The latest news, events and opportunities from the SW WA Hub
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Welcome from the Director
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a restful Christmas break and a fantastic start to 2025. As we dive into this exciting year, I’m honoured to take on the role of Director at the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub). I look forward to collaborating with the Hub, GGA, and Future Drought Fund teams, and the broader agricultural community to drive innovation and build a resilient future. A big thank you to Mark Holland for his outstanding leadership. Mark will continue to make a valuable impact in our industry as GGA’s Program Broker.
This year is already buzzing with activity! Our Dry Season Resources podcast is back, with an episode on managing heat stress in livestock. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform to stay in the loop.
We've also produced new Dry Season Shorts videos, featuring practical tips on vineyard floor management, dry sowing strategies, and WaterSmart Dams. Explore them below.
From a project perspective, we have some great opportunities for involvement. WA grain growers are invited to share their thoughts in UWA's natural capital survey,
while innovators can apply for the propaGATE program to address wastewater challenges in the brewing industry. These SW WA Hub-supported initiatives are contributing to the acceleration of a resilient future for agriculture in WA and your participation makes a real difference. You can find more information on how to participate below.
I hope you enjoy reading this month’s newsletter. If it was forwarded to you, why not sign up to receive the SW WA Hub’s latest updates, events, and opportunities directly in your inbox?
Kind regards,
Dr Jo Wisdom | Hub Director
South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
General News
The SW WA Hub welcomes new Director
The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Jo Wisdom as its new Director, effective 1 January 2025.
Jo, who joined GGA in 2022 as Innovation Manager, brings extensive experience in research, project management and stakeholder engagement to lead the SW WA Hub’s mission into its next chapter.
Jo succeeds Mark Holland, who served as Director of the SW WA Hub for just under three years and is stepping down from the position for personal reasons. Mark will continue his valued work with GGA as Program Broker.
Follow us on Facebook
In November, the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) launched its official Facebook page. If you're on Facebook, be sure to like or follow our page to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and opportunities. It's a great way to connect with the GGA community and keep informed on everything GGA and the SW WA Hub are doing.
Dry Season Resources
Dry Season Resources podcast
The Dry Season Resources podcast is officially back! The first episode of the year was published today.
Be sure to subscribe to the SW WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date and never miss an episode. You can also browse our past episodes on the Hub website.
Managing heat stress in sheep, beef and dairy cattle
Join UWA’s Professor Shane Maloney and Western Dairy Extension Advisor India Brockman as they delve into the impact of heat stress in sheep and cattle, with a special focus on dairy cows in Western Australia. Shane discusses the Murdoch University-led project “The Benefits of Shelter Belts”, which is evaluating the effectiveness of shelterbelts in WA’s South West region, while India introduces Dairy Australia’s Cool Cows program.
'Dry Season Shorts' video series
In this series of short videos, producers, researchers and other industry professionals provide practical advice to deal with dry conditions on-farm.
Check out our latest videos:
- Managing water in a changing climate in the pork and poultry industries | Dr Bruce Mullan, Pork Innovation WA
- Improved vineyard floor management for premium grape production in a warm and dry climate | Graeme Roscic, grape producer
- WaterSmart Dams: making dams work again | Dr Bonny Stutsel, Centre for Water and Spatial Science at The University of Western Australia
- De-risking the seeding program: management approaches strategies for dry and early sown crops | Luke Hickey, grain grower
Hub Projects in Focus
Mapping, monitoring and yarning on Country
During the season of Birak (December–January), the Transformative Aboriginal Agricultural Methods (TAAM) project team mapped sites on Gimlet Ridge and Weelhamby farms where landscape interventions, such as leaky weirs, will be installed to slow water flow and improve the landscape’s hydrology.
The team, led by Edith Cowan University and Maaman Marra Boodja, has also been collecting important baseline data by conducting UAV (drone) surveys and rapid biomass assessments. The installation of an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network is beginning to yield interesting insights into soil moisture and subsurface water flows. Additionally, soil carbon gas flux measurements are helping to assess soil health, with a particular focus on the role of the soil microbiome.
TAAM project yarning sessions have continued on Country, centering on the integration of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal agricultural practices and their connection to the six seasons. These sessions have also been an opportunity to explore ways to foster positive engagement and build trust between farmers and Aboriginal Traditional Owners, ensuring meaningful collaboration and shared understanding.
This project is supported by the SW WA Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration.
Innovators wanted: tackling wastewater in the brewing industry
Beanstalk AgTech is seeking global innovators who can deliver cost-effective, sustainable technologies for treating wastewater in the brewing industry. Applications close on 28 February.
This opportunity is part of the propaGATE program, which aims to address agricultural wastewater challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. The first challenge focuses on the brewing industry, which generates up to five litres of wastewater for every litre of beer brewed.
The brewing sector is an integral part of Western Australia’s food and beverage industry, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. This initiative aims to improve wastewater management, promote climate resilience, and support sustainable practices across South-West WA.
PropaGATE is a collaboration between Beanstalk AgTech, the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA), and the SW WA Hub.
Have Your Say
Grain growers: what does natural capital mean to you?
The natural capital production landscapes project team wants to hear from WA broadacre grain growers. Share your thoughts on what natural capital means to you, including opportunities, challenges, and barriers to adoption in this rapidly evolving space.
This quick 5-minute survey provides clear definitions and gives you a chance to share your perspective. So far, 32 farmers and 31 investors have contributed - but we need to hear more from WA grain growers.
Help shape the future by sharing your insights. Complete the survey today and make a difference!
Staff Update
Meet Mary-Anne, our new Extension Specialist & Knowledge Broker
Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe joined GGA in November 2024, bringing experience in research and project management through her PhD in agricultural soil science and years working in environmental consulting and agricultural technology (agtech) projects.
Mary-Anne did her undergraduate degree at UWA in Environmental Management and Land, Soil and Water Management before doing her PhD in Agricultural Soil Science. During her PhD, Mary-Anne also taught soil science, hydrology and geomorphology field and laboratory classes.
While working in consulting, Mary-Anne managed projects in soil field surveys, land rehabilitation and environmental condition mostly in the mining sector. Working in this field has given her an understanding of good procedure and reporting.
Following consulting Mary-Anne rejoined agriculture to work in utilising agtech for sustainability outcomes. This involved creating sustainability transition and resilience plan templates, being involved with agriculture zero net emissions CRC and running field trials.
In her current role, Mary-Anne is focused on increasing the uptake of innovation and drought resilient practices. She leverages her research background to gather and translate new information for farmers, while fostering collaboration and engagement across the industry to deliver better drought resilience outcomes.
Hub Regional Nodes
Watch the recordings of Facey Group's "Drought Resilience in Action" webinars
Facey Group, the South-Eastern Wheatbelt Node of the SW WA Hub, hosted a three-part webinar series themed "End of Year Highlights: Drought Resilience in Action". The video recordings are now available on their YouTube channel.
Natural capital opportunities in farming: Tom Picton-Warlow (MobileGlobal) introduces the SW WA Hub Transformational Project he is working on – an initiative focused on integrating Natural Capital into farming by partnering with growers and NRM groups to connect with potential investors and broaden business opportunities in agriculture. Watch the recording.
Water use efficiency and desalination: Dr Richard George (DPIRD) and Associate Professor Nik Callow (UWA), who leads the WaterSmart Dams project, explore efficient water usage, dam set up, run off and quality, and desalination opportunities. Watch the recording.
Innovative applications for improving crop health: Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) provides insights on the innovative SMART SPRAYS biodegradable polymer spray, designed to enhance crop water retention and boost soil health. This project is part of the SW WA Hub Transformational Program. Also, Tona Sanchez-Palacios (Murdoch University) presents on agronomic biofortification of wheat with zinc – exploring the effectiveness of foliar fertilisers in improving grain quality for food and animal feed. Watch the recording.
Relevant News, Events and Resources
Are you ready for the 2024–25 dry season?
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has launched a web page to help communities manage water use and supply this dry season.
Hot, dry conditions last summer affected waterways, farm dams, soils, and vegetation, with record-low stream flows and below-average rainfall along the southern coastline. Similar conditions are expected this summer, particularly from Walpole to Esperance.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts below-average rainfall and hotter, drier conditions through February and March. Visit DWER’s website for resources on managing water supply.
Changemaker Workshop: unlock your potential to create positive change
Two-day leadership development program for positive impact and drought preparedness
The Changemaker Workshop is a two-day leadership development workshop for individuals who are passionate about playing an active role in driving positive change within their communities. Organised in collaboration with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, this workshop aims to equip participants with essential skills and insights for creating meaningful impact.
Kalbarri workshop on 10–11 February 2025. Register.
Geraldton workshop on 13–14 February 2025. Register.
Ongerup workshop on 26–27 February 2025. Register.
Darkan workshop on 11–12 March 2025. Register.
Mount Magnet workshop on 24–25 March 2025. Register.
Perenjori workshop on 27–28 March 2025. Register.
Changes to Bureau's long-range forecasts
The Bureau of Meteorology have made a series of changes to improve how it communicates and encourages people to focus on its long-range forecasts – which capture all ocean and atmospheric conditions that affect seasonal weather – rather than just a few climate indicators. The Bureau will reduce the emphasis given to climate indicators, previously referred to as climate drivers, like El Nino and La Nina. For those making decisions relating to agricultural enterprises, visit the Bureau’s long-range forecasts web page: www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary
The Future Drought Fund releases its Investment Strategy
On 22 January 2025, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foresty (DAFF) released the Future Drought Fund Investment Strategy. The Strategy is DAFF's roadmap for building drought resilient farms, landscapes and communities. It shows how the Department will achieve the Future Drought Fund (FDF) objectives. It also tells stakeholders when they can engage with drought resilience programs and activities.
The Strategy supports the Drought Resilience Funding Plan. The Funding Plan came into effect on 9 February 2024 and outlines the rules within which the Fund must operate.
Find out about the Future Drought Fund
The Future Drought Fund (FDF) provides secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives and will help Australian farmers and communities prepare for the impacts of drought.
