Livestock
4 September, 2026
BCG's Hosking joins national forum
BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s very own Grace Hosking was among 60 regional changemakers from across Australia selected to participate in the National Impact Forum in Mildura. The three-day forum brought together five emerging leaders from 12 drought-stricken regions across Australia to share regional knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills, and build connections.
The program primarily focused on developing skills and networks required to help communities work together and develop locally driven responses to the challenges facing regional and rural locations.
Ms Hosking said connecting with leaders from other drought-stricken regions provided valuable opportunities to share insights and learn from different approaches.
“Coming together with leaders from other drought-affected regions really highlighted that we don’t have to solve these challenges alone,” she said.
“There’s so much in sharing what’s working and what’s not across different rural and regional communities.”
Those who participated got to explore systems thinking, human-generated design, and community engagement approaches, with the skills expected to support regional leadership programs and forums between 2026 and 2028.
One prime idea Ms Hosking took from the forum was the need for a more coordinated, region-wide approach when it comes to maintaining access to essential services across the Mallee.
She added that the approach could help ensure rural communities continued to have access to health, education and support services.
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation director of leadership innovation Andrea Hogg said the program focused on strengthening the networks and social infrastructure required for regional communities to thrive.
“By embedding these leaders in complex systems thinking, human-centred design and community engagement practices, we are helping build the social infrastructure that keeps regional communities connected, develops local solutions, and prepares them for future climate disruptions,” she said.
Feedback from participants indicated that the program had prompted a shift from feeling solely responsible for solving complex problems, towards recognising the importance of strong community networks.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants will take their knowledge and skills gained in Mildura back to their communities, delivering and developing local leadership workshops and community forums.
Ms Hogg said the forum marked the beginning of a wider effort to strengthen community networks throughout rural, regional and remote Australia.
“The National Impact Forum is just the beginning of a much larger, systemic capability that is being built across rural, regional and remote Australia. she said.
She added that participants would assist with building stronger networks and collaborative approaches to support communities in responding to future challenges.
The forum was delivered through a partnership between the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal as part of the Future Drought Fund Communities Program.
Meanwhile, BCG is preparing for its Main Field Day, which will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at BCG’s Main Research Site in Curyo.
The event will showcase the latest and greatest in local agricultural research, practical insights, and information relevant to broadacre farming.
The program will showcase topics including crop management, weed control, soil nutrition, new varieties, farming systems and strategies to maximise yield potential and profitability.
BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the event would provide an opportunity for farmers to spread knowledge, learn from researchers and connect with other growers.
The Main Field Day will feature trials in the paddock and live presentations from researchers and industry experts, with the results providing practical information for farmers as they make decisions about their businesses.
For BCG members, entry and lunch are free of charge, while non-members can purchase tickets: https://www.bcg.org.au/