Presented by ABARE, the conference features 14 local and ABARE speakers across four sessions, with almost 100 delegates already registered to attend. It will be a valuable source of information for delegates, and will be opened by Renata Brooks, Deputy Director-General, Agriculture and Fisheries Division, NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The Orange Regional Outlook conference is open to everyone, to discover more information about their region, make new contacts, discuss industry trends and access information that can encourage innovative approaches to traditional issues.

The conference begins with the overview session and an opening address by Renata Brooks, NSW Department of Primary Industries.; then presentations from Karen Schneider, ABARE on the road ahead and Tony Pearson, ANZ on a banker’s perspective on interest rates, and where to from here?

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Sally Fletcher, ABARE on the outlook for crops and livestock; Tim Hansen, Rocklands on developing new opportunities and concludes with David Brownhill from Keralla Downs on planning for success.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with Stephen Lellyett, Bureau of Meteorology exploring coping with short and long term climate change; Mick Keogh, Australian Farm Institute, on farming in a changing climate and concluding with Kim Russell and Gerry Gillespie from Zero Waste Australia on plate to paddock - organic waste safely back to the soil.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Dale Ashton, ABARE on farm financial performance; Kim Currie, Taste Orange on adding value to the region and final speakers Ward Massey and Sabrina Manickam from Charles Sturt University on enhancing regional oral health.

Registration for media is complimentary.

Date:      Wednesday 1 July 2008
Venue:    Orange Agricultural Institute Training Centre, Forest Road, Orange
Time:      Registration from 8.30am, conference 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost:     $77 pp (inc GST) including conference admission, copies of available speakers’ papers, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Contact:  Angela Ellerman, ABARE on mobile 0408 487 825.