Nicole Newman has over 25 years of experience in the agriculture and food industry, developing brands, creating businesses, and encouraging others to leverage their abilities. Nicole's leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, always seeking input from her team to drive innovation. She believes in empowering her colleagues, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. Nicole's approach emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous learning.

Nicole has a rare combination of long‐established skills and involvement in consulting to the food and agriculture sector as well as practical delivery and management of genuine commercial projects among food and beverage enterprises (such as coordinating events, establishing new collaborative entities, creating markets and retail sales platforms, diversified product offerings, etc.).

Throughout her career, Nicole has worked extensively with the local, state, and federal governments on the development of policies and programs. Nicole's approach to fostering collaboration involves creating inclusive environments where stakeholders can share their diverse perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and mutual respect to build strong partnerships. By facilitating workshops and roundtable discussions, Nicole ensures that all voices are heard and integrated into the decision-making process.

Public Relations consultant with experience in Federal Government communications and more recently Local Government economic development, tourism and communications. Extensive experience in managing stakeholder relationships, supporting senior executives, project delivery and grant writing. Passionate about building the capacity of rural communities and the agricultural sector.

Robyn trained in Business and worked in the Wool industry as a classer, buyer and commission agent selling coloured garments to the tourist trade throughout NZ. 

As a family they moved to Australia 22 years ago to pursue management of farms in the South Coast of Victoria. 

Robyn has worked from home as a bookkeeper for several businesses including a livestock agent, a dairy farm, a sheep, vegetable and flower producer, a windfarm, a local football club and now Food & Fibre Great South Coast. 

She enjoys the support, friendships and everything a small country community offers.