How do regional agricultural voices actually cut through? Gather to connect and support  Agriculture in Wodonga.

Farmers, farming families and agricultural leaders from across North East Victoria and Southern NSW will come together in Wodonga next month for the inaugural Connecting Ag on the Border Dinner.

To be held at La Maison, Wodonga on Thursday 12 November, the dinner will bring together people from across the region’s agricultural community for an evening of connection, conversation, support, and regional leadership, centred around one important question:

How do regional voices actually cut through?

Guest speaker Andrew Metcalfe AO brings a rare perspective to that conversation. Andrew is one of Australia’s most experienced public sector and agricultural policy leaders. He spent 12 years as a Commonwealth departmental secretary, leading three Australian Government departments, and retired in 2023 as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Australia’s Director of Biosecurity. Throughout his career, he was appointed or reappointed as Secretary by five Prime Ministers and worked directly with 15 portfolio ministers.

Today, Andrew continues his involvement in agriculture and regional communities as Chair of the Gardiner Foundation, which supports the advancement of Victoria’s dairy industry and its communities. He is also Chair of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, whose work includes Dolly’s Dream, an initiative focused on changing the culture around bullying and supporting children, families and rural communities.

His experience as an advocate, negotiator and senior leader gives Andrew unusual insight into how decisions are made, what gets government attention, why some regional priorities gain traction while others struggle to be heard, and what communities can do to turn priorities into action.

The evening will be hosted by former Independent Member for Indi and respected regional leader Cathy McGowan AO.

“Regional communities have enormous knowledge, experience and capability, but having a good idea or a genuine need does not automatically mean it will be heard. This dinner is about bringing people together, strengthening relationships across our agricultural community and having a practical conversation about how regional voices can influence the decisions that affect us.”

AgBiz Assist is coordinating the event, which is designed primarily for farmers, farming families and people supporting agricultural communities across Wodonga, Towong, Indigo and the broader North East Victoria region, with neighbouring Southern NSW communities also encouraged to attend.

Nerida Kerr, CEO of AgBiz Assist, says the dinner has deliberately been designed as an opportunity for people to step away from day-to-day farm and business pressures, meet others from across the region and have conversations that might not otherwise happen.

“Agriculture doesn't stop at the border, and neither do the relationships, challenges or opportunities facing our communities. We wanted to create an evening where people could get off the farm, connect with other farmers and agricultural decision makers from across the region, share ideas, make new connections and support networks.”

“Andrew gives us the opportunity to hear from someone who has spent decades inside the rooms where major decisions are made, but who also has a genuine understanding of agriculture and regional communities. Understanding what gets heard, what gets overlooked, how to influence policy maker, and why is incredibly relevant for our region.”

Social connection and farmer wellbeing will also be an important part of the evening, with support services available for informal and discreet engagement. The event has received a $5,000 grant through the Victorian Government’s Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grants Program, helping make the dinner accessible to the farming community with tickets priced at $45 per person.

Event details

Connecting Ag on the Border Dinner
Thursday 12 November 2026
6.00 pm
La Maison, Wodonga
Tickets: $45 per person

Places are limited and bookings are essential.
https://events.humanitix.com/connecting-ag-on-the-border