As FAN marks 10 years of connection and collaboration, it feels right to take a moment to reflect on the people who’ve shaped our journey.
This month, we honour one of those remarkable individuals – the late Rose Wright – whose vision, generosity and belief in community helped lay the foundations for what FAN has become. We invite you to read these words from FAN Founder Julie Shelton, written in celebration of Rose.
We were also saddened to hear of the passing of Sandra Patton, a valued and respected member of the FAN community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Warm regards,
FAN Team – Nicole, Bek, Rebecca, Anna & Jacki
Table of Contents
In Celebration of Rose Wright
In September, Australia lost the incredible Rose Wright – mentor, guide, Nonna, and friend to so many across the country, including on the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie region. I first met Rose about 20 years ago – though honestly, it feels like she’s always been part of my life. Everyone felt that about Rose.
In 2009, we worked together on the Mary Valley Agritourism Project. Her reputation as the agritourism guru had already spread far and wide, and she lived up to every bit of it. With her mix of wisdom, warmth, and practicality, she got people moving – and agritourism took off in the Valley.
Earlier that year, she’d invited me to speak at a Byron Bay conference about local food supply chains. By the end of Day 2, she had the whole room buzzing – ready to collaborate, not just talk. That was Rose to a tee.
A few years later, she was on the Sunshine Coast helping shape what became FAN. She had this gift for making sure everyone felt heard, while gently steering the group toward real progress. I’m certain her influence helped FAN come to life.
Rose’s Italian heritage and love of good food meant every conversation somehow circled back to cooking, family, or community. Food was her love language, and she was fluent in it.
Short in stature but huge in energy, Rose seemed to be everywhere at once. Even last year, while undergoing yet more chemo, she continued to operate at 120% of most people’s pace. When we caught up earlier this year, she was tired but still full of ideas – still dreaming big.
Her passing hit hard. Rose was one of a kind – passionate, generous, and whip smart. She seemed unstoppable. Rose. Gone. Inconceivable! My love and condolences to her family, her Regionality team, and everyone who had the joy of working with her. Rose’s legacy in food, agribusiness and agritourism will live on for a long time to come.
Julie Shelton
Rose Wright (far left, centre) sharing her trademark wisdom and warmth at a FAN agritourism workshop with Moreton Bay producers. Rose’s guidance and generosity helped shape the collaborative spirit that continues to define our network today.
FAN AGM
FAN Annual General Meeting & End of Year Celebration 2025
Join us as we come together to reflect on the year that’s been, share a taste of what’s ahead, and celebrate with our FAN community.
Date: Thursday, 20 November, 3.30-7.30pm
Venue: Hip Hops Brewers – Brendale
Program:
3.30-4.00pm | Registration
4.00-5.00pm | FAN Annual General Meeting (AGM)
5.30-7.30pm | End of Year Celebration & Networking
The AGM provides members with a full review of FAN’s year, highlights from our Annual Report, and a look ahead to 2026. Following the formalities, we invite you to connect, collaborate and celebrate with fellow members, partners and industry friends.
Please register your attendance here. Tickets include: a beverage on arrival and finger food.
FAN Events
Experiencing a touch of FAN FOMO?! Don’t miss these key events. Check out what’s happening and secure your spot.
Our and About
A Taste of the Future: SEQ Food Systems Strategy
With Southeast Queensland’s population projected to reach six million by 2046, now is the time to plan for a resilient, sustainable and connected food future. FAN is proud to collaborate with CSIRO, the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Food Connect Foundation, and partners across government, research and community to co-create the SEQ Food Systems Strategy.
This initiative brings together local farmers, producers and innovators to shape evidence-based goals and actions that will strengthen regional food resilience and support local prosperity. The recent SEQ Food Systems Forum at the Innovation Centre – captured FANtastically by Martin Duncan, Sunshine Coast Foodie – sparked vital conversations about how local voices can guide this shared vision.
Any Questions? Contact Cathy Robinson (catherine.robinson@csiro.au), Lilly Lim-Camacho (lilly.lim-camacho@csiro.au) or Nicole McNaughton (nicole@foodagribusiness.org.
Moreton Bay Farm Trail: A Blooming Success
The Moreton Bay Farm Trail – affectionately dubbed the “Big Hot Farm Trail” – welcomed more than 940 visitors on one of October’s warmest days. Local farms including Macadamia Floral Farm, Red Fox Orchids, Little Protein Farm, Curlew Ridge Flower Farm, City Chicks, Green Thumb Farm, Ocean View Estates, and Greenhaven Stall opened their gates for a day of connection, learning and local flavour.
Visitors enjoyed pick-your-own experiences, animal encounters and farm tours, while Sarah Heath of Basilea Living Herbs led an inclusive Mountain Wine Tours adventure. From farm-fresh refreshments to full eskies, the day showcased the passion and hospitality that make Moreton Bay’s producers shine.
FAN at Food and Hospitality Queensland
FAN was proud to support our members and a cohort of our Industry Growth Program participants at this year’s Food & Hospitality Queensland event. It was a big few days of connections, collaboration and showcasing some of Australia’s most innovative new food and manufacturing businesses – a great reminder of the talent and potential across our industry. Learn more about the Industry Growth Program.
Grow National: Ripe & Ready
We’re planning for the 2026 delivery of Grow National – and we’d love your input. What are the burning topics you’d like to see brought to the table next year? Your ideas will help us shape a program that’s practical, inspiring and driven by industry needs! Email us here
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
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
Innovation & Product Development & Lifecycle equipped food industry professionals with the skills to take a product from idea to market. UQ Skills Educator Mashhuda Carrigan guided participants through product development, food safety, compliance and labelling – providing practical tools to embed innovation and efficiency at every stage.
Our final Grow National: Ripe & Ready workshop for 2025, Being Audit-Ready, brought together regional food and beverage manufacturers to deepen their understanding of everyday food safety and compliance. Led by Mashhuda Carrigan, participants explored mock audits, case studies and practical tools to stay audit-ready, with expert insights from auditor and trainer Kim Jorgensen.
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 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..
SEO Fundamentals for Food Businesses in 2025
In this practical webinar, Austin from Presstwood Design – FAN’s go-to expert for all things web – shares actionable insights to help food and agribusinesses boost their online visibility and attract more customers. Learn how SEO is evolving in 2025, why keyword research matters, and how to optimise your website and content for search success.
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.
Member News
Maleny Cuisine – A Sunshine Coast Icon is Now for Sale! After 14 wonderful years of bringing delicious chutneys, sauces, and condiments to homes across Australia, it’s time for Will and Marina to pass on the reins. This much-loved brand is now ready for its next chapter – one that could be written by YOU!
If you’re looking to take over a trusted, well-established brand with a loyal customer base, this is your opportunity to step into a thriving business.
Interested? Get in touch with Will and Marina today to learn more about this exciting opportunity! Email: marina@malenycuisine.com.au
BrWalker’s Tuna Named Australia’s Best-Tasting Supermarket Tuna Congratulations to FAN member Walker Seafoods – their all-Australian Walker’s Tuna has been crowned the nation’s best-tasting supermarket tuna by delicious. magazine. Scoring 9/10 for flavour, texture and presentation, the sustainably caught albacore stood out for its clean, premium taste. Read the full article
Maleny Cheese to Represent the Region on World Stage Congratulations to Maleny Cheese, finalists in the 2025 Sunshine Coast Business Awards and now heading to the World Cheese Awards in Switzerland. The family-run business continues to champion local dairy farmers and showcase the hinterland’s rich cheesemaking heritage.
Eastwell Farms Finalist in 2025 Noosa Biosphere Awards Congratulations to FAN member Eastwell Farms, named a finalist in the 2025 Noosa Biosphere Awards – Sustainable Business of the Year category. Recognising excellence in environmental stewardship and sustainable practice, the awards celebrate the people and businesses protecting our UNESCO Biosphere.
National Media Expands into Australia’s Café Sector Congratulations to FAN Supporter National Media on acquiring Café Culture and Café Biz Expo – two iconic brands in Australia’s café and coffee industry. Industry leader Sean Edwards joins as Strategic Advisor to relaunch Café Culture and evolve Café Biz Expo into the Café & Coffee Show, launching May 2026. Read more here.
We love celebrating the wins and news of our members – but social media algorithms don’t always play nice, and we don’t always see everything that’s happening. If you’ve got an update to share, big or small, let us know so we can help spread the word across the Network!.
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.