Cathy is an experienced company director with a distinguished career spanning business, agricultural research, development and extension, and public policy. A graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, she is deeply committed to the vision of a prosperous, caring rural Australia alive with opportunities for everyone. As former Chair of AgriFutures Australia, one of the nation’s leading rural research and development corporations and a director of the Community Independents Project, Cathy is advancing this vision by championing effective rural policy, strong regional industries, and community‑centred leadership.

Gabrielle is a journalist and author covering rural affairs and politics. She was the inaugural Editor of Guardian Australia’s Rural Network and has worked for News Ltd and the ABC, with essays in Meanjin and Griffith Review. Gabrielle’s books include Rusted Off: Why Country Australia is Fed Up, which was shortlisted for both the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the Walkley book prize. Gabrielle’s latest book, Why You Should Give a F**k About Farming, examines how farmers find themselves at the intersection of the world’s existential threats including climate change, geopolitical tensions, soil loss, water shortages and food security and why every eater has a stake in their future. Image: Mike Bowers

Claire Taylor hails from a beef farm in southwest Scotland and is a seasoned media professional, international MC, and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience in TV, radio, print, and PR. As a Nuffield Farming Scholar who has studied agriculture across six continents, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to agricultural advocacy and communications. Now based in Orange, NSW, she farms alongside her partner and founded Agvocacy Consulting to help agricultural businesses and organisations effectively communicate their stories, build trust, and foster positive collaborations within the global agricultural industry. Claire is passionate about using her platform to amplify the voice of agriculture worldwide, challenge outdated thinking, and rethink how we connect both within the farming community and beyond.

Vi Nguyen is a digital strategy consultant and founder of Ryka Global, helping organisations prepare for a rapidly evolving tech landscape. With deep experience in AI and digital transformation, agriculture and innovation, she advises industry leaders, organisations, academia and government agencies on AI adoption, digital strategy, and future-focused capability building. Vi is hands-on leader and has led initiatives on paddock to plate traceability in the APAC region, delivery of Australian Agriculture Data Exchange with Charles Sturt University, MLA, FRDC, AWI and CSIRO, development of on-ground AI tools for producers, and is the Chair of the AI Working Group at the Australian Women in Agriculture.  She has worked in Australia, Sweden, the Pacific Islands and Vietnam. Vi brings a practical, human-centred approach to demystifying emerging technologies and enabling real-world impact.

Caitlin is a sixth-generation farmer at Gundamain, a diversified family property near Eugowra in Central West NSW that has been in the Herbert family for over 150 years. Gundamain operates a cattle feedlot alongside an Angus breeding herd, prime lamb and wool enterprises, and broadacre cropping and hay production. Caitlin works across all parts of the business, with a particular passion for the role feedlots play in supporting a more stable Australian beef supply chain. In 2025, Caitlin was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship, researching how feedlots contribute to resilience, sustainability, and supply chain integration within the beef industry.

Linda is a respected board director and strategic adviser with deep connections to agriculture, horses and regional land management, alongside a distinguished background in media and digital leadership. Linda Bracken is a dynamic non-executive director and senior executive with a reputation for professional integrity, creating high performance teams and large-scale transformational leadership. She combines her inquiring mind and interpersonal skills with extensive digital and customer/audience knowledge to achieve results in a positive and inclusive way, bringing people with her. Linda has led some of the most significant developments across the media, music and digital landscape in Australia.

Maggie manages export and sustainability for her family business See Saw Wines. See Saw Wines runs 130ha of certified organic vineyard, dorper lambs, 600tonne winery and a tasting room. She is also a 2025 Nuffield Scholar investigating how greater value can be created for primary producers from Sustainability and ESG requirements coming from supply chains and regulation. During her travels, she has explored successful models of collaboration and innovation across diverse industries and countries, identifying strategies to overcome fragmentation, minimise duplication, and enhance value creation at the farm gate. 

Pip is a senior executive and advisor with nearly three decades of experience across government, industry, not‑for‑profit and private sectors, specialising in agriculture, climate resilience, and rural and regional communities. Winner of both the Australian and NSW–ACT RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards in 2014, Pip has long championed the development of a strong, connected community of rural women with the adaptive capacity to navigate the challenges of rural life, including climate change, financial management, and personal resilience. Her award ambition centred on building this capability through a social, ecological, and economic lens. Throughout her career, Pip has been recognised for her strategic leadership, systems thinking, and commitment to strengthening the resilience and sustainability of rural Australia.

Elke is a non-executive director and cattle producer based in southern New South Wales, known for her leadership in strengthening industry representation and helping shape national agricultural policy and investment decisions. She is a Director of Cattle Australia and Hort Innovation, where she contributes to industry strategy, levy investment and producer advocacy. Elke also chairs the Audit & Risk Committee for Cattle Australia and serves on multiple board committees, bringing deep expertise in governance, financial oversight and risk. Elke operates a commercial Black Angus cattle enterprise with her family at Harden, NSW, grounding her governance work in practical, on-farm experience. She has recently been appointed to the Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee, contributing to an independent review of how levy funds are structured and invested. A former Chief Financial Officer, Elke holds an MBA and is a Fellow CPA and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD). She is passionate about supporting more women to step into leadership roles and building their influence in the decisions that shape the future of agriculture.

Jen is a fifth generation farmer from Gunning, NSW where she helps run a successful commercial merino sheep enterprise in partnership with her husband and three children. Jen sees a strong future for quality food and fibre production and is introducing new technologies and management practices to ensure they continue to grow their fine wool and first cross lamb operation. She has over 20 years’ experience working in the agriculture industry and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Government. Now at the National Farmers’ Federation, she is General Manager of NFF’s partnerships, projects and events. While at the NFF, Jen previously she ran a large Australian Government program focused on addressing gaps in regional telecommunications. Jen is also a leader in industry and community roles, including as an active executive member on numerous industry and community-based boards and expert advisory groups. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Rural Leadership Program. Jen is also actively involved in agtech and is a technology and commercialisation advisor to agricultural startups.

Growing up on a livestock enterprise on Flinders Island, Felicity was immersed in farming from an early age. After completing a law degree at the Australian National University, she spent ten years in policy development and regulatory frameworks before returning to farming in 2013. Together with her husband, she now manages an expanding beef enterprise across properties in Wynyard, the Tamar Valley, and Flinders Island. Felicity holds key responsibilities in her family business, spanning Human Resources, Workplace Health and Safety, Biosecurity, Compliance, and Risk, while also enjoying hands-on work with livestock. Her governance experience includes former leadership roles with Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market, Primary Employers Tasmania, the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce and the Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisory Committee. Currently, Felicity chairs Farmsafe Australia and is a director of TasFarmers, Skills Insight and Skills Impact. Felicity thrives on collaboration; advocating for the agricultural sector with enthusiasm, determination, and a commitment to sharing farmers’ experiences with governments, consumers, and the wider community.

Director of Woodlane Pantry, a South Australian social enterprise transforming surplus produce into nutritious, shelf-stable meals while supporting farmers, communities and the environment. A farmer's daughter and 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner, Kelly has led the rescue of more than 170 tonnes of edible food and returned over $1 million to regional producers through innovative value-adding initiatives. Alongside developing meals that help older Australians maintain independence and dignity, Kelly works directly with growers through producer innovation projects, helping them create new products, reduce waste and unlock additional income from surplus produce. Kelly is passionate about regional leadership, collaboration and the power of networks to drive innovation and strengthen rural communities.

Michele is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cauldron, an Orange, NSW-based biomanufacturing company on a mission to make industrial supply chains more resilient. A microbiologist by training, she has dedicated her career to using science to make everyday products better for people and the planet. Originally from Dubbo and now calling Manildra home, Michele was educated in Toowoomba. She has built Cauldron's world-class capabilities in the regions on a firm belief: that the industries shaping Australia's future should take root in regional communities. Building in regional towns creates real, lasting opportunity and empowers towns to thrive, not just survive. 

Mel lives at Yeoval, Central West NSW, on a small, productive & profitable grazing property with her husband and has 2 daughters, now left the nest and exploring the world! They run a Cattle trading enterprise & complement that with a Mobile Heavy Deisel Mechanic business. Mel is a graduate of the KLR Livestock Marketing School and has practiced the principals in her own business for over 20 years & now is a full-time trainer & mentor for the 2.5-day school & Mastermind Accelerate program run throughout Australia & Internationally. Mel grew up on property near Tamworth and has early experience as a nurse in country hospitals. She is passionate about mental & physical wellness on farms - which she believes forms a sound base in the ability to make effective decisions under stress. Mel has had a 10-year career in Landcare, both locally & regionally supporting & educating Farmers in the Central West from both learnt and lived experiences.

Tammy is a community connector, advocate and primary producer from South Australia’s Coorong District. She leads community sustainability and resilience initiatives with Coorong District Council, working closely with farmers, small businesses and volunteers to strengthen drought preparedness and regional wellbeing.

Irene is a senior strategic planner with 25 years of experience in primary industries across Europe and Australia, specialising in digital transformation and sustainable food production. As Group Manager – Strategy & Planning at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Irene leads the implementation of MLA's Data Strategy and an innovation portfolio focused on system integration, traceability, and the uptake of digital technologies across the red meat industry. Irene holds a Master of Science in Technological and Socio-economic Planning, a foundation that informs her practical approach to navigating the institutional and socio-economic drivers behind agricultural change. Over 15 years at MLA, she has worked across on-farm R&D, adoption, and consultation engaging directly with red meat producers nationwide. Prior to joining MLA, she advised the Danish and European food processing industry on energy and sustainability policy.

Dr Rebecca Darbyshire is an agri‑climate scientist at CSIRO, specialising in how weather, climate and management decisions shape outcomes in Australia’s primary industries. Her work spans climate risk, phenology modelling and adaptation planning across horticulture and broadacre systems. She currently leads the agri‑climate science behind My Climate View, helping producers make confident, climate‑informed decisions.

Claudia is an Agriculture Teacher at the Dubbo School of Distance Education, founder of AgHeroes, and a passionate advocate for food and fibre education. Growing up on her family’s Speckle Park cattle operation, Wattle Grove Speckle Park, Claudia developed a deep appreciation for Australian agriculture and the importance of connecting consumers with the people behind their food. Combining her teaching expertise with practical farming experience, Claudia is dedicated to inspiring the next generation through engaging and innovative agricultural education. Her commitment to bridging the growing disconnect between farms and communities led to the creation of AgHeroes, a mobile education initiative designed to help children better understand where their food and fibre come from. As a recipient of an AgriFutures Australia Acceleration Grant, Claudia is continuing to grow AgHeroes and expand opportunities for agricultural education across New South Wales. She is also actively involved in the Speckle Park Youth Committee, supporting pathways for young people within the beef industry.

Lisa is a proud Māori women from Aotearoa New Zealand with tribal connections to Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi.  Self-employed for over 30 years working in health, education, social services and agribusiness, Lisa is a highly experienced strategy specialist, relationship manager and multi-disciplinary Researcher.  Working alongside AgResearch (BSI) New Zealand, Lisa is Pou Arataki (Strategy Advisor and Lead) for Te Pū Oranga Whenua, a national collective of Māori land owners (and led by Māori women) looking to redefine their land use potential in a way that harnesses traditional cultural knowledge, values and intergenerational planning. Lisa is a mum and nana who has become passionate about food sovereignty and is currently trialling an innovative short supply food chain with a localised mobile meat processing system. Its about feeding our own whānau (families) first.

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, SEAOAK Consulting. Ebony leads SEAOAK, a fast-growing food and fibre consultancy working at the intersection of agriculture, climate and sustainability. She is known for translating complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience of agriculture, supply chains and the landscapes they depend on. As a rural woman and mother to a toddler, Ebony is passionate about creating meaningful career pathways and leadership opportunities for rural women.

Jamieson grew up on a fourth‑generation livestock and cropping farm in the Riverina region of New South Wales and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne, specialising in plant and soil science. She now works within the agriculture section of the Bureau of Meteorology, supporting engagement with agricultural industries, contributing to national climate risk work, and working on international climate–agriculture initiatives through the Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils program.

Stephanie is Engagement Lead for the Climate Services for Agriculture program. With experience in agtech, dairy reproduction and rural journalism, she focuses on climate adaptation for agriculture in Australia and the Pacific.

Nat lives and works on Ngadjuri Country in South Australia’s Mid North and former President of Australian Women in Agriculture. She is a farmer, mother, Industry Board Member, mentor and Wagadagam descendant of Mabuyag island of the Torres Strait providing a cultural lens to all that she does. Nat specialises in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and First Nations engagement.

AWiA President and AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW Chair. Cressida lives and works in Robertson, NSW. She is the founder and director of the Pecora Group, a vertically integrated end to end dairy and hospitality enterprise. Cressida is a strong advocate for the dairy industry, particularly in the area of value adding. She believes in harnessing the power of rural and regional communities to drive change and in the vital role that women play.

Manager of Events & Leadership at the National Farmers’ Federation, based in Dubbo in Central West NSW. She works across the agriculture sector to deliver national events and leadership programs that bring people together, strengthen capability, and support collaboration across industry. Bec currently facilitates the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program and is passionate about building inclusive, connected leadership. Through her role, she works closely with stakeholders across the sector to support strong representation and advocacy for Australian agriculture. She also serves as Chair of Central West Young Aggies, helping create opportunities for young people in agriculture to connect, learn and build their networks.

AWiA Secretary. Emily is a farmer, educational leader and mother based on Wiradjuri land in Central West New South Wales. Emily is strongly committed to supporting the development of and advocating for people, education and agriculture in her rural community and wider Australia. Emily is a member of the Sheep Producers Australia Policy Council and is strongly committed to policy, advocacy and leadership that support people, education and agriculture in rural and regional Australia. Emily is founder of Ag Journey Australia and is passionate about connecting education and agriculture and advancing inclusive systems that strengthen communities and industry alike.

Madie is the Founder and Director of consultancy AgCentric and has spent close to two decades working across agribusiness, industry associations, communications, and operations. Raised on a sheep property near Mudgee in Central West New South Wales, Madie brings both a personal and professional connection to regional Australia. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside producers, industry leaders, and rural communities to help organisations grow, navigate change, and build capability. Most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Lot Feeders' Association, Madie led national programs spanning stakeholder engagement, communications, professional development, and industry events. Today, through AgCentric, she partners with organisations serving rural communities to strengthen strategy, governance, and organisational performance. Passionate about supporting the next generation of industry leaders, Madie is also a mentor in both the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program and the National Farmers' Federation Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. She is a strong advocate for developing future leaders and is passionate about helping people build the confidence, capability, and networks to reach their goals.