In this special edition of Re: we’re sharing highlights from Feeding the Future: finding the solutions for a fairer, more sustainable food system, a panel discussion co-presented by Currie and the Sandro Demaio Foundation.  

Hosted by Dani Valent, the panel featured:

The Sandro Demaio Foundation is a not-for-profit developing disruptive, food-focused solutions to improve the health of all Australians through food systems transformation. 

Thank you to Fed Square for helping us bring this to life.

How can food systems transform our health, climate, and communities?

In this episode of Re:, Ryan sits down with Dr Sandro Demaio, Director and Head of the World Health Organisation  Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health and former CEO of VicHealth, to explore how food systems can be reimagined to improve public health, sustainability, and equity.

Sandro shares his journey from clinical medicine to global food policy, including his work with the Eat Lancet Commission and the United Nations. He explains how food systems are one of the most powerful levers for change in tackling chronic disease, climate change, and social inequality.

They dive into key topics including food waste, dietary diversity, global cooperation, and the behavioural and cultural dimensions of eating. Sandro also reflects on the emotional complexity of sustainable food choices and the importance of empathy in driving change. 

How has Australia's dairy industry led the charge for sustainable agriculture? And what more needs to be done?

In this episode of Re: Ryan sits down with Helen Dornom, former Sustainability Manager at Dairy Australia, to explore the evolution of sustainability in the dairy industry and the creation of Australia’s first dairy sustainability framework.

Helen shares the story behind the framework’s development - how it unified a fragmented industry, responded to global supply chain demands, and helped redefine sustainability beyond just environmental concerns.

They dive into key topics including climate resilience, animal welfare, food affordability, and the role of data in sustainable production. Helen also discusses the broader impact of the dairy framework as a model for other agricultural sectors, and the need for continued cooperation across the supply chain to ensure a viable, inclusive future for Australian agriculture.

Why are sustainability standards key to increasing corporate transparency?

Ryan sits down with Dr Robyn Leeson, head of STR Consulting, to discuss the evolution of sustainability reporting, from voluntary ESG initiatives to government regulations; the challenges of integrating financial standards with broader impact reporting; and how Australia's new mandatory climate reporting requirements could shake up the system.

How can engagement with farmers and communities be improved to help Australia's clean energy transition? 

Authors Dr Fiona Davis and Lilith Palmer sit down to discuss the findings of Currie's latest report Making the Clean Energy Transition Work for Farmers: A blueprint for better farmer engagement in Australia. They discuss the five reasons farmers are an important player in the renewable transition, and Currie's four principles for better engagement.

Read the report here: https://curriecommunications.com.au/farmers_renewables/

How can regional development drive economic success and inclusivity?

In this episode of re:, Fiona sits down with Linda Nieuwenhuizen, CEO of the Committee for Greater Shepparton, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities. Linda shares her vision for Shepparton’s growth, emphasizing the importance of data-driven policy, collaboration, and enhanced supply chain connectivity.

They dive into key topics including water recovery, energy transition, land use, and improving digital and road freight connectivity. Linda also highlights Shepparton’s $5.5 billion annual manufacturing sector and outlines her vision for a future with secure water, reliable energy, and increased investment in research, development, and education—creating a vibrant, inclusive regional economy.

How can regional Australia thrive in an increasingly urbanised world?

In this episode of re: Fiona sits down with Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, to explore her journey from growing up in Deniliquin to leading a national vision for rebalancing Australia. Liz shares her passion for regional Australia, recounting how her upbringing on a farm and early involvement the Deni Ute Muster shaped her career.

They dive into key topics around the challenges and opportunities facing regional Australia today, and the Institute's mission to shift the narrative using data and storytelling, aiming to bust myths about regional living and highlight the potential for regional communities to thrive through regionalisation.

How do we reach across the divide to solve the climate crisis and combat the threat of extinction? How do we protect and conserve the environment that Australians cherish? In this episode we unpack the defining issue of our time: the climate crisis. Kelly O’Shannassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, shares her wisdom and learnings from her long career advocating for nature in government, business and the non-profit sector. 

Is AI a threat or an opportunity in the newsroom? Or can it be both? In this episode of Re, Currie consultants Peter Somerville and Lilith Palmer discuss the new developments happening in newsrooms across rural Victoria. 

Queensland’s sugarcane industry has seen its fair change of change and innovation, and with talk of sustainable aviation fuel and energy generation, there’s plenty more on the horizon.