GGA Forum25

Forum25 is GGA's flagship event connecting member groups of the Grower Group Alliance network with the wider agriculture industry. Held every two years, GGA Forum builds vital cross-industry links, and forges opportunities for the GGA network to engage with industry to shape the future of agriculture.

Renowned for activating new, influential, and important working relationships, Forum25 will provide high visibility for GGA groups to be recognised as an important and valued part of the WA Agriculture industry ecosystem.

Delegates can expect valuable networking time, topical discussions and information exchange on matters we need to consider together as a WA agricultural community.

Who might you meet at Forum25 that could be an important part of your future in agriculture?

Watch the video

Program

Thursday 31 July
3.00pm – 5.00pm | Member session 'GGA Strategy 2026-2030'

A facilitated closed session for members to have input on the next 4-year 2026-2030 GGA Strategy. By invitation to GGA network member group Chairs, Vice Chairs, and EOs, this session will offer GGA members the opportunity to hear about the Board's approach, concepts, and give feedback on the development of the strategic plan document.

Who Can Attend – Chairs, Vice Chairs, EO's of all GGA member groups | Location – Joondalup Resort

6.00pm - 10.00pm | Welcome Cocktail Party

Ease into Forum25 with a dose of good vibes at the welcome event! Smooth DJ tunes, roving entertainment, flowing food and beverages all set the atmosphere for delegates to relax and make new connections as we kick off Forum25. Get ready for a standout experience at the Cocktail Party. Introducing Visionary Voices an all-new silent disco-style headset room!

Step into conversation circles, hosted by three ‘rock stars’ of industry. Pop on your headset, choose your channel, and for 15 minutes join a dynamic small-group discussion. Want to hear from more than one rock star? Just switch headset channels and slide across to another conversation! It’s access and inspiration from industry leaders like you’ve never experienced before.

Who Can Attend – All of the industry is warmly welcomed at the Welcome Cocktail Party event, even if you are not attending Friday’s conference. Partners are most welcome also.

Location – Lakeview Foyer, Joondalup Resort | Food/Beverage/Furniture – Substantial canapé food service and unlimited beverages. It will be a stand-up event with high bar tables and stools scattered throughout the function area. There will be some/limited lounge seating indoors and in the outdoor courtyard.

Silent Disco Q&A - what will you ask?
Our three industry 'rock stars' are each inspiring and accomplished individuals, all traveling a long way to be part of the 'Visionary Voices' Silent Disco Q&A session at Forum25 Welcome Cocktail Party function. This is a rare opportunity to connect with three Australian agriculture icons and ask them a variety of questions about their lives, careers and work. Given the chance for 15 minutes in a small conversation circle with our 'rock stars', what might you ask them?

Richard Heath
A former Nuffield Scholar, acclaimed academic and senior agriculture executive, Richard is currently the CEO of the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the largest in Australian history [no pressure!], which aims to support agriculture’s path to net zero through 2040~2050. Look up more about Richard's amazing career on LinkedIn.

Su McCluskey
A beef farmer from NSW, Su McCluskey is an Australian agriculture advocate with a dazzling career as a senior executive leader in agriculture and other industries. Su has just completed almost four years as the first Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, traversing the world, promoting agriculture for the Australian Government's Global Agriculture Leadership Initiative. Look up more about Su's amazing career on LinkedIn.

Debbie Dowden
A passionate advocate for progressive agriculture and the epitome of resilience and a growth mindset, Debbie Dowden runs a beef enterprise with her husband spanning 200,000 hectares, at Challa Station located in the heart of WA's Southern Rangelands. The business also operates a Human Induced Regeneration Carbon Project, aligning production with landscape regeneration. Look up more about Debbie's ground breaking work on LinkedIn.

Friday 1 August

7.00am – 8.15am | Breakfast Functions

Networking breakfasts for selected GGA network stakeholders prior to the conference start.

Breakfast #1 - Hosted by the SW WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub – invite only
Breakfast #2 - GGA Member Research & Project Officers Breakfast - hosted by GGA Head of Projects Daniel Kidd

8.45am – 4.30pm | Conference

Be informed and inspired with a blend of speakers and discussion panels over four segment themes...

Bend & Flex returns!
Brace yourself, there will be fun! Our entertaining 180-person OH&S intervention is returning! The Forum23 stretch break was so much fun, the entire room was on its feet, following along with GGA staff and a giant animated dancing sheep. So, get your best moves ready and bring your runners for an extended version at Forum25.

4.45pm – 6.00pm | Closing Sundowner
We’re done, but don’t leave yet! Join us for a soft landing among good company, basking in the afterglow of information overload. Alcove Bar [onsite] | Complimentary grazing platters served | Sundowner drinks – buy your own

Registration Deadline

Ticket sales close 5.00pm Tuesday 29 July, 2025.
Click on the orange 'Get tickets' button to buy.

Event Partners & Sponsors

Forum25 is being brought to life with assistance of the following event partners and sponsors so far:

Become a sponsor

GGA is seeking a variety of Forum25 sponsors to make an impact by enabling delegates to attend and co-invest to bring this important networking event to the industry.

Investment options will range from $380 - $5,000. To stay informed:

Step 1 - Lodge a Sponsors EOI here - we'll connect to discuss a pack or develop a bespoke plan.
Step 2 - Browse different package ideas here.

Sponsorship options include:

• Sponsor a grower group staff member to attend

• Bring a keynote speaker to the event

• Sponsor event hospitality and entertainment elements

• Assist a high school or a university student to attend

• Custom packages available

Student tickets!

For the student community in our agriculture industry, this is a call to action! Forum25 could be the beginning of your exciting career in agriculture. Build your understanding of current agriculture industry challenges, players, the Grower Group network and meet important connections for career pathways ahead.

We have a limited number of subsidised student tickets available at $100 each.

Steps
1. Go ahead and buy a $100 student ticket
2. Please complete this bio form about yourself as GGA will then need to get to work seeking a sponsor to cover the remaining balance of the full cost of your attendance as a delegate.
3. Your attendance is guaranteed once you invest $100 into your ticket but once we find a sponsor we'll be introducing you to assist you in building your professional networks in the industry.

Accommodation Options

Option 1 - Joondalup Resort | Reservations - (08) 9400 8888 Ask for the GGA Forum25 group rate.| Address - Country Club Blvd, Connolly WA 6027 | Prices - $245 bed & breakfast for a Queen room with a second guest breakfast fee of an extra $28 available.

Queen or twin (two queen beds) layout is available. If you have 2 people in the room, there is no extra accommadation charge, just a second person's breakfast fee of $28. Total $273 B&B for 2 guests.

Option 2 - Joondalup City Hotel | Reservations - (08) 6365 8883 | Address - 18 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup WA 6027 | Prices - from just $205, with twin rooms (two queen beds) starting from $330.

Located just an 8-minute drive from Joondalup Resort, Joondalup City Hotel offers an independently owned boutique hotel experience in the lively capital of Perth's Northern Suburbs. The stylish, modern design hosts 35 bedrooms, with levels of comfort that will satisfy the tastes and needs of all delegates.

Payments

Payments via credit card using the ticketing platform or you can opt to be invoiced by GGA (14 days)

Parking

Abundant, open-air, easy parking is available free of charge on-site.

Helpline

Stuck or confused? Call GGA's Frances Marshall T: 0432 947 301 | E: frances.marshall@gga.org.au

Why should you be in the room?

For GGA Members
Forum25 is your opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture. Reconnect with your group’s purpose, gain visibility, and engage with the wider agricultural sector. It’s a space for building new relationships and forming collaborative partnerships that strengthen your work.

For Industry Delegates
If you’re looking to connect with the Grower Group Alliance and the extensive network of grassroots member groups, this is an opportunity that only comes around every two years. Forum25 offers direct access to group leaders and staff and the opportunity to align your business with emerging projects and sector-wide initiatives.

For Students and Emerging Professionals
Your voice matters. Forum25 could just be a launchpad for your career in agriculture, where your ideas can be heard and your network building can begin. Gain insights on current industry challenges and work, meet contacts that could lead to potential career pathways, and connect with people shaping the future of the industry today.