The latest news, events and opportunities from the SW WA Hub
No images? Click here
Welcome from the Director
It’s an exciting time at the SW WA Hub, with new faces, projects making good progress, and plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate. In this issue, we’re sharing some updates and upcoming events that we hope you’ll find valuable.
First, we welcome Bridget Watkins as the new South-West WA Regional Soil Coordinator. Bridget’s expertise in environmental science and agriculture will be a huge asset to WA farmers looking to improve soil health and build climate resilience. If you're heading to the Talkin’ Soil Health Conference in York on 13 March, be sure to say hello!
We’re also seeing tangible progress across our six transformational drought resilience projects, tackling everything from natural capital investment to renewable energy and food waste transformation. These projects are delivering real insights and solutions for farmers, and we look forward to sharing more updates as they develop.
For those with a passion for challenge-led innovation, there’s still time to apply for the propaGATE brewing wastewater challenge. If you have a cutting-edge solution for sustainable wastewater treatment, get your application in by 14 March.
Last week, our team had a productive time at evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane, where we connected with industry leaders, agtech startups, and fellow drought hubs.
The event was a great platform to showcase the propaGATE program and explore new collaborations in drought resilience.
Finally, the Hub’s Regional Nodes have some practical, hands-on drought resilience events coming up in March. Whether you’re interested in feed shortages, water management, or confinement feeding, there’s something for everyone. Check out the details in this issue and make sure to register early!
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
New Regional Soil Coordinator to support WA farmers in building drought resilience
The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) has welcomed the appointment of environmental biologist Bridget Watkins as the new Regional Soil Coordinator.
Bridget will play a key role in supporting WA farmers and land managers with best-practice soil management strategies to enhance soil health, sustainable agriculture, and drought resilience. She commenced the role with SoilsWest on 6 February 2025, based at Murdoch University.
SW WA Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom highlighted the importance of her role in fostering long-term sustainability in Western Australia’s agricultural sector.
“Bridget’s appointment is a fantastic outcome for Western Australian farmers,” Dr Wisdom said.
“Her experience in environmental science and agriculture, combined with her strong communication skills, will help drive key partnerships and ensure farmers have access to the best soil management advice."
Farmers attending the Talkin’ Soil Health conference in York on 13 March will have the opportunity to meet Bridget and learn more about her work in soil resilience.
The event, hosted by Wheatbelt NRM, will feature discussions on practical strategies to improve soil health.
Dry Season Resources
Dry Season Resources podcast
Find the latest episodes of the SW WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast below. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to never miss an episode.
Livestock nutrition in dry seasons with hay, silage and containment feeding
Dr Penny Schulz (SA Drought Hub) and Dr Jeisane Accioly-McIllre (Western Beef Association) share insights from their work on drought resilience strategies for livestock feeding. Penny highlights the benefits of confinement feeding, while Jeisane brings her expertise from the ‘Better Hay and Silage’ workshops.
Making every drop count: innovations in water harvesting
How can we make the most of rain when it falls, and what alternatives exist when it doesn’t? Researchers Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) and Dr Priscilla Tremain (University of Newcastle) share their innovative work on improving water security in agriculture.
Hub Projects in Focus
Natural capital project showcased at agricultural economics conference
Ram Pandit, the UWA project lead for the SW WA Hub’s transformational project on natural capital, presented preliminary project findings at the Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society (AARES) 69th Annual Conference held in Brisbane from 11 to 14 February 2025.
The event brought together over 450 experts from academia, government and industry worldwide, serving as a premier forum for discussing the latest economic, policy, and practical approaches to managing agricultural and environmental resources in Australasia.
His presentation on “Investing in Natural Capital Production Landscapes: An Exploratory Analysis of Investors’ and Landowners’ Perspectives” generated strong interest, with attendees keen to learn more about investor perspectives and opportunities to expand the project’s scope. Discussions at the conference reinforced the importance of advancing natural capital research, with recognition that while the field holds significant potential, there is still a need for broader, evidence-based insights to support real-world adoption and scaling.
This project is supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Transformational projects make strides toward agricultural resilience in WA
Six transformational projects led by the SW WA Hub and funded through the Future Drought Fund (FDF) are making meaningful strides toward long-term agricultural resilience in Western Australia.
The natural capital project has exceeded engagement targets, revealing high investor interest but a need for policy certainty and clear impact metrics. Renewable energy integration is proving a viable farm income stream, though governance and confidentiality issues remain challenges. Methane emissions research has refined measurement techniques, enabling better emissions modelling.
Aboriginal agricultural methods are gaining traction, with a focus on knowledge transfer and landscape restoration. Innovative water efficiency technology SMART SPRAYS is advancing towards in-field trials, while potato waste transformation has shown potential as a sustainable animal feed alternative, with further work needed on moisture and bacterial content.
Deadline extended - Calling innovators to tackle 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. The deadline for applications has been extended to 14 March.
This opportunity is part of the propaGATE program, which aims to address agricultural wastewater challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
PropaGATE is a collaboration between Beanstalk AgTech, the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA), and the SW WA Hub at the Grower Group Alliance, bringing together expertise in agritech, food innovation, and drought resilience.
If you have a breakthrough solution for wastewater management in brewing, don’t miss your chance to be part of this initiative. Apply by 14 March!
Drought Hub Team Out and About
Hub Extension Officers Mary-Anne Glanzlowe and Cassie Howell ran a hands-on water quality testing workshop in Merredin with DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Glen Riethmuller and MADFIG staff Glenice Batchelor, Meg Gethin, and Krista Lancaster.
Supporting farmers with water quality testing in Merredin
On Tuesday 11 February, the SW WA Hub’s newest extension team members, Mary-Anne and Cassie, headed east to the DPIRD Research Station in Merredin – probes and calibration solutions in tow.
During their visit, they teamed up with staff from MADFIG and DPIRD to deliver a hands-on workshop on water quality testing. The session covered the use of pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity meters – essential tools for measuring water quality on farms. The equipment, funded through the Water Quality Testing & Herbicide Efficacy Project supported by AgriFutures, will soon be available for local farmers and landholders to use.
Water quality plays a key role in farm productivity, influencing livestock health, herbicide effectiveness, and overall farm management. By making testing equipment more accessible and building farmer confidence in its use, the SW WA Hub is helping landholders make better-informed decisions about their water resources.
Representatives from the eight Drought Hubs, the Future Drought Fund, and other FDF-funded programs gathered at evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane to connect and collaborate on drought resilience and innovation.
evokeAG 2025: sparking connections for a resilient future
Last week, members of the SW WA Hub team headed to evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane, joining industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore new opportunities in drought resilience.
Our shared booth, alongside the other Australian Drought Hubs and Beanstalk AgTech, showcased the propaGATE program, which is developing sustainable solutions for agricultural wastewater treatment. The event was a fantastic opportunity to chat with growers, agtech startups, and investors about how innovation can help future-proof farming.
Beyond the conference, side events provided even more chances to connect, share ideas, and strengthen partnerships. The conversations we had will help shape ongoing collaborations as we work towards a more resilient, sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
Hub Regional Nodes
Upcoming drought resilience events in South-West WA
The SW WA Hub’s eight Regional Nodes play a key role in supporting drought and climate resilience by connecting farmers, industry, and researchers across the region. Working closely with local groups, the Nodes have co-designed a range of practical, hands-on events to help farmers prepare for dry seasons and improve climate resilience on-farm. These events will cover elements of FDF/Hub projects.
Don't miss these upcoming events, featuring expert insights, real-world demonstrations, and practical strategies tailored to regional challenges.
Preparing for Feed Shortages and Adaptive Management
Date and time: 4 March 2025 | 8:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Coolup Hall, 22 Murray St, Coolup
Hosts: South-West NRM and Peel Harvey Catchment Council
Register
Drought Proofing Roadshow – Dumbleyung
Topics: Water quality including desalination, confinement feeding, out of season feed, Facey Groups Weather Station Project and Soil CRC program.
Date and time: 26 March 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Stubbs Park Sporting Centre, Dumbleyung
Host: Facey Group
Register
Drought Proofing Roadshow – Kojonup
Topics: Water conservation and capture including field trip to a desalination plant.
Date and time: 27 March 2025 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Kojonup Sporting Complex
Host: Southern Dirt
Register
These events are free to attend and open to farmers, landholders, and industry professionals looking to improve their drought preparedness and water management strategies.
Spots are limited - register today!
Staff Update
Meet Cassie,
Hub Extension and Adoption Officer
Cassie Howell joined the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub in January 2025. As an Extension and Adoption Officer, Cassie is focused on increasing the uptake of innovation and drought resilient practices.
Before starting her role with the Hub, Cassie was based in Fiji as a New Colombo Plan scholar, where she undertook language and cultural training, and supported a project exploring the use of Landcare as an agricultural extension and community development model.
Cassie has a background in ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture and bridging the science-policy interface.
She has a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) majoring in Botany from The University of Western Australia.
When not working, Cassie is an avid bushwalker and sports fan who aims to play, watch and listen to as much sport as possible.
Relevant News, Events and Resources
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 by 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.
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.
Submit a paper for the Drought Resilience 2025 Conference by 7 March
The Drought Resilience 2025 Conference (9-11 July in Geelong, Vic), organised by the Vic Drought Hub, is accepting papers until 7 March. The conference will bring together experts from across the sciences, health, law, business, technology, humanities and arts disciplines as well as Indigenous knowledges to share approaches and explore collaborative approaches to support drought resilience. Find out more.
Apply to be part of the Drought Venture Lab - deadline 9 March
Australian innovators with new ideas for drought resilience are invited to apply to be part of the Drought Venture Lab by 9 March. Successful candidates will receive coaching to refine business models, commercialisation support, and curated industry connections with investors and agribusiness leaders. Funded by the Future Drought Fund and delivered by Beanstalk Agtech. Learn more.
Submit an abstract for the Climate Adaptation 2025 conference by 14 March
The NESP Climate systems hub will hold Australia’s next national adaptation conference in Perth on 23-25 July. The conference is Australia’s preeminent event focused exclusively on climate vulnerability, impacts and adaptation. You are invited to submit an abstract by 14 March. More information.
Apply for a Climate-Smart Agriculture Capacity Building grant - deadline 31 March
Applications for the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Capacity Building Grants (Round 2) close 31 March. With $16.58m available over three years (2025-28), grants of $250k to $3m will help farmers to have better access to knowledge and skills relating to best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches. To collaborate with the SW WA Hub, email us at swwadroughthub@gga.org.au.
Apply for a Drought Resilience Scholarship with Nuffield Australia - deadline 16 May
The Future Drought Fund is investing in five Nuffield scholarships that are specifically available to study drought resilience and support innovation. These scholarships will support applicants to build drought resilience expertise, adapt innovative technology and practices from overseas and share these learnings to advance Australian agriculture. Applications close 16 May 2025. Find out more.
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).
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.
