No images? Click here
This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Welcome from our Director
As we step further into 2025, I continue to be inspired by the dedication and innovation within Australia’s agriculture sector. February was a dynamic month, filled with valuable discussions, strategic collaborations, and exciting developments for the Northern Hub, and I’m pleased to share some of the highlights with you.
We have moved, I’m excited to share that the Northern Hub has officially moved to the Charles Darwin University Waterfront Campus. This new space provides a collaborative environment where our team can work more closely together, strengthen partnerships, and engage with stakeholders more effectively. If you're in Darwin, we’d love for you to stop by and say hi.
Node Manager Opportunities, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who submitted Expressions of Interest for our Node Manager positions. The response has been fantastic, and we are currently reviewing applications. We’re excited to welcome new team members who will play a key role in expanding our reach and impact across northern Australia.
A key highlight of the month was attending EvokeAg alongside our Knowledge Broker, Dave Gallacher, this opportunity to partner with the National Hub Network and Beanstalk on a stand provided a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Discussions centered on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the role of innovation in addressing sector challenges was extremely informative. These insights and discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling climate challenges and adopting innovation.
The Savannah Fire Forum was another key event this month, bringing together Traditional Owners, rangers, and land managers to discuss Indigenous-led fire management practices. Our Aboriginal Engagement and Program Coordinator, Troy Garling, and Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Ayesha Woibo, represented the Northern Hub at the forum. Integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary approaches is vital to ensuring sustainable land management and cultural preservation.
Additionally, the Future Drought Fund Innovation Challenges Pilot is now open for consultation. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping this initiative, which aims to fund high-impact solutions for the challenges posed by drought and climate change. We encourage you to share your thoughts before March 13 and contribute to this critical national effort.
I also want to draw your attention to an important opportunity—the Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants Round 2. This funding aims to support farmers and the broader agriculture sector in adopting climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices. Applications are now open, and we encourage eligible organisations to take advantage of this initiative.
Thank you for continuing to being a part of the Northern Hub community. I look forward to the opportunities and progress ahead!
Best regards,
Leia Grimsey | Northern Hub Director
Northern Hub Spotlight
EvokeAg Conference: Finding Common Ground for a Resilient Future
Photo: Northern Hub's Director, Leia Grimsey and Knowledge Broker, Dave Gallagher in attendance at the EvokeAg Conference, along with other Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Directors and staff.
EvokeAg serves as a key platform for advancing agricultural resilience through collaboration. This year’s theme, Common Ground, highlights the importance of partnerships in tackling drought challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Representing the Northern Hub, Director Leia Grimsey and Knowledge Broker David Gallacher engaged with industry leaders, and government representatives to explore strategies that integrate research, technology, and on-the-ground knowledge.
Key Insights from EvokeAg
Collaboration is Key – Effective drought resilience relies on cooperation across sectors to develop practical, sustainable solutions for farmers and communities.
AgTech Innovations – Cutting-edge technologies are transforming water management, soil health, and farm efficiency.
Strategic Investment – Funding has the greatest impact when aligned with research-driven, practical applications that benefit agricultural communities.
Empowering Communities – The Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs provide essential tools and knowledge to help farmers prepare for future droughts.
EvokeAg highlights the need for continuous engagement between research institutions, industry, and government. The Northern Hub remains dedicated to fostering connections and providing resources that support agricultural sustainability and resilience.
Savannah Fire Forum 2025: Strengthening Knowledge and Collaboration
Left Photo: Northern Hub’s Aboriginal Engagement & Program Coordinator Troy Garling and Larrakia woman, Nicole Brown.
The Savannah Fire Forum 2025 brought together Elders, Traditional Owners, rangers, land managers, and government representatives to discuss fire management across the savannah region. The forum highlighted the growing participation of ranger groups from Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Far North Queensland, alongside increased government engagement, reinforcing the strength of Indigenous-led fire management.
Key discussions focused on the deep cultural connections to fire and the shared traditional burning practices used across Country. While these methods continue to prove effective, rangers still face challenges around access to Country, funding, wildfires, and communication.
The integration of technology for monitoring and land management was also a key theme, showcasing how modern tools can complement traditional knowledge.
Representing the Northern Hub, Ayesha Woibo and Troy Garling attended the forum, engaging with rangers and stakeholders to explore how research and partnerships can further support Indigenous fire management.
A huge thank you and congratulations to Indigenous Carbon Industry Network for providing such an incredible opportunity to strengthen knowledge, connections, and collaboration. The Savannah Fire Forum 2025 reinforced the importance of Indigenous-led fire practices and the need for ongoing collaboration and investment to ensure sustainable land management for future generations.
Defining Drought in Our Region
Defining Drought with Simone Cameron from Katherine, NT
Future Drought Fund Innovation Challenges Pilot
Have Your Say on the Future Drought Fund Innovation Challenges Pilot
You can help drive public investment in transformational innovations for Australian agriculture and farming communities to help future-proof them against drought and climate impacts.
Consultation is now open on the complex drought challenges facing Australian agriculture. Your feedback will help design the Australian Government’s Innovation Challenge Pilot – to be delivered through the Future Drought Fund.
The Pilot will provide $20 million over three years (2025-26 to 2027-28) to fund innovative, sustainable and high-impact solutions to the complex challenges posed by drought and climate impacts.
This is a new challenge-oriented approach to finding innovative solutions and it cannot be developed without valuable input from you.
Your knowledge and expertise will ensure the Pilot addresses the most pressing challenges faced by Australian farmers and regional communities.
Feedback will also inform the grant opportunity guidelines for the Innovation Challenges grant round to be launched in 2025.
Consultation closes 13 March 2025 at 5pm (AEDT).
Grants & Opportunities
Get future-ready with Capacity Building Grants: empower your community through sustainable agriculture
The Australian Government is taking significant steps to support the agriculture sector in responding to climate challenges and transitioning to a more sustainable future through the Natural Heritage Trust’s $302.1 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. The program supports farmers in adopting climate-smart, sustainable practices including those that build resilience to climate change, improve soil health and protect natural capital and biodiversity. It aims to drive agricultural sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness through multiple investment streams, including Capacity Building Round 2 grants.
This grant round provides up to $16.58 million (GST exclusive) over 3 years (2025-26 to 2027-28). The grants will support farmers to have better access to knowledge and skills relating to best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches. They will also increase the capacity and capability of community, regional NRM and similar on-ground organisations, Landcare groups, First Nations groups and organisations and industry partnerships to assist farmers to adopt the latest climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approaches. This will help inform decisions about farming management and adaptation to climate change, adverse weather events and changing markets.
Access to innovative and sustainable practices will position farmers to strengthen their productivity and competitiveness by meeting market demands for agricultural sustainability.
Applications for Capacity Building Round 2 grants close 9pm AEDT on 31 March 2025.
Applications for 2026 Nuffield Scholarships
Be curious. Drive change. Lead the future of Australian agriculture with a 2026 Nuffield Scholarship.
- Receive a bursary to step back from your business, travel the world, and grow your skills.
- Expand your global network and collaborate with leading agribusinesses.
- Research a topic that drives innovation for your farm, community, or industry.
Apply now and start your transformative journey!
Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio - Cohort 3 Applications
Building on the success of the first two cohorts, Beanstalk’s Drought Resilience Lab—part of the world-first Drought Venture Studio and supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund—is thrilled to announce Cohort 3!
Seeking agtech founders, entrepreneurial researchers, and industry disruptors with breakthrough innovations to tackle Australia’s most pressing drought and climate challenges. Over the course of 12 weeks, transform your solution into a market-ready venture.
Deadline: Sunday, 9 March 2025, at 9pm AEDT.
Upcoming Events
BeefUp Forum Broome
4th March
BeefUp Forums provide an opportunity for beef producers to learn something new, stay up-to-date with the latest farm research and technologies.
ABARES Outlook
4th - 5th March
ABARES Outlook 2025 will bring together influential Australian and international speakers and panelists from industry and government in Canberra and online across 12 sessions.
NTCA Conference
18th - 20th February
Based in Darwin, the annual event captures the regional pastoral industry. With a mission to advance and protect the interests of cattle producers in the Northern Territory.
What's Happening in Our Region
Join the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation for an Upcoming Changemaker Workshop
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is hosting a Changemaker Workshop, a two-day leadership development program designed for individuals who want to drive positive change in their community.
Part of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, the workshop focuses on leadership, resilience, community engagement, and practical strategies to navigate change.
What You’ll Gain
- Understanding Change: Learn how change happens, overcome resistance, and develop leadership skills.
- Community Conversations: Build trust, engage inclusively, and strengthen local networks.
- Caring for Your Community: Explore community dynamics, support others, and balance giving and taking.
- Shaping the Future: Use storytelling and strategic thinking to drive meaningful action.
Upcoming Workshops
Grazing land management (GLM) EDGE 3 day workshop
Register your interest now for GLM EDGE Workshop
Contact Dionne Walsh - Range IQ, M: 0417 083 638, E: dionne@rangeiq.com.au
Contact Trudi Oxley - Upriver NT, M: 0409 740 806, E: trudi@uprivernt.com
Hub Resources
Legume Management in Top End Farming and Grazing Systems Manual
The Legume Management in Top End Farming and Grazing Systems manual is now free to download.
Developed by Territory NRM, this resource provides Northern Territory producers with practical guidance on integrating legumes into farming systems to enhance soil health, improve livestock nutrition, and support sustainable land management. It covers species selection, best management strategies, and no-till techniques.
Hard copies are available at the TNRM Darwin office.
Australian CliMate - Climate analysis for decision makers
CliMate contains eight analyses delivered as: a Web App on all devices and iOS (iPhone, iPad).
Each analysis interrogates long-term climate records to ask questions relating to rainfall, temperature, radiation, and derived variables such as heat sum, soil water, nitrate accumulation, yield potential, drought, seasonal forecasts and time trend analyses.
It is designed for decision makers who use knowledge of system status (e.g. soil water, heat sum) and probabilities of weather events to manage risk.
Share Your Stories & Ideas
We’re excited to invite contributions for our upcoming newsletter. Whether you have an article, a community update, an event announcement, or a personal story to share, we want to hear from you. Your insights help enrich our newsletter and connect our community.
If you’re interested in contributing, please click on link below and fill out the form. We’re looking for a brief description of your submission, relevant details, and any images you'd like to include.
Let’s keep the conversation going and showcase the voices that make a difference! Please note that while we strive to include as many contributions as possible, some submissions may not be able to be included this publication.
Follow Our Socials
Curious about what we’re up to? Our Northern Hub Team is dedicated to making a difference, connecting communities, and creating positive change. From on-the-ground initiatives to local events and collaborations, we’re excited to share our journey with you. Click on the links below to explore more, stay informed, and get involved!
