Help out bushfire affected banana growers

A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched on behalf of bushfire affected banana growers.

The campaign, which has the support of the Nambucca BGA, Cassowary Coast BGA and the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, will raise funds for those who have lost all, or parts, of their plantation in the devastating East Coast bushfires.

While the situation is still unfolding in many parts of Australia, growers have so far suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

On the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, two growers have lost their entire crop, packing sheds and income for 12 months. Others – both in NSW and Queensland – have lost plantings, infrastructure and machinery.

Farewell Matt Weinert

After five years, New South Wales DPI Industry Development Officer Matt Weinert finishes up in his role at the end of next week.

Matt has become the go-to guy for many in the state’s banana industry, always happy to take a call from a grower or help out at an event – and that’s on top of his regular job!

Matt’s worked on a range of initiatives including disaster recovery, the Duranbah Trial Block, the beetle weevil lure and most recently packed product and reject analysis.

Keep an eye out for the next Australian Bananas magazine for a full feature on his time with bananas.

Wishing you all the very best Matt, you will be missed!

ABGC seeks banana-loving Comms professional

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council is on the hunt for a media-savvy communicator to join a small but passionate team working with the country’s single largest horticulture industry.

The right person will be highly motivated and have the ability to undertake a range of tasks including writing media releases, liaising with journalists and producing content for a national magazine, e-bulletins, website and social media.

A love of bananas is a bonus. The position would be based in either Rocklea or South Johnstone and is a 12-month-contract to replace Amy Spear, who heads off on maternity leave in January.

For more, view the advertisement here and contact info@abgc.org.au for the full Position Description. Applications close November 29.

New features on the Banana Fund website

Growers keen to see where their levies are being spent can visit Hort Innovation’s Banana Fund website for a range of resources.

Recently uploaded information includes:

• Banana Expenditure Analysis here, including links to all final reports for projects completed over the life of the SIP from 2016
• Annual Report here
• EOFY Financials  here

Embrace tech with a grant

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to small business owners to help you get across new technologies and embrace digital opportunities.

The Small Business Digital Grants close on December 10, with more information available here.