LOCAL CHAMPIONS

Verity Morgan-Schmidt, rural consultant

CLIMATE RIGHT FOR CHANGE ON THE FARM

What makes a girl from sheep country in Western Australia grow up to lead the charge towards more climate-friendly and sustainable farming?

The reasons were all around Verity Morgan-Schmidt pictured right when she was growing up.

She describes life on a family sheep property was the nexus of Australian agriculture and climate change.

Farmers would talk of the rain not coming like it used to, the dry spells getting longer, the yield, be it in wool or wheat, not being what it used to.

“I spent my childhood wondering what the drought was about. At one point, we had sheep agisted in all different locations around Australia just to keep things moving. You’re helping, you’re involved. I grew up on all that,” she said.

Verity grew up with an above average interest in the politics and policies of climate change and what it all meant for the man and woman on the land. She completed a masters in politics and sustainability and her involvement with organisations advocating for rural Australians interested in making a positive contribution the environment.

After moving to Queensland to be closer to her husband’s family, she became involved in the Noosa Biosphere and Country Noosa which aimed to connect, support and encourage rural enterprise and communities in the hinterland.

She then took on the role of chief executive officer for Farmers for Climate Action.

“In that time, we grew from the backing and for the benefit of farmers to about 5000 and there’s 6200 from across the country involved now,” she said.

Verity now juggles work as a consultant with parenthood and running a farm. She and her husband have four young daughters and run a droughtmaster stud at Gheerulla.

She said it was not uncommon for farmers with an interest in environmental issues and climate change to feel they were in the minority, which is why it was important to discuss issues and share lived experiences.

Still connected with Farmers for Climate Action, she recently coordinated a Farmers for Resilient Regions conference, held by Zoom during COVID, which brought together speakers from universities, government departments and private enterprise, including beef producers and suppliers to speak on the land, business, and politics with the common theme of building resilience.

Amber Scott featured on the front cover, of the Kandanga Farm Store, was one of the final speakers as Verity said the store was an example of where it all came together – government policy meets business meet the landholder.

She said most farmers had the best interest of their land at heart but sometimes had different views on how that could or should be managed. “I’ve never met a farmer yet who doesn’t want to leave their property in a better condition than when they found it. Unfortunately, we find the advice inconsistent as to how farmers can care for their land and the overall climate,” she said.

“Things are changing so quickly that it’s very difficult to be at the front and then it’s hard for them to manage their properties.”

Interviewed by Janine Hill, MVV

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SHOUT OUT TO UNDER 18S WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING A BUSINESS (AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS)

The Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched the Young Entrepreneurs Programme to support the young people of our valley to start a small business.

This programme includes funding for market stall insurance, loan of a marquee and guidance from our experienced business members.

Further information is available on the Chamber website.

https://mvcoc.com.au/young-entrepreneurs-programme/

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SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL - OCTOBER NEWS

Nominate a local hero today

Have the actions of a group or person impressed or made a difference to you this year? Nominate them for a Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award on Council’s website! There are seven categories recognising youth, seniors and everyone in between. Plus there’s an award for community groups and organisations, environmental achievements and a creative award.

Make a splash

Sunshine Coast migrants are invited to register for a free swim program designed to boost their confidence and safety skills in and around the water. Council’s Migrant Learn to Swim program classes start 30 October in Nambour and Buderim. Visit Council’s website to register before 20 October.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online –Thursday, 14 October at 9am.

Does your community group need funding to make something great?

Make it a reality with support from Council’s Community Grants Program. Minor Grants of up to $2000 are available for community groups to deliver projects, events and activities that provide community benefit. To apply, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Christmas gifts are sorted

This year's one-of-a-kind Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar features stunning images of fun, sun and adventure from days gone by, each month. Available from Council libraries and customer contact centres for $6.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/ Contact-Council

Final Call

Six contemporary Australian artists respond to Climate Change in a stunning, thought provoking exhibition at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Tanawha. A Horizon Festival event, Final Call is on show free until 17 October.

07 5475 7272 - mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au