The Future Food Systems team recently travelled to Coffs Harbour to reconnect with the agrifood industry and continue building on the strong foundations laid by the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) project. The trip continues our mission of bringing the sector together, celebrating success, sharing challenges, exploring skills and education pathways, and sparking fresh ideas for growth and innovation.
Day 1: Macadamia magic at Nambucca Macnuts
The journey began with a visit to Nambucca Macnuts, hosted by General Manager, Shaun Tholen.
Nambucca Macnuts is proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, run by organic and premium macadamia farmers across the pristine Nambucca Valley and surrounding regions on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales.
Shaun shared insights into the organisation’s story of collaboration, value-adding, sustainable practices, and his personal involvement in CALL. He also highlighted the region’s potential to tackle food waste and foster a collaborative spirit, values that align strongly with the goals of Future Food Systems.
The visit provided an opportunity to capture Nambucca Macnuts’ journey on camera, showcasing their role as leaders in regional food innovation.
Shaun Tholen, General Manager of Nambucca Macnuts
Day 2: ‘Gather and Grow: Celebrating Coffs’ Food Future’
At the beginning of day two, a meeting was held with the Manager of the Coffs Harbour Laboratory to discuss the needs of local food businesses in light of the lab’s planned expansion and relocation. The new purpose-built facility, covering approximately 500 square metres, will be designed to support increased local testing capacity and better meet industry requirements. With a construction budget of $3 million, the facility will house the lab’s existing $2 million worth of equipment, alongside an additional $1 million investment in new equipment aligned with future testing demand.
To ensure the expansion delivers maximum value, a survey is currently underway to identify local needs beyond soil and water testing, with the aim of expanding into a broader range of analysis services to support businesses in the region.
Gather & Grow event
The event
The centrepiece of the trip was ‘Gather and Grow: Celebrating Coffs’ Food Future’, an event attended by over 60 participants, with 88% from industry.
We thank our MC, Jane de Graaff, and our outstanding speakers:
- Mayor Nikki Williams
- Richmond Rodrigues (Aanuka Beach House)
- Shaun Tholen (Nambucca Macnuts)
- Georgina Baker (Levenvale Farm)
- Laura Gonzales (Peach and Wolf Bakery)
- Chris Yarnton (TAFE NSW)
- Gill Robson (C.ex Group)
Mayor Nikki Williams
Richmond Rodrigues of Aanuka Beach House and Jane de Graaff
Shaun Tholen (Nambucca Macnuts), Georgina Baker (Levenvale Farm), Laura Gonzales (Peach and Wolf Bakery)
Their contributions provided valuable perspectives on skills development, collaboration, and innovation within the Coffs region.
Chris Yarnton (TAFE NSW), Gill Robson (C.ex Group)
Special appreciation goes to Nicole McLennan and Victoria Harper from the City of Coffs Harbour, and to Dr Ozgur Dedehayir and Dr Jack Adams from QUT, project leaders of CALL. Their work continues to drive meaningful change in the region’s food system.
FFS CEO Dr James Krahe closed the event with reflections on Coffs’ role as a food bowl for the region and the exciting future that lies ahead.
Dr Ozgur Dedehayir and Dr Jack Adams from QUT, project leaders of CALL
Dr James Krahe, CEO of FFS
The day also included interviews with Georgina and Laura, capturing their career journeys and insights on camera. Local producers and manufacturers proudly showcased their products, highlighting the depth and quality of the region’s agrifood sector.
Above all, it was inspiring to see chefs, growers, makers, educators, and businesses come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the region’s food future.
Day 3: Listening to local champions
Day three was dedicated to conversations with local industry champions.
The team spoke with Richmond Rodrigues from Aanuka Beach House and Josh King from King Tide Brewing, who both shared their passion for Coffs and its future as a food destination.
Richmond Rodrigues of Aanuka Beach House
Josh King, King Tide Brewing
Later, discussions with Kris Cooling, Extension Officer from FRDC, provided insights into the current seafood landscape and the exciting research initiatives underway across the region.
Day 4: Strengthening local networks
The final day included a meeting with Councillor Dr Ljubov Simson from Nambucca Valley Council and Shaun Tholen to learn about the newly formed Nambucca Valley Growers and Producers Association as well as the opportunities around establishing a hub and spokes model for distribution in the region. These initiatives promises to create stronger networks and fresh opportunities for collaboration across the valley and broader Mid North Coast region.
Looking ahead
This journey to Coffs reinforced the region’s strength: its people, its produce, and its potential. From macadamias to seafood, from farms to bakeries, from education to research, the collaborative energy in Coffs and the Mid-North Coast is undeniable.
Future Food Systems is proud to support this community through the CALL project and beyond. Together, we are celebrating successes, addressing challenges, and building a vibrant, sustainable food future for the region.