The future of agriculture depends on how we choose to tell its story.
By crystallising a new image, one that highlights innovation, careers of choice and the role of regional communities in the energy transition, we can reframe agriculture not through outdated stereotypes, but as the sector driving solutions in technology, climate resilience and food security for our shared future. This conversation will take place at Charles Sturt University’s new media studio in Bathurst and will be livestreamed for those who want to tune in virtually.
For those coming along in person, the panel will be followed by an informal networking lunch, where conversations become opportunities.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 16th October 2025
Time: 10.45am - 1.30pm
Location: Charles Sturt University, Media Studio Building 1399, 353 Panorama Avenue Bathurst, NSW
Included: Panel session and livestream followed by an informal networking lunch
Ticket pricing: Members $35, Non-members $55, Students $Free, Livestream $20
If you have any issues with your registration, please contact us at [email protected].
Panellists:
Dr Robbie Oppenheimer, Innovation, Soil & Climate Careers
Dr Robbie Oppenheimer, Chief Product Officer at Loam Bio, combines science and real-world farming insight to drive innovation in agriculture. Raised on a sheep farm in Northern NSW, he saw firsthand how management practices affect soil carbon. With a doctorate from the University of Oxford and a background in microbiology at the University of Sydney, Robbie now leads Loam’s R&D, translating science into practical solutions that build soil health and future careers in ag.
Dr Fiona McKenzie, Energy & Regional Futures
Fiona founded Orange Compass in 2018 to support changemakers and adds a critical lens on how agriculture and regional communities navigate the energy transition. Fiona adds a critical lens on how agriculture and regional communities navigate the energy transition. Drawing from her research with landholders and communities, she explores both the opportunities (renewables, resilience, regional investment) and tensions (REZs, community concerns, land use) that must be addressed if agriculture is to be positioned as a sector leading solutions for climate and energy futures.
Brooke Watts, Careers & Pathways for the Next Generation
Brooke provides the career and youth perspective. As a CSU alumna now featuring in national forums like NFF Xchange, her story illustrates the opportunities for young people to thrive in ag. She bridges the education-to-industry pipeline and will share insights on how pathways can be designed to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of talent in agriculture.
Alex Greetham, Agronomy, Innovation & Career Pathways, Elders
Alex Greetham, Chief Agronomist at Elders, brings over 20 years of agronomy experience across Australia and the UK. He has led teams, mentored emerging agronomists and driven innovation through partnerships across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. With agronomy challenged to adopt new technologies and adapt to a changing climate, Alex will share how innovation and collaboration can inspire the next generation and keep agriculture a career of choice.
Join us after the panel for an informal networking lunch, where conversations become opportunities.
This event is jointly hosted by Agribusiness Australia and the Communications and Public Relations Association (CPRA), bringing together two sectors united in shaping the future of agriculture. Hardman Communications are the event sponsor - supporting the conversations and connections that will drive innovation, opportunity, and regional growth.
Hope to see you there!