Food & Fibre Great South Coast (FFGSC), Media Release, 19 November 2025

Food & Fibre Great South Coast (FFGSC) announced the release of its 2024-2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of unprecedented growth, innovation, and strengthened community bonds across the Great South Coast region. The report highlights FFGSC’s unwavering commitment to championing a thriving, resilient, and sustainable food and fibre sector while fostering deep connections within its diverse communities.

“Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is a testament to the incredible collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of our producers, partners, and the entire Great South Coast community,” said Nicole Newman, CEO of FFGSC. “This year, we’ve not only championed innovative agricultural practices and economic growth but have also deeply invested in the resilience and interconnectedness of our regional fabric. From addressing the critical impacts of drought to celebrating our local produce, every initiative reflects our commitment to the long term prosperity of our people and our land.”

Key highlights from the 2024-2025 Annual Report demonstrating FFGSC’s community connection and regional impact include:

• Drought Resilience Plan: In collaboration with Southern Farming Systems and other stakeholders, FFGSC has been instrumental in developing the Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP). This critical initiative aims to enhance the region’s capacity to proactively prepare for and effectively respond to future droughts, with a strong focus on water preparedness and natural resource protection, directly benefiting farmers and communities.
• Celebrating local producers: Events like “Your Neck of the Woods” in Koroit brought together 70 guests to celebrate local culinary talent and produce, directly supporting regional growers and artisans while strengthening community ties. Similarly, FFGSC’s robust presence at Sheepvention Rural Expo 2025 fostered valuable connections, allowing the team to engage directly with producers and gather invaluable grassroots feedback.
• Empowering producers through knowledge: The Future Farming Forum series across Warrnambool, Portland, and Hamilton provided critical platforms for local producers to engage with cutting edge insights on evolving climate impacts, water management, sustainable practices, and even cybersecurity, empowering them to build more resilient businesses.
• Increased community reach: FFGSC significantly expanded its digital footprint, with a 929 per cent increase in overall reach to an estimated 63,420 people and a 2.8K per cent increase in engagement across platforms. This enhanced communication strategy has amplified regional stories and ensured stakeholders are well informed.
• Strategic collaborations: Success at evokeAG 2025 and the Southwest Showcase of Dairy Innovation demonstrated FFGSC’s ability to forge strong partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions, positioning the Great South Coast as a dynamic hub for agri food tech innovation and attracting investment that benefits the entire region.

“Facing the impacts of drought, our community rallied together, demonstrating remarkable unity and resilience,” added Oonagh Kilpatrick, Chair of FFGSC. “The support from our local government authorities, financial institutions, and dedicated community groups has been instrumental in navigating these challenges and reinforces the vital role FFGSC plays in advocating for our region’s primary producers. We look forward to continuing this momentum, building on the support and success of the past year.”

FFGSC remains dedicated to its mission of fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and empowering producers to ensure the long term prosperity and resilience of the Great South Coast food and fibre sector.

The full 2024-2025 Annual Report is available for download on the FFGSC website and this link.

About Food & Fibre Great South Coast: Food & Fibre Great South Coast (FFGSC) serves as a leading representative body for food and fibre production businesses in the vibrant South West Victoria region. Dedicated to enhancing the value of regional food and fibre production, promoting sustainability, and reinforcing the prosperity and resilience of local communities, FFGSC aims to be a globally recognised hub for sustainable, innovative, and high value food and fibre production.