VegNET NSW: National Agriculture Day Celebrating horticulture in NSW
3 March 2026
Monique Rooker
I am delighted to step into the role of Regional Development Officer (RDO) for South East Queensland with the Lockyer Valley Growers, and to share an update on my first few weeks in the position. Since commencing just prior to Christmas, I have been busy getting established, meeting growers, and gaining a deeper understanding of the region, its people, and the industry I am proud to now support.
I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Regional Development Officer (RDO) for South East Queensland with the Lockyer Valley Growers Association. It has been a welcoming and rewarding start, and I am looking forward to supporting the industry moving forward.
One of my first priorities upon commencing was assisting with the establishment of the new Lockyer Valley Growers office, now conveniently located in the Gatton town centre. Setting up the office ahead of the end-of-year period was a busy but exciting task, and it was important to ensure the space was ready to serve as a central and accessible point for growers, committee members, and stakeholders. The Gatton location has already proven to be a valuable base, and I look forward to seeing it continue to develop as a hub for connection and collaboration.
Shortly after the office was set up, we held the Annual Growers Meeting and Christmas get-together at the new premises. This event was a highlight as it provided a fantastic opportunity to meet the committee and several growers in a relaxed and informal setting. The atmosphere was positive and welcoming, and it was encouraging to see strong engagement and a sense of community among attendees. As someone new to the organisation, this event helped me put faces to names and gain a better understanding of the growers and stakeholders in the region.
Since then, I have been fortunate to spend time out in the field visiting growers across the region, including trips to Stanthorpe and surrounding areas. These visits have been invaluable in helping me understand the diversity of operations, growing conditions and priorities across the region. I have found it particularly interesting to hear directly from growers about their individual farming goals, production techniques, and the challenges they face. Each conversation has reinforced the complexity of the horticulture sector and the importance of tailored, practical support.
Although my professional background is in business and marketing, this role represents an exciting opportunity to expand my knowledge into a new field. While horticulture is a new area for me, I am thoroughly enjoying learning about the industry. I believe my experience can add value by supporting growers in areas such as communication, stakeholder engagement and long-term planning, while I continue to build my technical understanding of horticulture.
A consistent theme I have encountered since starting is the willingness of growers and committee members to share their knowledge and help me find my feet. I have been grateful for how open, friendly, and generous everyone has been with their time, whether that be showing me around their farms, explaining production systems, or helping me understand the local industry landscape. This support has made the transition into the role much smoother and has reinforced the strong sense of community within the Lockyer Valley and broader region.
While this time of year can be a slower period for many growers, with production easing and some well-earned downtime, there is still plenty happening behind the scenes. We currently have several events and initiatives in the planning stages, and I am very excited about what is coming up. These activities are being designed to provide value to growers, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen connections within the industry.
As I continue to settle into the role, my focus will remain on listening to growers, building strong relationships, and identifying opportunities where growers in our region can be best supported. I am keen to learn as much as possible and to work collaboratively with growers, the committee, and industry partners to contribute positively to the region.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to welcome me, show me around, and share their experiences so far. I look forward to meeting more people in the coming months and to working together to support vegetable growers in our region.