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18 May 2026
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Ten years of working directly with vegetable and onion growers across the country. Ten years of Regional Development Officers (RDOs) showing up for their regions, building relationships, and helping connect growers with the research, tools and networks that make a real difference on the ground.
It has not always been a straight road. Like any long-running program, VegNET has evolved, adapted and faced its challenges along the way. But what has stayed constant is the people and the growers who have engaged with the program, the RDOs who have committed to their regions, and the broader team who have kept things moving behind the scenes.
The impact of that work over a decade is hard quantify. It shows up in the growers who tried something new after a conversation with their RDO, in the connections made at a field day that led to something bigger, in the knowledge shared, the problems worked through together, and the small wins that add up over time.
Welcome to the VegNET team
We have some exciting new faces that have recently join the VegNET team and they are already doing great work on the ground.
Angela Tarbottom
Western Australia
Angela Tarbottom, Chi Nguyen
We are thrilled to welcome Angela Tarbottom to the VegNET team as the new RDO for Western Australia. Angela joins us from Foodbank WA, bringing with her a wealth of sector knowledge, strong industry relationships and a clear understanding of the challenges currently facing growers across the state. She has already hit the ground running, facilitating field days and roadshows in Manjimup, Carnarvon and Geraldton, with more regional events already in the planning stages.
Angela is most excited about getting out and talking to growers, whether that’s working through a specific challenge, connecting them with the right research and support, or simply having a conversation. We cannot wait to see the contribution she makes to the industry in Western Australia.
Chris Dang
Northern Territory
The VegNET Team is excited to welcome Chris Dang as the new RDO for the Northern Territory. Born and raised in Darwin, Chris has spent the last 20 years living in the Marrakai region, where the land and community have helped shaped who he is.
With five years of hands-on experience as an Asian vegetable grower, Chris brings a genuine understanding of the realities growers face day to day, along with a deep appreciation for the agricultural life and the people within it. His background in the field means he knows firsthand what it takes to grow in the Territory’s unique conditions, and that practical knowledge will be invaluable as he connects with growers across the region.
We look forward to seeing the contribution Chris makes to the vegetable and onion industry in the Northern Territory and where this new chapter will take him.
Celebrating women in horticulture
On the 4th of March, the VegNET national coordinating team attended the AUSVEG International Women’s Day Luncheon.
The event brought together women from across the horticulture industry for an afternoon of connection and conversation. It was great to be in the room with so many incredible women doing amazing work across the sector.
Special guest speaker Jacqui Felgate was a real highlight of the day. Jacqui is one of Australia’s most well-known journalists, with a career spanning more than 20 years across print, television and radio. She spoke openly about her career journey, and what stood out most was her candid reflection on resilience.
Many would also know Jacqui from her work during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when information was confusing and changing daily, she used her Instagram account to break down the news in a way that was clear and easy to understand. She personally responded to thousands of messages from people trying to make sense of what was happening. It was a strong example of using a platform for good.
It was a wonderful afternoon and a great reminder of the talent and strength that exists across our industry. I’m already looking forward to attending next year’s event.