A PASSIONATE local rural leader has been appointed to a national agricultural body.
Penola resident Simone Kain is among ten people from across Australia selected for the new AgrFutures Ignite Advisory Panel.
Ms Kain is the co-creator of the George the Farmer character used to educate children about agricultural practices and food production and the managing director of Hello Friday, which provides communications solutions to a range of organisations.
The combination of Ms Kain’s creative way of thinking, strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills and her passion for agricultural education stood out to the selection panel.
“The success achieved by our primary industries will ensure the future prosperity of our regional and rural communities,” Ms Kain said.
“It is an honour to be able to contribute to this advisory panel and I am looking forward to connecting with the other members.”
The panel provides an opportunity for members to draw on their experience and networks to provide meaningful and relevant advice to AgriFutures Australia.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the panel members represented a diverse range of rural industries and had specific skills and knowledge in a variety of areas.
“We have a member who works to support technology adoption of robotic milking systems on Australian dairy farms, a precision scientist and a member who developed a native food export roadmap for key government organisations,” Mr Harvey said.
“Ms Kain will certainly be a valuable panel member with her strong communication and stakeholder relationship skills, which she has gained through extensive travel across regional and rural Australia.”
He said it was Ms Kain’s ability to constantly look at opportunities to better connect, promote and engage which made here a true asset to the panel.
“The panel will provide invaluable insights, ideas and perspectives to ensure we are tackling the critical issues and opportunities within our emerging and levied industries and more broadly across agriculture in Australia,” Mr Harvey said.
Panel members will work with AgriFutures Australia for an 18-month term.
Members will unite for their first meeting on May 17 at the AgriFutures Australia headquarters in Wagga Wagga.
AgriFutures Australia research and innovation manager Jennifer Medway said one of the first items on the agenda was to gather the member’s ideas and thoughts on Australia’s biggest national rural issues.
“It will be a great privilege to bring these minds into the one room and really understand how to best promote collaboration on cross-sectoral issues,” Ms Medway said.
Ignite Advisory Panel members form part of the new AgriFutures Ignite Network, which aims to connect rural leaders with an interest in shaping the future of Australian rural industries and encourage the changes they want to see across the agricultural sector.
