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This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Welcome from our Director
The dry season has arrived, bringing with it cooler mornings and a flurry of activity across our region. For many producers and landholders, this marks the busiest and most critical time of year. We extend our well wishes to those working hard on the ground, your efforts continue to drive the region forward.
There’s a renewed sense of energy at the Northern Hub as we welcome our new Regional Node Managers to the team. With strong local knowledge and a shared commitment to climate resilience, drought preparedness and creating thriving communities, our growing team is better placed than ever to support innovation and collaboration across the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia.
This past month we’ve had the opportunity to connect with stakeholders in person at events including the Gorrie Station Field Day, the North Australian Climate Resilience in Agriculture Forum in Brisbane, the Mataranka Regional Roadshow with NT Farmers, and the Boots on the Ground event hosted by Territory NRM and the Mulloon Institute. These events continue to highlight the value of place-based knowledge and strong regional partnerships.
We’re also proud to support the Next Generation Land Managers project, which is delivering free, hands-on Rangeland Management Courses for early-career station staff across Central Australia. Delivered by the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the courses cover pasture dynamics, land condition, cattle nutrition, and more. Recent courses have been held at Erldunda, Mt Riddock, Mt Doreen, and Lyndavale stations. Learn more here or contact livestock.extension@nt.gov.au.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the Climate Resilient Rangelands workshops led by CDU RINA, and the Farm to Feed Forum hosted by the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest events across the region, visit the Northern Hub Events page to see what’s coming up.
Thanks for staying connected, there’s more to come.
Best regards,
Leia Grimsey | Northern Hub Director
Meet Our New Regional Node Mangers
Photo: (top row) Annabelle Little, Mel McDonald, Kyrstie Bremer & Georgia Anderson. (bottom row) Courtney Luck, Jessie Daniels & Di Renfree.
We’re excited to welcome our new Node Managers — the Northern Hub’s dedicated, on-the-ground representatives working across the Northern Territory and North-Western Australia. These roles are vital to our mission: strengthening drought preparedness and climate resilience in agriculture and regional communities.
Employed by trusted local partner organisations, Node Managers connect directly with communities, landholders, and local groups. They bring the Northern Hub’s work to life by representing us at events, sharing updates on our projects and the broader Future Drought Fund (FDF) initiatives, and supporting the delivery of key activities such as workshops, field days, and engagement events.
Node Managers are more than spokespeople — they are our local champions. They actively listen to their communities, identify emerging needs, and help shape regionally relevant projects and collaborations. Whether spotting a new idea, addressing gaps in extension materials, or helping build networks, they play a central role in driving local solutions to climate challenges.
We’re proud to introduce this growing team and look forward to sharing more about their work as they embed themselves within communities across the North.
Hub Projects
Investing in the Future: Rangeland Training Across Central Australia
Producers in Central Australia are supporting the growth of early-career station staff by hosting on-station Rangeland Management Courses. Delivered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Livestock Extension team, the free courses provide hands-on training in arid zone pasture dynamics, rainfall patterns, land condition assessment, cattle nutrition, weed management, and the identification of poisonous plants. The courses are designed to strengthen on-ground skills and build a deeper understanding of the complex systems that support Central Australia’s pastoral industry.
So far this year, the Livestock team has delivered courses at Erldunda Roadhouse, Mt Riddock Station, Mt Doreen Station, and most recently at Lyndavale Station. Offered through the Next Generation Land Managers project, with support from the Northern Hub, the program continues to boost practical capacity across the Territory. Courses are scheduled throughout the year, with opportunities for pastoralists to participate or host training sessions. To learn more, visit FutureBeef or email livestock.extension@nt.gov.au.
Hub Team Out and About
North Australian Climate Resilience in Agriculture Forum
Photo: Group photo of attendees at the forum in Brisbane
Northern Hub Director Leia Grimsey and Knowledge Broker Dave Gallacher attended the Northern Australian Climate Resilient Agriculture Forum in Brisbane, joining government, industry, and producer representatives from Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. The forum aimed to strengthen climate resilience in Northern Australia's agricultural sectors through collaboration and knowledge exchange across jurisdictions.
Discussions focused on current RD&E activities, identifying gaps and investment opportunities, and developing regionally tailored solutions. The event highlighted the urgency of adapting to a changing climate and the momentum already building across the North. The Northern Hub remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change and build long-term resilience through innovation and strong partnerships.
Conversations at Mataranka: Industry, Innovation and Insight
Photo: Group photo of attendees at the Mataranka
Troy Garling, our Aboriginal Engagement and Project Coordinator, and Ben Madgwick, our Project Manager, recently attended an NT Farmers Northern Australia Food Futures Regional Roadshow – Planning for the Future event in Mataranka. The first day, held at the Mataranka Community Hall, featured a stellar line-up of speakers who delivered regionally relevant updates on cropping trials, bush foods, water planning, and climate.
Despite an unseasonal downpour changing plans for day two, attendees enjoyed a visit to Coodardie Station, where Moira Lanzarin shared her holistic land management approach. Meals at the Mataranka Homestead provided the perfect setting for relaxed networking and connection-building. The Northern Hub looks forward to following up with some of the Territory's passionate individuals in the coming months. Many thanks to NT Farmers for hosting such a valuable and engaging event.
Hands-On Land Restoration in Action at Eva Valley Meats
On 27 May, landholders and community members attended the Mulloon ‘Boots on the Ground’ workshop at Eva Valley Meats, hosted by Territory NRM, presented by The Mulloon Institute and funded by the Future Drought Fund. The event offered a practical demonstration of property-scale land restoration, showcasing how staged interventions can deliver lasting impact. Fiona and Pete, owners of Eva Valley Meats, shared their six-year journey applying rehydration principles—such as contour banks, leaky weirs, and strategic grazing—with support from The Mulloon Institute.
These techniques have helped retain more water into the dry season and increased the presence of productive pasture species. The workshop highlighted how thoughtful, incremental changes—supported by national initiatives like the Future Drought Fund—can build long-term drought resilience and land health. It was a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing, peer learning, promoting sustainable practices across the region a fantastic example of how to be better prepared for the dry season.
Help Shape Climate Support Strategies
Complete DCAP survey to impact climate management
Producers and advisors in QLD, NT, or WA: this is your chance to share how you’re managing climate variability in the 5th Climate Management Survey by DCAP (Queensland and Northern Australia Drought and Climate Adaptation Program).
As a thank you, get a free A1 Australia’s Variable Rainfall/Pasture Growth Poster (1890–2025). Plus, enter the draw to win one of five $100 YETI vouchers! Winners will be notified by June 2025.
DCAP is a Queensland Government initiative focused on improving producer drought and climate preparedness and business resilience. This ongoing survey data helps shape funding and planning for managing climate variability. Learn more at LongPaddock or contact Neil Cliffe at neil.cliffe@dpi.qld.gov.au or 13 25 23.
Defining Drought in Our Region
Defining Drought with Anne Marie Huey from Kimberley, WA
Opportunities & Updates
Apply for the AgriEmpower Scholarship Program
The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is an investment in the future of our next generation of changemarkers, dedicated to helping young people enhance their capabilities and unlock new opportunities for growth. The program offers financial support, resources, and access to National Farmers’ Federation and Woolworths networks, and a community of like-minded individuals, all with the goal of driving long-term success in the agriculture sector.
As part of the $400,000 program, 20 scholarships of $20,000 each will be awarded.
The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program runs for 18 months allowing individuals an opportunity to deep dive into developing themselves and with the support of NFF & Woolworths.
Applications close 30th of June 2025.
Grant Opportunity: Future Industries Grant Program
The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) is offering grants of up to $50,000 (ex. GST) through the Future Industries Grant Program, supporting Indigenous corporations to access independent specialist advice on economic opportunities on Country.
This funding can help organisations make informed decisions and potentially support the creation of Indigenous-led businesses or income streams in the following priority sectors:
Carbon
Renewables & clean energy
Environmental markets
Inland water
Fisheries & aquaculture
Eligible corporations must be Indigenous-controlled, incorporated, and the opportunity must relate to Indigenous-held land or water rights.
Applications close 31st of July 2025.
Upcoming Events
International Rangelands Congress
2nd - 6th June
Adelaide, SA
The theme of the International Rangelands Congress is ‘Working Together for our Global Rangelands Future’.
Climate Resilient Workshops
10th - 11th June
Katherine, NT
The climate resilient rangelands workshop hosted by CDU Research Institute for Northern Agriculture.
Farm to Feed Forum
19th - 20th June
Katherine, NT
Open to farmers, researchers, investors, local producers, and all passionate cropping, cotton & silage for cattle.
To find out about more events in our region head to the Northern Hub website and check out our events page for more information through our up to date calendar.
What's Happening in Our Region
The Changemaker Workshops are back in the Top End!
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is excited to announce an upcoming Changemaker Workshop, a two-day leadership development workshop designed for individuals who want to play a more active role in Katherine, Batchelor & Humpty Doo and contribute to positive change.
Katherine workshop, 12th to 13th of June: Click here to register
Batchelor Workshop, 16th to 17th of June: Click here to register
Humpty Doo Workshop, 18th to 19th of June: Click here to register
Hub Resources
AgTech Factsheets by Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association
Developed for the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association with support from the Northern Hub and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this factsheet provides a comprehensive overview of leading digital tools to support decision-making across northern beef enterprises.
Climate Change Impacts on Country by Territory NRM
This factsheet explores how climate change is reshaping Country in Northern Australia, focusing on key species and ecosystems such as magpie geese, sugarbag bees, sea turtles, barramundi, dugongs, crocodiles, and floodplains. It outlines the effects of rising temperatures, sea level rise, extreme weather, and altered rainfall patterns on traditional food sources, nesting habitats, and cultural landscapes.
Developed with support from the Future Drought Fund through the Northern Hub, the factsheet combines scientific insights with on-Country implications, showing how environmental change threatens biodiversity, cultural practices, and livelihoods in the Top End.
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!
