Day 1 Tuesday 5 August  

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

10:15 AM Welcome

Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development 

10:45AM 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.  

11:15 AM Shaping the Future: Government Strategy for Agriculture 

Joanna Stanion, First Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Policy, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch and Networking

Session 2 Leading Change with Purpose

1:00 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.  

1:30 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 Panel Growing Futures in Leadership and Influence

Moderator Stacey Davidson National Farmers Federation, Charlotte Wunderzitz, National Farmers Federation, Caroline Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Primary Producers SA and Penny Schulz, Livestock Technical Specialist SA Drought Hub 

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. 

4:10 PM Closing Keynote

Catherine Scotney Northern Territory grazier and Indigenous business woman

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!

Featuring - Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC

Music by Jaymi Humphrey’s

Day 2 Wednesday 6 August  

Fat Farmers Run/Walk - optional

If you are keen, we have teamed up with the Fat Farmers to host a short walk/run before the conference. Join us at 6:30am.

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

8:30 AM Welcome

Reflections from Nat Sommerville, SA Director/Acting Vice President AWiA

8:50 AM AgriFutures Australia Inspiring Rural Women’s Panel

Moderator: Sarah Hope  AgriFutures, 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.

9:40 AM Panel: Breaking Barriers: Women on Agricultural Boards  

Moderator Cressida Cains  AWiA, Fiona Marshall, Rennie NSW, Katherine Corrie, Nemoto Tasmania, 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.  

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM Morning Tea and Networking

10:50 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 

  Explore how ACIAR’s international collaborations are driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture. Our locally-led partnerships are building resilient livelihoods, conserving natural resources and supporting economic growth.

12:15 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.  

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch and Networking

1:30 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!   

2:30 PM SA’s Finest! Stories from the Heart  

Sarah Curran, Thomas Foods International, Louise Flohr, Grain and Sheep Farmer Lamaroo Grower and Pene Keynes PIRSA

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! 

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

3:40 PM Creating Impact - Growing Futures

Georgie Somerset AM, Rural Advocate and Leader

Georgie Somerset AM, a distinguished leader in governance and rural advocacy, takes the stage to close our conference. As the recipient of the 2024 Queensland Gold Medal from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Georgie has championed excellence in leadership across industry, government, and community sectors. In this inspiring session, she shares her perspective on creating impact and inspiring growth through your actions - individual and collective.

4:10 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!

Featuring

Day 3 Thursday 7 August  

Visit the regional tours page for more details

Note: This is a draft program and subject to change