Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN)

The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) assists producers and businesses to attract, train and retain workers.

This free service is available to agribusinesses with operations in Queensland, regardless of commodity or organisation membership.

How we can help

QAWN officers can support you with advice about:

  • workforce planning
  • sourcing labour and skilled workers
  • recruitment induction
  • requirements
  • funded training opportunities.

Watch how QAWN can support you address your workforce challenges.

QAWN is funded by the Department of Primary Industries.

Find your local officer

View the map to see which region you are in.

There are 7 QAWN officers in Queensland, hosted by regional industry or economic bodies.

  • Kelly Hodgkinson

    Driven by an interest in sustainable agriculture and a passion for fostering connections within the grower community, Kelly aims to support far north Queensland agribusinesses address workforce challenges facing the sector.

    With a background in the organic farming sector, business development, and the PALM Approved Employers Programme, Kelly is committed to collaborating closely with key stakeholders to deliver solutions that support the diverse workforce needs of each grower.

    Kelly is employed by Far North Queensland Growers.

  • Gillian Russell

    Gill covers the area from Proserpine to Hinchinbrook and west to Cloncurry.

    Originally from the UK, Gill discovered her passion for agriculture after moving to Bowen in 2012. Joining a family with deep roots in farming and co-founding a local Ag tech drone company, Gill aims to bridge the gap between the current agriculture workforce and the evolving needs of the future.

    With a background in marketing, she is most looking forward to elevating the profile of careers in agriculture and developing initiatives with the goal of fostering sustainable employment and skilling opportunities.

    Gill is employed by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

  • Peter Albertson

    Peter covers the Central Queensland region, which spans from Proserpine to Rockhampton.

    Peter has experience in conducting and managing research projects in forestry, macadamia, sugar cane and the biofuel industries. His goals are to identify and reduce current and future labour shortages across the agricultural industries.

    Peter is employed by CANEGROWERS Mackay.

  • Meg Bassingthwaighte

    Meg is based in Longreach and supports the the Central Highlands and Central West regions.

    Meg grew up in South East Queensland on a beef cattle property, gaining a love of all aspects of agriculture, especially working dogs with livestock. She has lived in the Central Highlands and Central West for the last 8 years, working as a governess and primary school teacher.

    Meg will combine her passion for agriculture and education to instil an enthusiasm for working in rural industries and facilitate appropriate exposure and training across a range of agricultural disciplines.

    Meg is employed by CHRRUP Limited.

  • Kylie Jackson

    Kylie covers the area from Gladstone to Gympie and west to the Banana Shire.

    Kylie has a background in career development and training, and has strong connections with training organisations and jobseeker providers, the Office of Industrial Relations, and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    Kylie is passionate about educating the local workforce about agricultural career opportunities and working one-on-one with businesses to address their workforce needs.

    Kylie is employed by Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.

  • Liz Ford

    Liz covers the Southern Queensland region—from the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs and Southern Downs to the Bulloo and Quilpie Shires.

    Liz has an extensive background in recruitment, employment and human resources, specialising in agriculture. Liz is enthusiastic about raising awareness of the many and rewarding career paths and opportunities that are available in the local area.

    Liz will focus on workforce attraction and employment pathways through establishing mutually beneficial partnerships between industry bodies, employers and education and training providers.

    Liz is employed by Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG).

  • Amy Nash

    Amy covers the South East Queensland region – from Noosa, the Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay through to the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Ipswich.

    Amy has extensive experience in employment and recruitment specialising in agriculture, focusing on the development and implementation of effective employment strategies to overcome seasonal workforce needs.

    Amy will focus her passion to support agribusinesses create sustainable workforce strategies by building mutually beneficial partnerships with industry bodies, employers, and education and training providers.

    Amy is employed by Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers.