Extension's role in climate, rural industry, and community challenges.

12-13th September 
Mindil Beach Casino Resort Darwin, Northern Territory

Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Dr John Pickering (Behaviour Innovation)                                  Chief Behavioural Scientist | PhD (Psychology), BPsycSc Hons)

Dr Pickering is the Chief Behavioural Scientist Innovation who specialises in analysing and modifying behaviour at the population level for large scale and complex problems. He is the Project Director of multiple projects, including Project Cane Changer - one of Australias largest agriculture behavioural change initiatives - aimed at enhancing the adoption of best management farming practices across the Queensland sugar industry. He is also involved with the design and implementation of behavioural science training in agricultural extension settings. His work focuses on helping extension experts understand resistance to change and how to work collaboratively with farmers and other extension professionals to bring about change in practices.

Fiona Simson (President)

Fiona Simson is the president of the National Farmers' Federation and is the first woman to hold the post.A mixed farmer and grazier with tertiary qualifications in business and education. Fiona's passion for local food production and the growth and sustainability of rural and regional Australia has led to her current career in agricultural advocacy and as a non-Executive Director. She also sits on the Board of the NRMA (NSW), the Australian Made Campaign Ltd, AgStewardship Australia, the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund and SproutX.

Dr Peter Ellerton 

Dr Peter Ellerton is a lecturer in Critical Thinking at the University of Queesnland. His research and practice are concerned with the development of expertise in teaching for thinking. Peter works with institutions and educators across all year levels and discipline areas to develop capabilities and to create networks that seed and encourage the development of critical thinking.  Peter has also worked with a range of organisations, including town planners, military intelligence and the European Commission Joint Research Centre to develop decision-making, problem-solving and communication skills. He has a strong history of developing pedagogical approaches for teachers working with high performing indigenous students

Guest Dinner Speaker

Aimee Snowden (Little Brick Pastoral)

Aimee hails from an irrigation farm in the Southern Riverina, New South Wales, Australia. She has returned home to the family farm, after working in accounting and irrigation. Aimee graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management from Charles Stuart University (CSU) in 2016. Aimee loves macro photography, all things agriculture, and is reliving her childhood playing with Lego®! The Lego® Farmer was born on 6 September 2014, and has since gone on to share photos of farming in Australia with the rest of the world! The Lego® Farmer is a mini figure created to represent farmers in Australia and around the world. The Lego® Farmer became Little Brick Pastoral on 1 January 2016 to continue sharing and celebrating Australian agriculture with the world!

Awards and Accolades

  • Graduate of the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) 2030 Leadership Program, October 2018.
  • ABD Heywire Trailblazer, February 2018
  • Finalist for NSW/ACT in AgriFutures Rural Women's Awards, March 2016
  • RAS Rural Achiever at Sydney Royal Easter Show, March 2016
  • Honorary Member of CWA of NSW, September 2016
  • Australian Delegate to the Global Youth Ag-Summit, Canberra, August 2015