Farm financial skills workshops
Two workshops designed to help provide the financial skills essential to managing agricultural enterprises will be held in Shepparton and Echuca in mid-February.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council — a group of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of rural communities.
Rabobank regional manager Sally Bull said the workshop content had been tailored to farming businesses in northern Victoria through realistic case studies.
“Through these case studies, the sessions will look at what makes up a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and cash flow, and interpreting the financial ratios to make calculated business decisions,” Ms Bull said.
“This then feeds into sessions on how banks assess a loan application and the importance of developing a business plan, as well as managing the business through adversity and positioning the business when the season improves.”
The workshops are limited to 30 participants each and will be presented by Tony Hudson.
Workshop dates and locations are:
- Shepparton: Monday, February 13, 9am to 3pm.
- Echuca: Tuesday, February 14, 9am to 3pm.
To register to participate in the workshops, visit: https://rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/financial-skills-workshops/general-registrations/Site/Landing
Energy Safe Victoria revamps website
Energy Safe Victoria has a new, more secure website platform.
ESV is Victoria’s energy safety regulator responsible for the safe generation, supply and use of electricity, gas, renewable energy and pipelines.
The web address remains the same, as does access to portals such as ESVConnect and Gastrac.
The next phase of the rollout involves an upgrade of content to ensure consistency with accessibility standards.
ESV chief executive officer Leanne Hughson said that as part of the transformation project, ESV consulted with a range of stakeholders, including electrical workers and gasfitters.
Victorians can provide feedback on each page by indicating whether the information was helpful and leaving a comment.
For more information, visit: esv.vic.gov.au
New chair for fresh food alliance
Montague managing director Scott Montague has been appointed as chair of Australian Fresh Produce Alliance.
Mr Montague will take over from Fresh Select’s John Said.
Victorian-based Montague grows, packs and markets a range of fresh produce including apples, pears, stone fruit, grapes, citrus and cherries.
“I look forward to picking up where John left off, working with retailers, government and industry stakeholders to continue to improve the operating environment for Australia’s fresh produce growers,” Mr Montague said.
“I am very focused on advancing our industry’s conversation around how we can address sustainability challenges and opportunities while also supporting growers’ profitability.
“The other key challenge is ensuring the growth of our industry, and that growth is going to come from new export opportunities, so maintaining focus on how we improve technical market access for the fresh produce industry will remain a key area of work for the AFPA.”
Record numbers for dairy conference
More than 550 dairy industry delegates will gather in Hobart mid-February for the Australian Dairy Conference in a record-breaking contingent for the farmer-led organisation.
ADC president and Rochester dairy farmer Tom Acocks said while projections were always high for the return of the signature event, the board had been overwhelmed by the response far and wide by national dairy members.
“Melbourne 2020 was one of our biggest conferences to date breaking the 500 mark, but Hobart has far surpassed all expectations,” Mr Acocks said.
“The Australian dairy industry has faced some challenging circumstances over the last few years from flood, of which I have experienced first-hand the devastation caused, and of course COVID implications which forced ADC into a three-year imposed break.
“The good news is there are still conference registration spots available with plenty of accommodation available in the Hobart CBD if you still wish to attend.”
ADC 2023 is set to address some of the biggest topics in the industry from climate change, disruption, succession, advocacy, animal welfare and exploring the possible.
For more information, visit: www.australiandairyconference.com.au
Dairy body appoints new president
John Williams is the new Australian Dairy Products Federation executive president.
Outgoing executive president Grant Crothers said as an immediate ADPF vice-president and long-serving Australian Dairy Industry Council director, Mr Williams’ understanding and passion for advocacy would enable continuity of delivery of value for members.
“With a career in dairy manufacturing that spans three decades, with Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and more recently Saputo in internationally and domestically focused roles, John is eminently qualified to fulfil the position,” Mr Crothers said.
ADPF executive director Janine Waller thanked Mr Crothers for his six years in the role and wished him all the best in his new and many endeavours.
Land access rules review
Victoria’s energy regulator is inviting feedback as it develops an enforceable code of practice that will apply to electricity transmission companies when accessing private land.
The Essential Services Commission has launched a consultation paper which will help to shape a new Land Access Code of Practice, being developed in response to community concerns about the ways a company was accessing private land for a major transmission project.
ESC chief executive officer John Hamill said clear rules and processes would ensure transmission companies were accountable for how they exercised their powers to access private land.
“We want to ensure that the companies building and maintaining transmission networks are doing so in a reasonable and transparent manner while engaging respectfully with private landowners,” Dr Hamill said.
Feedback on the consultation paper can be made via the Engage Victoria website until 5pm on March 3.
The draft code of practice is expected to be released in May 2023 and more public consultation will be held at that time.
Help shape the catchment’s future
North Central Catchment Management Authority is putting the call out for a community member from the region’s west to be part of its Strategic Direction Committee.
The committee is a sub-committee of the board that influences, and has input into, a range of important strategies and the delivery of the North Central Regional Catchment Strategy.
The RCS is the overarching strategy for all involved in managing land, water, and biodiversity.
North Central CMA board member Richard Carter said the committee needed a community member who had an interest in wanting to see the environmental assets of the region improved and could think broadly and strategically.
“They don’t have to be an expert or have a big list of qualifications. They just need to care and want to contribute to the way their region is managed,” Mr Carter said.
For more information, phone Rachel Murphy on 5448 7124 or email info@nccma.vic.gov.au
Applications close March 28.