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 Rod: 

Rod Hayes is a dedicated advocate for rural and regional Gippsland, now serving as both Acting Chief Executive Officer and project manager for the Gippsland Resilience Project. He brings extensive experience in agricultural strategy and stakeholder engagement to his leadership roles. His background includes managing strategic relationships, contributing to a family farming business, and authoring the Gippsland Drought Resilience Plan. In his role as project manager, Rod has demonstrated his ability to drive impactful, collaborative initiatives that build climate resilience. Rod’s deep understanding of the region's agricultural sector and his proven ability to navigate complex challenges position him well to lead Food & Fibre Gippsland during this transitional period, while continuing to advance the crucial work of the Gippsland Resilience Project.