Panel | Practical Innovations for on-the-ground Drought Resilience

This session focuses on the practical initiatives developed through Vic Hub's collaborative approach. It showcases technologies, practices, and strategies that farmers can implement to improve drought resilience, enhance productivity, and optimise resource use.
Presenters: Rhiannan McPhee (Adoption Coordinator, Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub), Rebecca Wells (CEO, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre), Kate Coffey (Senior Project Manager, Riverine Plains Inc) and Rod Hayes (Acting CEO and Project Manager, Food & Fibre Gippsland)

3 Key Learnings

1. Hands-on examples of farming innovations developed by the Vic Hub in collaboration with local farming communities.
2. Case studies from Vic Hub nodes that demonstrate how tailored solutions for different regions can lead to better drought preparedness and more efficient farming practices.
3. How farmers can be involved in ongoing research and development through Vic Hub's regional consultations and co-design processes to continuously refine farming techniques and improve efficiency.

About Rebecca:

As the CEO of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, Rebecca Wells leads initiatives in horticulture, water, energy, and the environment. Supported by Centre partners, The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and SuniTAFE, the Centre collaborates on projects such as the Victoria Drought Hub and One Basin CRC. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts from Flinders University, A Master of Arts (Media Production) from Griffith University and a Master of Business Administration from Charles Stuart University. Rebecca is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors course and has held leadership and advocacy roles as a member of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Community Bank National Council, Chair of Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Merbein & District, and Chair Northern Mallee Leaders Inc. She’s also held positions at the Australian Table Grape Association and Mildura Rural City Council.