Building Drought Resilience through Collaborative Innovation: Addressing the Problem

This session would bring together leaders across Victoria to explore how collaborative models - such as the Vic Hub - are driving innovation in agriculture. Drawing on insights from the Vic Hub framework, the panel will explore the importance of defining the right problem, through the lens of the four stages of drought. Panellists will discuss how semi-structured consultation and strong partnerships leads to more targeted solutions. Additionally, the panel will highlight how these efforts contribute to enhancing resilience, while supporting sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Key Learnings

1. Importance of problem definition in complex issues
2. Understanding of the drought cycle and how being better prepared during non-drought times can support decision making are key to reducing drought impact
3. How consultations and data-driven insights tailored to regional needs can ensure better outcomes
4. Insights into how the Vic Hub's approach has helped farmers prepare for, and recover from, droughts while enhancing farming efficiency and sustainability

About Sara

Sara Hely is a respected director and rural leader committed to building a sustainable and resilient regional Australia. Based in a small country town in North East Victoria, she leads the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub at the University of Melbourne, driving forward-thinking solutions for farmers and rural communities.With a deep passion for farming and regional industries, Sara is dedicated to safeguarding the environment to ensure future generations can continue producing healthy food. She believes that by creating environments where people can share diverse and contested perspectives, we can unlock the collective intelligence needed to address agriculture’s most complex challenges.

Sara holds a PhD in climate change research and has extensive leadership experience across government, not-for-profit farmer organisations, and agricultural research investment. She has held Board Director, Chief Operating Officer, and senior management positions in rural development corporations and research organisations, as well as in not-for-profit community organisations.  Sara has received  scholarships through the Victorian Women’s Board Leadership Program and the VESKI Women in STEMM Leadership Program and is a fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program. The Vic Hub is a unique leadership model that distributes decision-making and influence among farmer-based not-for-profits and regional universities, empowering them to engage with communities, identify key knowledge gaps, and enhance drought resilience in Victoria. Through the Vic Hub, Sara strengthens regional communities by actively supporting individuals and collectives in building resilience, driving innovation, and shaping a thriving future for Australian agriculture.