview of effective cost reduction approaches, emphasising the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance, safety, and managing broader business risk.
The presenter is industry expert Barry McGookin, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the food manufacturing sector. He has worked with food and beverage companies of all sizes, taking them from launch to scale up, and managing the cost base for their products and services. In the last 10 years, he has assisted 200+ companies across the food system with projects totalling more than $35M, delivering a combined market impact of >$100M in revenue, with >500 new jobs. This included alternative flour processing, improved efficiency to reduce waste in vegetable processing, value adding for waste fruit, IOT installation for seafood production, and delivery of programs to build cost reduction skills in several Victorian LGAs. Barry’s consulting company, Samvinna, builds food and beverage manufacturers’ skills in improving operational efficiency and innovation.
Date: Tuesday 19 November 2024
Time: 12pm to 1pm AEST (including 15mins for Q&A)
Mode: Online webinar
Cost: FREE
Register your interest by emailing faba.
For more information: faba.au
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!
Early-bird offer with Creative Tours! Book your end-of-year tour or Christmas party by 7 November to enter the draw for dinner and drinks for two at The Spirit House! FAN members also receive a bottle from Sunshine & Sons or a case from Your Mates. Available for all tour options or custom events. Limited dates through Christmas and New Year. Contact Josh at 07 5499 3477.
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.
Livestock Severe Weather Emergency Plan Queensland’s Livestock Severe Weather Emergency Plan, from Get Ready Queensland, helps primary producers prepare for severe weather. Covering risk assessment, property prep, and emergency contacts, this plan supports resilience and faster recovery. Download the plan to disaster-proof your property: getready.qld.gov.au/plan.
Unlock Sustainability for a Competitive Edge Join Brownee and Cleantech Network for a free afternoon of insights and networking on future-proofing your business through sustainability. Hosted by Noosa Council at Sunshine Beach Surf Club, Wednesday, 13th November, 3-4:30 pm, with Green Drinks from 4:30 pm. Register here.
Funding for Grazing Land & Native Vegetation SEQ graziers and land managers can apply for funding from Healthy Land & Water to improve land condition, pasture health, and manage weeds. Supported by Queensland’s NRRP, this initiative addresses key environmental challenges. Submit your EOI here or contact Renee Ould on 0455 341 682 or renee.o@hlw.org.au
Award-Winning Farm Business Resilience Program Boost your farm’s resilience with support from Healthy Land & Water and DAF’s Farm Business Resilience Program. Backed by the Australian and Queensland governments, this initiative aids graziers in developing resilience plans. Contact Renee Ould at 0455 341 682 or renee.o@hlw.org.au for details. Learn more here.
Queensland’s New One-Stop Tendering Hub The Queensland Government has launched a streamlined procurement platform via VendorPanel, making it easier for businesses to access tender opportunities across government agencies and councils. Create your free supplier profile to receive real-time updates and explore opportunities. Learn more and register at supply.qld.gov.au.
ESG Self-Assessment Tool for Businesses The Department of State Development and Infrastructure offers an ESG self-assessment tool and webinars to support businesses in enhancing tender responses and showcasing value. This tool helps identify strengths and develop actions in Environmental, Social, and Governance areas. Learn more: here
Webinar: Essential Business Practices for Cost Reduction Join us for an insightful webinar that explores essential business practices, with a focus on cost reduction — one of the key drivers for maintaining margins and competitive positioning. While cost reduction may seem straightforward, it often unlocks opportunities for innovation. For more information: faba.au
Out & About
FAN proudly represented our entire network at the Thriving Through Change Business Expo, joining Sunshine Coast businesses in discovering solutions for growth and resilience. With over 35 exhibitors, masterclasses, and networking, the event was a great opportunity to connect, learn, and explore ways to thrive through change. Here’s a recap of the day thanks to Channel 7 news – view here.
QLD's Sunshine Pantry
Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Steals the Show at TEQ!
Wow, what an event! This past week Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry took centre stage at the Tourism and Events Queensland Executive Board Showcase at the iconic Ironbark Paddock, Australia Zoo, and let’s just say… the Sunshine Coast shone brighter than ever—even if the sun didn’t! The TEQ Board and Exec team were all abuzz about the creativity, quality, and downright deliciousness our local producers brought to the table.
A special shout-out to our pantry pals Visit Sunshine Coast for bringing this showcase together, and to the team at Australia Zoo for the perfect setting. With vibrant surroundings, top-notch flavours, and all-around good taste (literally!), this event was the recipe for success.
Our sensational FAN Members served up the goods, showcasing the best of Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry with flavour, flair, and a pinch of passion:
- Heart Therapeutics
- Eastwell Farms
- Maleny Chocolates
- Maleny Dairies
- Noosa Black Garlic
- Maleny Cheese
- Hum Honey
- Noosa Chutney
- Nutworks
- The Chilli Tribe
- Suzie June Drinking Chocolate
- The Fermentier
- My Dilly Bag
- Brouhaha Brewing
- Your Mates Brewing
- Sunshine & Sons
- Peachester Fresh
From tasting treats to sharing stories, each producer brought something truly unique, and we couldn’t be prouder – talk about a FAN-tastic lineup! This showcase wasn’t just about sharing delicious products; it was a vibrant reminder of the incredible community, collaboration, and passion that defines Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry.
A huge thank you to all who came, shared, and showcased – we can’t wait to see what’s next on the menu for Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry. Stay tuned, and keep spreading that Sunshine Coast sparkle!
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.
