Day 1 Tuesday 5 August  

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration and Networking   

10:30 AM Welcome

Session 1 Growing Futures - Navigating the Ag Leadership Landscape

11:00 AM Opening Keynote 

Su McCluskey,  Special Representative for Australian Agriculture

Setting the scene for the 2025 AWiA National Conference. Su will provide a powerful overview of the current landscape of Australian agriculture, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the critical role women play in shaping the industry’s future. With her deep expertise in policy, leadership, and advocacy, Su will inspire and energise attendees, sparking conversations that will drive change and innovation throughout the conference.  

11:40 AM Shaping the Future: Government Strategy for Agriculture 

An insightful overview on the vision for the agricultural sector. This session will explore key policy priorities, investment in sustainability and innovation, and the role of government in supporting farmers and rural communities. Gain valuable insights into the future direction of Australian agriculture and how policy decisions will impact the industry at both a national and global level.

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch and Networking

Session 2 Leading Change with Purpose

1:15 PM Strengthening our Voices 

Bronwen Clark, CEO of the National Growth Areas Alliance

Effective advocacy is key to driving change and ensuring the voices of women in agriculture are heard at all levels. This session will explore how individuals and industry groups can influence policy, shape public perceptions, and create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.  

1:45 PM Break Out Discussions - Shaping Advocacy - choose 1

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea and Networking

Session 3 Consolidating Change for Lasting Impact

3:30 PM Breaking Barriers: Women on Agricultural Boards 

Fiona Marshall, Rennie NSW, Katherine Corrie, Nemoto Tasmania and Dr Angeline Achariya, Innovation GameChangers

This dynamic panel brings together influential women who have successfully navigated the challenges of agricultural boards. With diverse backgrounds in agribusiness, policy, and leadership, these women will share their experiences, insights, and the barriers they’ve overcome to break into decision-making roles in the agricultural sector.  

4:00 PM Closing Keynote

4:45 PM Summary and close

Welcome Evening

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM The Pier

Located on the Holdfast Promenade in the heart of Glenelg, the Glenelg Pier Hotel offers absolute beachfront with stunning views. Join us for a relaxed evening of networking over drinks and canapés. Connect with new and old friends, industry leaders, and changemakers in a casual setting. A perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, spark collaborations, and set the tone for inspiring conversations!

Day 2 Wednesday 6 August  

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and Networking   

9:00 AM Welcome

Session 4 Leadership and Influence

9:15 AM Panel Growing Futures in Leadership and Influence

Charlotte Wunderzitz, General Manager, Rural Affairs at the National Farmers' Federation, Dr Penny Schulz, Schulz Livestock and Caroline Rhodes, CEO Primary Producers SA

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities for women in agricultural leadership. Hear from industry leaders who have navigated barriers to drive change and influence decision-making.  

10:00 AM AgriFutures Australia Inspiring Rural Women’s Panel

Nikki Atkinson Horrocks Vale Collections, Lukina Lukin Dinko Tuna Farmers and Kelly Johnson SPhiker

These inspiring women will share their journeys, insights, and the incredible impact they are making across regional and rural Australia. This session will spotlight the innovative projects these women have led and explore what it means to lead in rural industries, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they’ve turned bold ideas into lasting change.

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Morning Tea and Networking

11:15 AM Rapid Rire Strategies for Growth 

• Building Drought Resilience TEKFARM  

  Alice Faeth, Agtech Specialist Manager Farmers2Founders

  Agtech solutions that are targeting significant drought resilience challenges in areas including soil health; water; and land management practices. 

• Breaking Barriers – Positive actions for mental health 

  Dr. Kate Gunn, Founder ifarmwell  

  Mental health and well-being are critical in agriculture. In this session, will share practical, evidence-based strategies to help farmers and rural communities build resilience, manage stress, and take proactive steps toward better mental health. Learn how small, positive actions can make a big difference in navigating challenges and maintaining well-being in the face of uncertainty. 

• Sustainability and Climate Resilience 

  Professor Wendy Umberger, CEO Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research 

  The agricultural sector faces growing challenges and opportunities. This session brings together extensive global expertise in sustainable agriculture and international development to explore how Australian agriculture can strengthen its resilience to climate change while leading on sustainability.

12:40 PM - 1:40 PM Lunch and Networking

Session 5 Stronger together: The Power of Connection in Ag 

1:40 PM SA’s Finest! Stories from the Heart  

This session brings together local women to share stories, they will discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the strategies they’ve adopted, and the lessons learned along the way! 

2:00 PM The Power of Connection in Ag   

Looking to expand your network quickly and meaningfully? Join our Speed Networking Session for a fast-paced, engaging opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. In a structured yet relaxed format, you'll have a series of brief conversations designed to spark collaboration, share insights, and build valuable relationships. Bring your ideas, insights, elevator pitch, and an open mind, this is networking, accelerated!   

2:40 PM - 3:10 PM Afternoon Tea and Networking

3:10 PM Wicked Leadership: driving change across complex systems

Dr Lilly Lim-Camacho, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO 

Tackling wicked problems in complex systems seem to be on the essential criteria list of our leaders, but what does this really look like? Building on over a decade of climate work with agribusiness leaders across the food system, and the recent state of the food system report, Lilly will share insights on what leadership qualities allow us to push through boundaries while driving change authentically.

3:40 PM Closing Keynote

Georgie Somerset, Farmer and Director Queensland

4:15 PM Summary and Close

Gala Dinner

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Join us for a memorable evening of fine dining, celebration, and inspiration. Enjoy a delicious meal, connect with other delegates, and hear from our special guest speaker, who will share their journey and insights on shaping the future of agriculture. A night to celebrate, spark ideas, and build lasting connections!

Day 3 Thursday 7 August  

Visit the regional tours page for more details

Note: This is a draft program and subject to change