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Two respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
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Read the full storyFarmers, AgTech innovators and industry stakeholders in Queensland’s agricultural sector are being encouraged to take part in the first-ever First Nations-led AgTech showcase being held in North Queensland on 10-11 February 2025, with expressions of interest now open.
The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, facilitated by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) in collaboration with key partners, will explore the intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
The showcase held in Cairns aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector.
TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps said the Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, which is being funded by AgriFutures Australia, is part of a larger effort to spotlight First Nations innovation and collaboration within the industry.
“The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event aims to bring together First Nations farmers, contemporary producers, and AgTech developers to advance sustainable agricultural practices and showcase the innovative technologies shaping the future of our region,” said Professor Phelps.
“It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with key players in both the agriculture and AgTech sectors, while gaining insights into the crucial role traditional knowledge plays in promoting sustainable practices.
“With a program covering livestock, cropping, and aquaculture, the event offers valuable opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth for both farmers and AgTech developers alike.”
The event will feature live AgTech showcases, installations and interactive workshops, culminating in a cultural evening hosted by Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services and BushTukkaWoman, Samantha Martin with a traditional dinner and performance by the Gimuy Yidinji tribe.
Attendees will also explore Indigenous-led innovations at the Rainstick facility, a networking breakfast at James Cook University’s Ideas Lab, and demonstrations of TEKFARM’s cutting-edge on-farm deployments across the Cairns Hinterland.
The event is part of a pre-tour for evokeAG, the Asia-Pacific’s premier agricultural and food technology event, taking place in Brisbane on 18-19 February 2025.
Rainstick co-founder Darryl Lyons highlighted the significance of the Cairns-based showcase in attracting national delegates to Tropical North Queensland.
“EvokeAg is such a hub for industry connection and collaboration, so having the Millennia of Ag-Innovation event offered as a pre-tour option will help to further solidify the region’s reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation,” said Mr Lyons.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to welcome both national and international delegates and showcase the breadth of what Far North Queensland has to offer, including world-leading technology inspired by First Nations innovation.”
Professor Phelps noted that there are still opportunities to get involved with the event, whether as a presenter, sponsor, or attendee.
“We’re encouraging anyone interested in contributing to this one-of-a-kind event to consider the various ways you can get involved,” he said.
“Whether you’re looking to be a speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, or simply attend, it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and showcase the remarkable Indigenous innovation happening in Tropical North Queensland.”
EOI for sponsorship, exhibitors, and speakers is now open. Please contact Tony Matchett (TNQ Drought Hub): tony.matchett@jcu.edu.au
TNQ Drought Hub representatives at the 2024 evokeAG event in Brisbane earlier this year
TNQ Drought Hub Director - Professor David Phelps
The showcase aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector
The event will spotlight First Nations Innovation at the Bush Tukka Park in Cairns in Feb 2025
Bush Tukka Park where the Cairns-based showcase will be taking place
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