Here are just some of the speakers and their bios - check back soon for more updates!
At Agritourism Summit, we understand the importance of connecting, growing and learning from others in the farm industry that are both large and small scale.
Our event, is designed to inspire and empower you on your Agritourism journey whether starting or advancing your offering.
Senator Nita Green
Assistant Minister for Tourism, the Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Senator Nita Green, first elected to the Australian Senate in 2019, represents Queensland and resides in Cairns. She was an Employment Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, directed the marriage equality campaign in Queensland, and worked with the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union. After the 2025 Election she was sworn in as the Assistant Minister for Tourism, the Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia.
Claire Taylor
2025 MC
The conference programme is being curated by Claire Taylor, Founder of Agvocacy Consulting and a Nuffield Farming Scholar from Scotland, who has relocated to Orange. With deep farming roots and a passion for advancing rural issues, Claire was involved in developing Scotland’s agritourism movement and is excited to help drive conversations forward in Australia.
Dallas Davidson
Director of DMD Marketing
Growing up on a sheep dairy that diversified into agritousim, Dallas has over 15 years experience in creating unique visitor experiences. Being the agritourism representative on the Destination Scenic Rim board, Dallas has a strong respect and passion for the industry.
Helping farmers diversify into agritourism isnt just about creating that passive income when times get tough, it’s about ensuring that farms stay generational and have a strong economical and sustainable future
DMD marketing was formed when Dallas had to make the tough decision to step away from the family farm due to downfall of succession planning. What started off as a heartbreaking decision, has now formed into a business that is helping prospa generational farming and Agritourism destinations.
Dallas’s goal is to not only shine a light on incredible Agritourism opperations state wide, but also to educate families on how to continue legacies, point their business into a sustainable future and to not turn away from those succession discussions but embrace them.
This unique industry is a huge part of the future of tourism! By learning from the past, adapting to the future and planning in the present, we can all learn together, Let’s pave a strong path for agritourism.
Hon. David Littleproud
Leader of the Federal National Party
Federal Member of Maranoa
Shadow Minister for Agriculture
David Littleproud was born and raised in Chinchilla.
He was educated at Chinchilla State High School before finishing secondary education at Toowoomba Grammar School.
Over the past 20 years, he has owned a small business in Warwick and forged a career in agribusiness. He has worked and lived in the western Queensland towns such as Miles, Nanango, Charleville, St George, Stanthorpe and Warwick.
His background in small business and agriculture showed him the important role they play in creating jobs and promoting economic growth in his electorate of Maranoa and regional Australia more broadly.
His focus is the importance of economic development as a means of building a prosperous future for younger generations, developing the capacity of health, education, agriculture, telecommunications and small business sectors as well as attracting people to the regions.
David Littleproud was elected to the Federal Parliament in 2016, became a cabinet minister in 2017, Deputy Leader of the Nationals in 2020 and Leader of the Nationals in 2022.
He lives on the Southern Downs, has three boys Tom, Hugh and Harry.
Josie Clarke
Ability Agriculture Foundation - Founder and Director
Josie Clarke is the Founder and Director of the Ability Agriculture Foundation, a national not-for-profit championing inclusion and visibility for people with disability in Australian agriculture. A leading advocate, researcher and speaker, Josie brings lived experience and industry insight to initiatives that promote accessibility in farming, agribusiness, and rural leadership. Through the Foundation’s programs, digital storytelling, and policy work, she is transforming how disability is represented across agricultural landscapes.
Kerry Moss
CEO of Quadrant Australia
Kerry Moss is the CEO of Quadrant Australia, the country’s leading provider of agricultural tours, with over 30 years of experience in the agritourism sector both nationally and internationally. She has travelled to more than 75 countries, leading groups of Australian farmers and industry professionals on tailored travel programs that combine agriculture, culture, and immersive learning experiences.
Kerry is passionate about creating bespoke, meaningful journeys that connect people through shared agricultural interests and real-world encounters. She is the driving force behind NextGen AgTours, a pioneering initiative designed to showcase the next generation of Australian agricultural leaders on the global stage through customised travel experiences, educational engagement, and industry networking.
A strong advocate for Australian agritourism, Kerry continues to champion its role in building global connections, supporting rural communities, and celebrating the diversity and innovation of Australian agriculture
Matt Moran
Australian Food Icon
With 40 stellar years in the food industry behind him, a plethora of awards to his name, a handful of best-selling cookbooks under his belt, and the tour de force behind some of Australia’s most celebrated dining establishments; it’s safe to say that Matt Moran is an Australian food icon.
Matt is a pioneer in Australia of the ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy and a firm believer in the importance of consumers being connected to the source of their food. Chiswick has a kitchen garden that the chefs frequent to pick fresh greens, garnishes, fruit, and vegetables each day.
Murray Wilton
General Manager of Agriculture and the Sydney Royal Easter Show at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
Murray Wilton is the General Manager of Agriculture and the Sydney Royal Easter Show at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. His leadership has been central to advancing the RAS’s mission of supporting and showcasing agriculture in regional NSW, ensuring rural communities and producers are celebrated on a national stage. Murray’s strategic oversight has driven consistent growth across business units, while fostering innovation and resilience in the agricultural sector.
With more than two decades in broadcast media across stations like 2GB, 2UE, and 2CC, Murray brings a unique blend of communication expertise and business acumen. His award-winning contributions to food, environmental awareness, and agricultural education reflect a deep commitment to preserving the culture of agriculture and connecting communities through storytelling and engagement.
Paul Martin
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Summer Land Camels
Paul Martin is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest camel farm, and a leader in the nation’s emerging camel dairy and agritourism industries. With a bold vision grounded in sustainable agriculture and a passion for solving food system challenges, Paul has spent over a decade building a vertically integrated, award-winning business. From championing the health benefits of camel milk to creating fun experiences that attract visitors to the farm, his work reflects resilience, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose. Paul is a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, camel industry development, and reimagining what’s possible beyond the paddock.
Shane Wilson
Co-Founder of Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures
Shane Wilson is a seasoned Tasmanian abalone diver and co-founder of Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures. Raised on a cattle farm in Tasmania, Shane was introduced to diving at the age of 8 by his father, a commercial abalone diver, igniting a lifelong passion for the ocean. At 18, he began his own career as a commercial abalone diver, and by 25, he was operating his first commercial mothership, the ‘Tacoma,’ becoming the youngest skipper of the oldest boat in the fleet.
With over 17 years of diving experience and 10,000 hours underwater, Shane co-founded Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures to share his love for the sea and its bounty. The company offers unique ‘Deep-to-Dish’ experiences, where guests can enjoy the freshest wild seafood—such as abalone, rock lobster, and sea urchin—caught and cooked before their eyes aboard a luxury catamaran. This initiative not only showcases Tasmania’s pristine waterways and exceptional produce but also aims to promote sustainable, eco-friendly seafood tourism, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies at the source rather than exporting them.
Shane’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to sustainable tourism have positioned him as a passionate advocate for Tasmania’s fishing industry, striving to give back to the community that shaped his journey.
Tim Mortimer
CEO of BNB Made Easy
Tim Mortimer is the Founder and CEO of BNB Made Easy, a growing short-term rental management company operating across regional New South Wales. Starting from his garage in 2018, Tim has scaled the business from One property to over200 across Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga. Passionate about hospitality and community, he’s committed to delivering exceptional experiences for guests and property owners alike. With strong values, a local-first approach, and a focus on innovation, Tim continues to lead BNB Made Easy as a trusted brand in the short-term rental industry, driving both growth and regional impact.
Giovanna Lever
Managing Director of Sparrowly Group
Giovanna Lever is a nationally recognised leader working across agritourism, tourism and agriculture sectors. As Managing Director of Sparrowly Group, Giovanna has led major agritourism and regional development initiatives across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, including the Agritourism Development Strategies and Mentoring Programs that have helped farmers diversify and grow sustainable visitor offerings.
Giovanna’s commitment to sector-wide capability building is evident in her work with emerging operators, state and regional tourism organisations, local councils, and industry bodies to build resilient and experience-led agritourism businesses. Her strategic frameworks, like the Agritourism Readiness Indicator, are influencing planning pathways and regional policy. Passionate, pragmatic and people-focused, Giovanna continues to shape the future of agritourism and regional tourism across Australia.
Tim Parsons
Chair of ATEC Tasmania & 6th Generation Tasmanian farmer
Tim Parsons is a 6th Generation Tasmanian farmer who owns and operates the 750 acre, Curringa Farm, at Hamilton in Central Tasmania with his wife Jane. Operating 10 self-contained cottages and hosting farm tours. 2024 commemorated 40 years of Agritourism hosting visitors for farmstay accommodation and experiential farm tours. Marketing extensively throughout South East Asia and greater China. Enticing the Hong Kong market around 2012 was a highlight to host around one third of every Hong Kong visitor to Tasmania in 2019
Nick Sutherland
Budgalong Spicers Creek
Nick Sutherland is a young agritourism operator based in Spicers Creek, NSW. With a background in animal and veterinary bioscience, Nick has combined his passion for agriculture and regional storytelling to create Budgalong Lodge, a luxury safari style lodge experience on his family’s mixed farm. Over the past two years, he’s led the development of Budgalong as a destination for people to reconnect with nature, good food, and the Australian country lifestyle.
Clare Lee
Windy Station
Clare brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love for the land to everything she does. As Agritourism Manager at Windy Station—part of the Romani Pastoral Company—she’s been instrumental in breathing new life into the historic Windy Station Woolshed, a State Heritage-listed treasure that’s stood proudly on the Liverpool Plains in northern NSW for more than 120 years.
Clare is also a founding member of The Plains Inc., a not-for-profit community group dedicated to growing agritourism on the Liverpool Plains and is actively involved in regional tourism initiatives that promote the area as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Emelia Ferguson
Kimo Estate Group
Emelia Ferguson is the co- director of Kimo Estate, a 7,000-acre working sheep and cattle property in the hills of Gundagai, NSW. Alongside her husband David, Emelia has transformed the traditional farm into one of Australia’s most admired agritourism and destination wedding venues.
With a background in hospitality and a passion for design, Emelia has helped shape Kimo Estate into a luxurious yet grounded country escape, blending history, sustainability and authentic experiences. From restored shearers’ quarters to architect-designed off-grid eco huts, Kimo has become a celebrated retreat for couples, holidaymakers and wedding guests alike.
In recent years, Emelia and David have expanded their vision by renovating Flash Jacks, a former convent in Gundagai, into a high-end boutique hotel, offering stylish in-town accommodation that complements the Kimo experience.
Daniel Mortimer
Mortimers Wines
Daniel Mortimer was first introduced to the wine industry at 6 years old when his parents planted the family vineyard just North of Orange in 1995. He and his four brothers grew up working the vines before Daniel moved to Sydney to pursue his Rugby League career. After ten years and 148 NRL games, his career highlights include an NRL Grand Final with the Eels (2009), a Premiership with the Roosters (2013) and an Australian PM’s jersey (2015).
Daniel retired from the NRL in 2018 and returned to Orange where he rejoined the family wine business. Five years on and Daniel is now General Manager and part-owner of Mortimers Family Wines. His new perspective and innovative approach is leading Mortimers Wines into the next generation.
Jack Plimmer
Salt Tree Advisory
Jack is the Managing Director of Salt Tree Advisory, a project management consultancy specialising in regional tourism. Jack has 20 years of experience delivering infrastructure across remote Australia and the Pacific, with five years focused exclusively on regional tourism. He’s passionate about guest experience led design, connecting people with nature and celebrating local identity.
In 2024, Jack, Ash and their three boys undertook a ‘Lap Year’ of Australia in their caravan. Forty thousand kilometres and 137 stays later, Jack returned with a head full of ideas and convinced of the benefits that vibrant, sustainable tourism provides for regional communities. Salt Tree Advisory was born out of the desire to contribute to this and help operators bring their big ideas to life.
Hamish Keith
Wilga Station
Hamish was born and raised on a sheep farm just outside of Bathurst and was destined to be a farmer/ shearer. But his passion for the creative and travelling saw him become an international award-winning Event Producer based in Sydney, Singapore & New York. He produced a variety of high-profile events around the world, including the televised TIME 100 dinner celebrating the 100 most influential people in the world…yes, Trump was there!
He returned to Bathurst in 2016 with his two children and his wife Mez, to be the CEO of Mayfield Garden and to turn it into an international tourism destination. In 2019, Hamish bought the family farm and in 2020 they launched Wilga Station, a luxury accommodation business, with a luxury accommodation on the property with immersive guest experiences and an historic block of serviced apartments in the heritage precinct of Bathurst, called The Wool Store. An active member of the regional NSW tourism industry, he’s the founder of an association called “Elevate”, which is working to lift Bathurst and surrounding regions profile to be the destination of choice to live, work, invest, study and visit
Charlotte Gundry
Orange City Council
Over the past 20 years, I have been actively engaged in the Orange Region, primarily within the food, wine, and tourism industries. Additionally, I dedicate my time to various community organisations in the fields of food, wine, and the arts. My career has allowed me to establish a diverse network of connections in both government and private sectors. I also serve as the managing director of my family’s company, Willeroo Pty Ltd, which operates a5,000-acre cattle property in New South Wales.
Rhonda Taylor
CEO of Elevate Bathurst
Rhonda Taylor is a seasoned strategic leader with more than 30 years of experience in brand development, placemaking, tourism, aviation and hospitality. She has held senior executive roles including CEO of East Coast Tasmania Tourism, Executive Officer of Brand Orange (now known as Orange360), Product Manager at Qantas Holidays and General Manager Sales and Marketing for All Seasons Hotels.
Cressida Cairns
Pecora Dairy
Cressida Cains is a trailblazer in Australian agriculture, driving innovation, sustainability, and gender equity in the industry. As acting President of Australian Women in Agriculture (AWIA) and a board member of the National Rural Women’s Coalition, she champions greater representation of women in leadership and agricultural decision-making.
In 2011, she co-founded Pecora Dairy, Australia’s first licensed raw milk cheesery, recognized for its innovation and excellence. A passionate advocate for small dairy farmers, she launched Dairy Cocoon in 2021 to help producers move up the value chain and build more profitable, resilient businesses.
A trusted industry leader, Cressida sits on multiple advisory panels and is undertaking the Australian Rural Leadership Program. She was the 2020 AgriFutures Australia NSW/ACT Rural Women’s Award winner and National Runner-Up. She lives in Robertson, NSW, where she continues to innovate, advocate, and inspire change in Australian agriculture.
Mike Cairns
Pecora Dairy
Mike Cains is a Kiama Councillor and the founder and director of the award-winning, sustainability-focused Pecora Dairy in Robertson, NSW. Pecora Dairy is a vertically integrated agribusiness that produces nationally acclaimed farmhouse cheeses and operates a European-inspired cheese and wine bar. Mike is 2021 Australian Nuffield Scholar.
Before his agricultural career, Mike held senior executive roles in the property and media sectors with publicly listed companies including Fairfax Media and CoreLogic.
Mike is also a passionate advocate for renewable energy in agriculture. He is a founding member of Australia’s first agricultural Virtual Energy Network (VEN).