Future of Orbost & District Project Water Study Makes Recommendations for Unlocking Irrigation Potential - September 2024

The findings and recommendations of a water study commissioned by the Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) Project have recently been endorsed by the project’s Agriculture Innovation Working Group. The study investigated whether there are economic opportunities available through more efficient utilisation of existing available irrigation water. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District Project and East Gippsland Shire Council Formalise Partnership Agreement - September 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project's Governance Group Chair, Liz Mitchell, and East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Weigall, have officially signed a partnership agreement, confirming a unified commitment to work collaboratively. The agreement is built on the principles of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration, and aims to support the overarching purpose of the FoOD Project. Read more here.

Hemp whole of value chain co-design workshop - September 2024

A recent workshop in Sale brought together stakeholders from across the industrial hemp value chain, along with other interested parties, to explore a small-scale, end-to-end hemp pilot in Orbost & District. Led by local farmer Stan Weatherall's trial crop, the workshop embraced the principles of collaboration and place-based economy to identify how this pilot could explore further opportunities for the region. Read more here.

Exploring the Potential of Biochar in Orbost & District’s Future - September 2024

The Future of Orbost & District project recently brought together key local stakeholders, technology suppliers, and specialists to explore ways to make better use of local biomass resources. These biomass sources include agricultural residues from the district’s thriving corn seed industry, tree services, municipal green waste, and biosolids, with a particular focus on biochar production. More information here.

Future of Orbost & District Project – Event Brings Community Together to Shine a Light on Innovation and Collaboration - August 2024

Nearly one hundred participants from the community, industry, government, and research sectors gathered at the Orbost Golf Club on Wednesday evening for the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project’s networking and information event. The evening was filled with inspiring stories, delightful entertainment, locally inspired cuisine, and lively discussions on innovation and emerging initiatives, leading to the forging of many new connections. Read more here.

Seeking Entrepreneur for Dairy Processing Venture in Orbost & District - August 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project (FoOD) invites capable and motivated individuals or businesses to spearhead the next phase of investigation and feasibility study for a small-scale cheese and dairy processing facility. EOIs close 6th September 2024. More information available here.

One Vacancy for a Community Representative on FoOD Governance Group - August 2024

There is currently one vacancy for a community representative on the FoOD Governance Group. Expressions of Interest are now called and remain open until Friday 13 September 2024. More information available here.

Spotlight on exciting new business venture and event panellist - August 2024

The Visitor Economy Innovation Working Group has welcomed a new member, someone who has recently returned to Marlo, calls East Gippsland home and is launching a contemporary, curated tourism venture.

Hannah Macalister-Bills is excited to announce ‘The Little Drift’, which will include the launch of high-end, style focused accommodation adjacent to Dune-town by Sailors Grave brewery at Marlo Plains.

The FoOD project hosted a forum in June that focused on ‘Thinking Big While Going Tiny’, an introduction to tiny home and glamping accommodation in East Gippsland. Hannah’s idea builds on this. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District Networking and Information Event - 21st August 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project Governance Group is delighted to announce an engaging and inspiring networking and information evening on August 21^st. The event promises to be a great opportunity for local businesses, community members and other stakeholders to connect, be informed, share ideas, and celebrate local innovation and diversification. More information is available here. Download the event flier here, and/or book your ticket here. Tickets are limited.

Expressions of Interest Sought - Developing Guided Walks between Marlo and Mallacoota - June 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is keen to hear from businesses interested in delivering guided and fully supported walks between Mallacoota and Marlo into the future. Specifically the project is calling for expressions of interest from businesses to support early-stage feasibility through developing a guided walk product prototype. More information available here, or access the 'Expression of Interest'  (EOI) document here. EOIs close 12th July 2024.

DEECA Forestry Transition Program - Information Session - June 2024

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is hosting a Forestry Transition Program Information Session in Orbost on June 13th. More details are available here.

Thinking big while going tiny in the visitor economy - May 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is hosting a forum that's all about thinking big while going tiny.  The forum will explore the potential for tiny houses and glamping to breathe new life into the local visitor economy and create new business opportunities. More information available here.

Register here for the forum on 6th June.

Future of Orbost & District Project Governance Group – One Vacancy for a Community Representative - April 2024

Due to extended travel of a long serving community member, one vacancy now exists for a community representative from Orbost and District to join the Future of Orbost & District Governance Group. Expressions of Interest are now called and remain open until Friday 3 May 2024. More details here - including how to apply.

Field to factory – exploring opportunities in local cheese making - April 2024

From field to factory, a small group of Orbost and District farmers recently had an inspiring visit to Maffra Cheese. The visit was part of the activities of the Future of Orbost & District Project’s Agricultural Innovation Working Group which has a keen interest in exploring opportunities to value-add local produce. Read more here.

Orbost and District Bioenergy Circular Economy Options - April 2024

An evaluation of biomass in the Orbost region, to establish where circular economy projects may be viable, has recently concluded. Circular economy strategies aim to recover and utilize organic waste as valuable resources, contributing to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

A full audit of available local biomass feedstocks was undertaken, including volumes, types, and locations. The audit focussed on organic ‘waste streams’ from the district’s agribusiness, food service and retail, health care, wastewater, and gas sectors. Read more here.

Optimising water availability for agriculture in Orbost & District - April 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is exploring the peaks and troughs of water demand and availability across the district, and why some farmers and landholders are simply not utilising their water entitlements. Optimising water access and security is considered an important opportunity for supporting sustainable growth, innovation, and diversification in the region’s significant agriculture sector. Read more here.

Future of Orbost Project welcomes new members to Governance Group - March 2024

Four new community members will join other community members to strengthen community decision-making and strategy development on the Future of Orbost Project Governance Group. Read more here.