Building Connection and Collaboration in Cairns.

A Program Designed for Connection and Collaboration

As the Chief Facilitator of the AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit in Cairns, I had the privilege of designing and facilitating a program that fostered significant connection and collaboration among participants. Set against the vibrant backdrop of innovation in Far North Queensland and the Tropics, this summit was an opportunity to explore diverse agricultural sectors and build lasting relationships.

The summit’s purpose was to unite individuals and organizations from various agricultural and rural industries, including new and emerging sectors, to share unique perspectives and opportunities.

A Long-Term Commitment to Developing Leaders

Since 2010, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Workshop program has been crucial in developing the emerging leaders of Australian agriculture. By offering a “money can’t buy” personal development experience, we take the best and brightest university students and immerse them in growth opportunities. The 2023 Stakeholder Summit, held in July in Cairns, brought together 44 Horizon Scholars, the AgriFutures Board of Directors, Advisory Panel Chairs from AgriFutures Australia’s levied industries, and a wide range of stakeholders for a week of growth, networking, fresh connections, and new horizons.

The summit also hosted the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award judging for the 2023 finalists. These exceptional women refined their pitches, culminating in a presentation to a panel of judges. The collaboration and community spirit among these finalists were truly inspiring, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the summit.

Experiences that Open New Avenues

The AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit builds fundamental skills in Horizon Scholars through workshops and field trips. Highlights included a trip to the Atherton Tablelands to engage with stakeholders, a Great Barrier Reef excursion for reef restoration and learning about Indigenous connections, and a cultural experience with AppOriginee, ending with a native bush foods dinner at Orche restaurant. These experiences provided scholars with firsthand exposure to new industries and careers, as well as a deeper understanding of what working in these roles entails.

Participants reflected on the summit's value, noting the exposure to various agricultural career options and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. This experience ignited my passion for building relationships between rural and metropolitan communities and expanded my perspectives on the agricultural industry's potential.

Setting the Scene for Agriculture’s Future

One of the highlights for me as the Chief Facilitator was seeing the scholars engage with the AgriFutures Board and panel chairs throughout the summit. The backdrop of Far North Queensland provided inspiration and provocation for all attendees, showcasing innovations in the Atherton Tablelands and the broader region. Workshops and discussions led by local leaders enriched our understanding of native seeds, native farming approaches, and the importance of collaboration and respect with First Nations people.

Innovation through Collaboration

This year’s summit introduced a 24-hour Hackathon event, where Horizon Scholars worked alongside the AgriFutures Board and industry Advisory Panel members to solve an industry problem. The value of this collaboration was evident in the clarity gained from explaining complex ideas simply and the innovative solutions generated through thoughtful questions and conversations.

Looking Ahead

For many, the 2023 Stakeholder Summit provided a pivotal and reassuring insight into the future of Australian agriculture. The opportunities offered by the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship for rapid personal and academic development of young people were evident. The summit reinforced the importance of bringing diverse thoughts to the table and engaging with people from all walks of life to facilitate innovation.

The 2023 AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit in Cairns was a testament to the power of connection, collaboration, and innovation. As we continue to nurture and develop the leaders of tomorrow, we are confident that the future of Australian agriculture is in good hands.