Symposium on Climate and Financial Resilience in the Australian Agriculture Industry- Sponsored by Sustainability Technologies and Systems Platform, BHRIGHT, RMIT University

Join leading scientists, industry executives, and sustainability advocates for an essential, forward-looking symposium on future-proofing Australian agriculture against climate volatility and shifting financial landscapes. Hosted at RMIT University on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, this half-day event brings together a powerful line-up of experts to explore practical solutions for building environmental and economic resilience. From innovative zero-waste supply chains and community-led land restoration to the untapped potential of regenerative permaculture and advanced soil science, this symposium uncovers what true success looks like for Australia's primary producers.

Whether you are a primary producer, agribusiness professional, researcher, policymaker, or sustainability advocate, this event offers actionable insights, critical market perspectives, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

💡 Why Attend?

• Expert Insights: Hear from veteran agribusiness executives, peak body leaders, and top-tier researchers who are actively shaping the future of Australian farming.

• Holistic Strategies: Discover how commercial acumen, operational zero-waste initiatives, and cutting-edge ecosystem management intersect to drive financial profitability.

• Interactive Collaboration: Participate in an hour-long guided group discussion to unpack solutions, share experiences, and reflect on the industry's path forward.

• Valuable Networking: Connect with like-minded peers, industry leaders, and academic minds over morning tea, lunch, and a dedicated wrap-up session.

Event Schedule Morning Welcome & Opening

• 9:00 am – 9:30 am: Welcome and Opening Address Drs Tehmina Khan, Jayanthi Kumarasiri and Suraiyah Akbar

• 9:30 am – 10:00 am: Morning Tea & Networking

Session 1: Operational Excellence & Industry Strategy

• 10:00 am – 10:20 am: Championing Zero-Waste Labelling across Australia & New Zealand
  Presenter: John Lawrence (Agribusiness & Sustainable Supply Chain Specialist)
  Explore how reducing operational waste and deploying advanced linerless printing technologies can eliminate costly supply chain downtime and carbon-heavy disposal costs.

• 10:20 am – 10:40 am: Resilience: What Does Success Look Like for Australian Agriculture?
  Presenter: Sharelle Polack (Agricultural & Environmental Scientist, National Landcare Network)
  Examine the intersection of community-led landscape restoration, place-based action plans, and the creation of strategic pathways for diverse funding and investment.

• 10:40 am – 11:00 am: The Producer Opportunity Australia is Neglecting
  Presenter: Michael Guerin (Acting CEO, NSW Farmers & Agribusiness Leader)
  Gain critical commercial insights into corporate governance, advocacy, policy development, and the untapped financial opportunities currently available to Australian farmers.

• 11:00 am – 11:20 am: Tea Break

Session 2: Ecological Innovation & Science on the Ground

• 11:20 am – 11:40 am: Building Resilience in Australian Agriculture through Permaculture
  Presenter: Prof Jagjit Plahe (Professor of International Political Economy, Monash Business School)
  Delve into sustainable, equitable agri-food systems and how permaculture principles can anchor long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

• 11:40 am – 12:00 pm: How Does Soil Contribute to Climate and Financial Resilience?
  Presenter: Assoc Prof Samantha Grover (Leader of the Soil-Atmosphere-Anthroposphere Lab, RMIT University)
  Understand the vital link between soil health—integrating physics, microbiology, and meteorology—with broader economic viability, food systems, and policy.

Collaboration & Closing

• 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Group Discussion and Reflection

• 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch, Networking & Wrap-up

🎙️ Meet Your Presenters

Dr Tehmina Khan: Senior academic and researcher within RMIT's School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain (AISSC). Dr Khan's work focuses deeply on accountability, corporate sustainability, and financial frameworks required to support systemic regional industry changes.

• John Lawrence: A seasoned professional specialising in industrial operations and sustainable technology. John helps agribusinesses bridge the gap between rugged, reliable supply chain infrastructure and proactive environmental stewardship.

• Sharelle Polack: An agricultural and environmental scientist supporting the National Landcare Network. Sharelle works globally and locally to strengthen community-driven landscape restoration and build national-level funding partnerships.

• Michael Guerin: A veteran agri-industry leader and executive with over 20 years in banking and major agricultural roles, including former Managing Director of Elders Rural Services and CEO of AgForce QLD. He brings profound commercial acumen and advocacy experience from the National Farmers' Federation federated family.

• Professor Jagjit Plahe: A specialist in International Political Economy at Monash Business School, Jagjit’s global research and teaching focus heavily on creating sustainable, just, and highly resilient agri-food systems.

• Associate Professor Samantha Grover: An acclaimed RMIT soil scientist, connector, and "Superstar of STEM." As President of Soil Science Australia (Victoria), Samantha collaborates globally with farmers and industry to address socio-ecological challenges through technical innovation.

Secure your ticket today to be part of the conversation shaping a resilient, profitable, and sustainable future for Australian agriculture.

Sustainable Technologies & Systems EIP is supporting this event.