Appointment of Inaugural Knowledge Broker for South Australian Drought Hub
Ag Excellence has today announced that it will engage Tony Randall in the pivotal role of Knowledge Broker for the recently established South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
Mr Randall will start in the new role in early September.
This appointment will be critical in contributing to the success of the SA Drought Hub – one of eight Hubs established across the nation through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Led by the University of Adelaide, the SA Drought Hub comprises the core hub at Roseworthy and five regional nodes at Minnipa on Eyre Peninsula, Port Augusta in the Far North, Orroroo in the Upper North, Loxton in the Riverland, and Struan in the South-East.
The Hub consists of a comprehensive and dynamic network of 59 industry partners, including grower groups; the three South Australian-based universities; government agencies; indigenous partners; agribusinesses; research, development and extension partners; and various industry organisations.
“Ag Ex is thrilled to be part of this major innovative project which is set to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry both within South Australia and nationally,” said Leet Wilksch, Ag Ex Chair.
Mr Randall will join the broader Drought Hub team in providing linkages and collaboration across the agricultural industry and regional communities with the aim of driving innovation and adoption of new practices and products for increased drought resilience.
Mr Randall, who will also be a member of a national network of Knowledge Brokers, said he was excited about his new position and contributing to such a significant initiative.
“I have a passion for facilitating sustainable land management within the agricultural sector and consider preparedness and resilience to drought being central to achieving this,” Mr Randall said.
“I bring extensive experience working in agricultural extension, sustainable farming, soils management, biosecurity, quarantine, community engagement, environmental conservation, business development and organisational management.”
An important step towards preparing South Australian farmers, industries and regional communities for future droughts will be the upcoming Regional Nodes Roadshow Workshops:
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- Thursday, August 26 – Eyre Peninsula (medium & low rainfall), Wudinna
- Friday, August 27 – Pastoral Zone (rangelands), Port Augusta
- Monday, September 13 – Riverland & Mallee (low rainfall & irrigated), Loxton
- Tuesday, September 14 – Mid & Upper North (low rainfall), Orroroo
- Thursday, September 16 – Mid North (medium rainfall), Roseworthy
- Friday, September 17 – South-East (high rainfall), Naracoorte
Registration for these workshops via https://tickets.agcommunicators.com.au/agc/UADDHC22/ will be essential to ensure a COVID-safe event.
Mr Randall will join the roadshow in September to commence the important process of identifying the priority activities the SA Drought Hub should be delivering over the next three years.
