Preliminary details Australian Agricultural Sustainability Exchange 2024

We are very excited to come together and discuss the opportunities and challenges for sustainability in agriculture, both nationally and internationally. A preliminary agenda is now available for the Exchange, we will send out the final version with confirmed speakers and panelists prior to the day.

Prelininary Agenda

A prominent feature of the Exchange is the sharing of knowledge and experience. We are seeking Expressions of Interest for 10-minute TED-style talks on your exciting sustainability project or initiative – whether it be already in progress or starting soon. If you have a story you’d like to share, please head to our online form to fill in your details. We have extended the submission period to COB 20th November.

Getting to the Venue

Parking

There is limited parking available at the MCG for $7.50/ hour, if you would like to register for a parking spot please send through your car registration and a contact mobile number. You will enter via Entrance E off Brunton Avenue. Security will have the guest register supplied to them to let guests through. Park near lifts 14/15 (teal lift wall), ascend to level 2 and follow the directional signage to the AFL Dining Room.

Alternatively, there is $7.50 all day parking at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Melbourne & Olympic Parks), Entrance D off Olympic Boulevard. We strongly recommend pre-booking as drive-up spaces are subject to availability. There is an approximate 10 minute walk across to the MCG.

Transport

The pickup/ drop-off point for Uber and Taxi is at Jolimont Street and Jolimont Terrace.

For those on public transport, the Hurtsbridge and Epping train lines stop at Jolimont Station. Trams No. 75 (City-Vermont South), No. 48 Docklands/ City-North Balwyn) and No. 70 (Docklands/ City-Wattle Park) all travel to the MCG.

The William Barak Bridge provides walking access from Flinders Street station to the MCG.

Arriving at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Enter the MCG via Gate 6A. Security will have the guest register supplied to them to let guests through. Use lifts 14/15, ascend to level 2 and follow the directional signage to the AFL Dining Room.

We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne on Wednesday 4 December for an insightful and and valuable discussion of our future in agricultural sustainability. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chrissy if you have any additional questions (e) ck****@*****rg.au.

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The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework is funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry through the National Agriculture Traceability Grants Program. Project delivery is led by the National Farmers’ Federation. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

© The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework. Copyright of National Farmers Federation.

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Andrew Skinner

Director

More Than Machines

Andrew is an accomplished technology leader with over 25 years experience delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries, including media, utilities, defence, manufacturing, health, and agrifood.  He possesses extensive expertise in international agri-food technology ecosystems, and is a trusted advisor to industry organisations, supply chain entities, researchers, startups, and governments. Andrew founded the technology consultancy More Than Machines, where he assists agrifood organisations, startups, researchers, and governments in developing digital strategies, policies and technology solutions that leverage data and AI to optimise their land, production, markets, and products.  Previously, as Chief Data Officer at Meat and Livestock Australia, he developed and implemented the Australian Red Meat industry data strategy and digital supply chain research programs, demonstrably increasing productivity, product quality, and enabling new market opportunities through targeted digital technology implementation. 

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Anna Hooper

Director, Economic & Environmental Policy

Australian Grape & Wine Inc.

Anna is a wine industry professional since the late 90’s, working in vineyard management and winemaking both in Australia and overseas, and later as General Manager of a premium, sustainability focused, wine producer in South Australia. She has been a non-executive director on private and government boards in the fields of biosecurity, natural resource management and grape and wine business and currently sits on the board of Landcare Australia. Immediately prior to the formation of Australian Grape and Wine she gained experience in national advocacy as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Vignerons. Having worked across a broad range of roles, including practical hands-on industry experience, she is well placed in her role to promote the best interests of the sector on domestic policy issues relating to environmental and economic sustainability. She is leading the project on carbon emissions traceability that is the focus of the presentation. 

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Dr. Melindee Hastie

Research Fellow (Meat, Food & Sensory Science)

Agriculture Victoria

Melindee is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems Science, where she focusses on the consumer defined opportunity for sustainable food production. Melindee has over 20 years’ experience in R&D leadership for academia and international FMCGs such as Cadbury, Kraft, and Mondelez. 

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Warwick Ragg

General Manager NRM

National Farmers Federation

Warwick was raised on a farm in the NSW Southern Highlands and has almost 30 years experience in rural and regional advocacy. Prior to joining NFF Warwick had been working in the Commonwealth Government in stakeholder engagement roles and had previously spent a decade with NSW Farmers’ Association and a further decade as chief executive of Australian Forest Growers.

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Adam Hennessy PSM

Secretary

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Adam has over 25 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels. His former roles have included Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner and Dean & CEO of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). Adam has worked in the private sector as a partner with global advisory firm Ernst & Young.

Adam is an IPAA National Fellow and previously served on the board of IPAA Victoria. In 2018, he received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for leadership in the Victorian public sector.

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Neil McSkimming

Senior Policy Officer, Export Development

Agriculture Victoria

Neil is a Senior Policy Officer providing advice on international market access, trade and capability building to grow the state’s agricultural industry. 

His career has a balance of government and private industry experience including eight years at Coles Supermarkets where he was Responsible Sourcing Manager transforming the animal welfare and sustainable production credentials for its own brand products. 

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David Jochinke

President

National Farmers Federation

David, commonly referred to as ‘DJ’, is a third generation dryland mixed farmer. DJ operates his family’s property at Murra Warra in the Wimmera, Victoria, producing various broadacre crops and finishing prime lambs. He has been heavily involved at all levels of farmer advocacy since finishing his Diploma of Applied Science (Ag Services) at Longerenong College. DJ was elected as President of the National Farmers’ Federation in October 2023 after serving as Vice President and Director for numerous years.

DJ is a past recipient of a Nuffield Australia Scholarship and Australian Rural Leadership Program and is an active contributor to his local community.

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