Food and Fibre Great South Coast acknowledges that our region is on the traditional lands, waterways and skies of the Peek Whurrong, Kirrae Whurrung, Gunditjmara, Eastern Maar Nations, Jardwadjali, Boandik, Djab Wurrun and Buandig people.
We recognise the important ongoing role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have in our community and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
A fresh set of hands is set to take the reins of the region’s foremost food & fibre body, Food & Fibre Great South Coast, with food industry professional Nicole Newman formally appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer today.
Chair, Oonagh Kilpatrick, said the board was delighted with the appointment of such a practiced professional, who boasts over 20 years of experience in the food and agricultural sector developing brands, creating businesses and encouraging others to do the same.
“Nicole has a rare combination of long‐established skills and involvement in consulting to the food industry, and in the practical delivery and management of genuine commercial projects among food enterprises,” Ms Kilpatrick said.
“She has also worked extensively with local, state and federal governments on policies and programs including managing the implementation of a Food Innovation Roadmap, and developing Agri Implementation Strategies,” she said.
Ms Newman has long been a passionate advocate for regional Victorian producers, and many will know her as creator of The Food Purveyor, a business developed with a clear vision to bring together agrifood businesses in regional Victoria and showcase their produce on a national scale, online and in store with retailers.
Ms Newman is also current Chair of the ‘The Agri Collective’, an industry network that provides a coordinated voice for the agribusiness sector of the G21 region, working with stakeholders to assist growth and development of the region’s agribusinesses.
“Through this, Ms Newman has extensive experience in undertaking targeted activities and projects to assist in growth and development of the region’s food, fibre and related industries as part of building a dynamic, sustainable and resilient regional economy,” Ms Kilpatrick said.
“These skills transfer directly to the important work that Food & Fibre Great South Coast undertakes.”
Ms Newman said that she is excited about growing the potential of the Great South Coast region, the number one food producing region in Victoria, and looks forward to focusing on advocacy for the agribusiness sector within the community and at all levels of Government; encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship; building sustainability of the sector; and supporting improved industry infrastructure and people development.
“Facilitating collaboration amongst agribusiness players and with other sectors to enhance the creation of value by agribusinesses in the region, and building entrepreneurial and innovative capacity of agribusiness owners and operators will be a key focus,” Ms Newman said.
Ms Newman will commence in the role on Monday 27th November.
