Thursday 14 August 2025

The Wiggles join national push to get children eating more fruit and veg 

Australia’s fresh produce industry has teamed up with beloved children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, in a national campaign to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables.   

Launched recently at Hort Connections by the International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand (IFPA ANZ), the campaign will be rolled out across digital, social, at concerts and through colourful resources to promote fruit and vegetables in an age-appropriate, educational and positive way.  

It comes as new research reveals that while two-thirds of Aussie parents say it’s very important their children eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, less than half say that fruit and vegetables actually make up most of their child’s snacks.   

Original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said the collaboration was a natural fit, given The Wiggles’ longstanding relationship with Australia’s fruit and vegetable industry with their iconic songs for children that celebrate fresh food.   

Economic growth in Gippsland and Loddon Mallee regions

The Victorian Government is supporting job creation and business development in former native timber industry communities with grants funded through the second round of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the fund will award more than $69,000 to two business owners – a mechanical repair business in northern Victoria and a local meat supply company in Gippsland.

Set up to support eligible businesses and industry groups in or around the towns directly impacted by the end of commercial native timber harvesting in state forests, the program offers grants up to $1 million to expand, diversify or start new businesses.

Chambers of commerce, peak bodies and business networks, local councils and incorporated not-for-profits that operate as businesses are also eligible to apply for the grants.

For Game On Meats in Gippsland, a grant of more than $49,000 from the second round of grants will ensure the delivery of fresh produce directly to more customers, while also creating additional jobs in the district.

The business has been supplying premium venison and kangaroo meat directly to market for 4 years, offering a 3-day turnaround to give his customers the freshest possible product.

One of the greatest challenges has been supplying Melbourne markets, with customers required to collect the produce from Traralgon – the grant enabling the business to purchase a new truck and hire two part-time staff to expand and make deliveries to Melbourne.

In northern Victoria, a $20,000 grant will help local Gunbower business, Adam Chambers Mechanical, as it transitions away from forestry and towards agriculture. 

On-farm kangaroo control rebate program

Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now. 
 
Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution. 
 
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by the Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife. 
 
For more information and/or to apply  
 
For more information about drought support visit: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.  

Check your luggage for stowaway pests

Spotted a toad in your luggage? It could be an Asian black-spined toad – an invasive species sneaking into Victoria via suitcases and travel gear.

If you're returning home, remember to:

• check in shoes and bags
• report any sightings by calling 136 186 or on our website.

Celebrating pathways to participation in agriculture STEM research 

Hands-on science workshops for Victorian school students are shining a spotlight on the wide range of careers in agricultural research.  

In celebration of National Science Week (11-19 August), Agriculture Victoria’s Get into AgSTEM program will launch a new workshop exploring on-farm energy generation and cultivation of plants under solar panels.  

Get into AgSTEM is a free curriculum-linked education program delivered by Agriculture Victoria and offered to secondary school students. 

Agriculture Victoria Community Education Manager Anna Vietz said the new Energy Ag – Agrivoltaics workshop gives students the chance to use laboratory-scale solar panels and circuitry to generate power.  

Private vets needed for future emergency animal disease outbreaks 

Agriculture Victoria is looking for private vets to help support future emergency animal disease outbreak response efforts. 

Emergency response work for private vets could include: 

• investigation of suspect cases
• in-field surveillance
• diagnostic sampling
• euthanasia and vaccination. 

Putting your hand up is a great opportunity to share your expertise, learn new skills and help protect Victoria’s agriculture sector. Casual employment and veterinary service contracts are available. 

Training and resources  

We have a range of online courses tailored for vets available on our website covering different topics, including some that contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. 

Ag Vic Talk season 10 

Farming with a disability with Nigel Corish and Josie Clarke 

Hear an inspiring story from Nigel Corish, the 2023 Farmer of the Year and Chair of Ability Agriculture.  

In this Farming Safe and Well episode, Nigel shares his incredible journey of farming with cerebral palsy, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them.  

Plus, hear from Josie Clarke, founder of Ability Agriculture, about her mission to create an inclusive agriculture sector  

Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how Nigel and Josie are transforming agriculture through resilience and inclusivity.

Listen now to learn how to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to improve your mental wellbeing. 

VEG Education launches Farm Gate Program to inspire healthy eating in Australian children

Addressing the national challenge of low vegetable consumption among Australian children, VEG Education is proud to introduce the Farm Gate program—a hands-on initiative providing primary and secondary students with immersive experiences in vegetable farming.

The program is designed to spark lifelong healthy eating habits, deepen understanding about where food comes from, and inspire the next generation to see vegetables—and the horticulture industry—in an entirely new light.

Rooted in the core belief that hands-on, experiential learning fosters powerful emotional connections, Farm Gate enables students to step directly into the world of agriculture.

Through interactive on-farm excursions at Velisha Farms, as well as a Mobile Farm Gate incursion for remote and regional schools, students engage in activities from paddock to plate—including interactive tours, tastings, and curriculum-aligned projects.

By building knowledge and shifting attitudes, the program seeks to make eating vegetables not just nutritious, but exciting and meaningful for young Australians.

To learn more about Veg Education and their Farm Gate program go to Excursions | Velisha Education

Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.

Our website provides information on available supports, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services, and links to other organisations that can help.

You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs.

Plus, find out about upcoming events in your region and online.

Check it out today at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought

Buffalo – Dry season – preparing for spring and summer

When and where: 18 August from 9:45 am to 2:30 pm, at the Buffalo Community Centre, Hall Road, Buffalo

With low rainfall, and minimal hay and silage stocks, we need to ensure we have the knowledge and confidence to manage a potentially dry spring and summer.

Presenters include

• Dale Grey (AgVic Seasonal Risk Agronomist and editor of Fast Break) - weather outlook and what we can expect in the next few months
• Fiona Baker - (AgVic Livestock Officer) - setting ourselves up for spring, and summer, water requirements, and maximising our potential growth leading into our peak growing season
• James Paulet – will talk about the 6 new soil moisture probes and weather stations located in West and South Gippsland and using this data to make informed decisions
• Farmers Chris Nixon (beef and dairy - Orbost, and Trevor Caithness (beef and cropping – Goon Nure) will talk about strategies they implemented to get through the 3-year drought in East Gippsland and what worked and what didn’t, and what they would do better next time.

After lunch we will visit Ross Batten and Madeline and Bernard Buckley’s farm and discuss strategies they are implementing in preparation for a potentially dry spring and summer.

Victorian trees on farms information session

When: 18-19 August, 2 pm

An introductory session for community members to learn the basics of the Victorian Trees on Farms Program and the Trees on Farms Program.

Program includes:

• Welcome and Introduction
• Victorian Trees on Farms Program Trees on Farms
• Incubator Program
• How do I apply?
• Q and A.

Learn more about the program at agriculture.vic.gov.au/trees-on-farms.

Corryong – Decisions that drive drought recovery

When and where: 19 August at RSL Hall, Donaldson Street, Corryong from 9 am - 3:30 pm.

A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.

Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:

• learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
• identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
• learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
• learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
• connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience

Morning tea and a light lunch provided.

Feral cat and fox management online forum - Day 2: Feral cats

21 August, 9 am to 5 pm

Free and online

The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program are running two, day-long free online forums dedicated to sharing knowledge on effective fox and feral cat management.

Feral cats (Felis catus) are a highly successful invasive pest in Australia and are one of the most threatening invasive alien species worldwide. Feral cats are the same species as pet cats, but defined differently based on how and where they live.

Feral cats occupy 99% of Australia, including many of our offshore islands, from arid areas to alpine, agricultural, rainforest and coastal regions. The current overall estimate of Australia’s feral cat population is between 1.4 million and 5.6 million, depending on climatic conditions, with population densities varying depending on food availability.

Feral Cats are having a devastating impact on Australia's wildlife, responsible for the extinction and decline of many Australian native animals. They are currently a key threat to over 200 nationally listed threatened species. They carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis and sarcosporidiosis, which can affect the health of livestock, native animals and humans. Toxoplasmosis is the cause of an average of 17% of sheep abortions in Australia. In some areas, farmers have lost up to 60% or more of lambs from their maiden ewes in one year!

We are finalising the program, but topics include:

• case studies on feral cat management for biodiversity conservation and livestock protection
• most effective use of management techniques
• monitoring (some held on Day 1 – Foxes)
• community engagement strategies (some held on Day 1 – Foxes).

You can come and go to watch different sessions or stay for the whole day.

Register now to keep up to date with information. A forum link will be sent to you closer to the date.

Jingellic – Winter warm-up event

Walwa and Tumbarumba Veterinary Practice brings to the upper Murray a night for the local farming community to come together to unwind amidst what has been a pretty gruelling winter.

Be inspired and uplifted by Warren's story, which centres on resilience, persistence, determination, leadership and wellbeing. This is a night for the whole community, so pop the date in your calendar and bring along a mate.

Attendance is free and there will be a bar and food provided. Please register in advance.

When and where: Jingellic Hub, Jingellic Showgrounds on Thursday 28 August 6 pm.

Food and refreshments provided.

Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

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