Melons Australia's CEO Update


It’s been a dynamic and rewarding month for Melons Australia. On 22 September 2025, we successfully delivered the Australian Melon Association Annual General Meeting, where members endorsed the 2025 Audited Financial Statements and welcomed two new Board members: Brad Rosten, watermelon grower and founder of Harvest Workers, and Steven Skruzny from Premier Fresh Australia. We also extend our sincere thanks to Luca D'Arsie for his valued contribution to the Board. Thanks also to our grower and supply chain members who took the time out of their busy schedules to join us and make this possible.

Melons Australia proudly participated in the 2025 NFF AgXchange conference on the Gold Coast and convey our congratulations to the National Farmers Federation for a standout event. Throughout September, I have also represented the industry at the FASTA annual symposium, engaging with researchers, government, and industry leaders and in engagements with colleagues in State and Territory Governments to support the lightest-touch possible for implementation of the national food safety standards.

Importantly, we continue to amplify growers' voices, hearing significant concerns from growers around the increases to the Horticulture Award and wage structures. These cost pressures continue to impact growers, reducing any opportunity to make a profit and we ensured these have been cleared conveyed to decisions makers and Federal politicians at all opportunity to drive some change. These issues are real, urgent, and we remain committed to driving meaningful change, so please reach out if there is any issue we can assist you with or raise the profile of.

Melons Australia is also extremely proud that our 2025 Australian Melon Conference has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2025 Association Event of the Year! One for us all to be proud about.

As always, if there is anything that the Melons Australia team can support or assist you with please feel free to reach out.

Johnathon Davey CEO

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

P: +61 407 032 023

www.melonsaustralia.org.au

Plan Ahead for 2026: Leadership and Development Opportunities for Melon Industry Members


As the busy end-of-year period approaches, now is the ideal time to start planning your personal and professional development goals for 2026. Melons Australia, in partnership with the Hort Innovation Melon Fund, is proud to support industry members in accessing a range of leadership and training opportunities.

Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or already established in the field, there’s something for everyone. Programs range from flexible online learning to immersive face-to-face workshops, with financial support available for several nationally recognised courses.

Here are some standout opportunities:
  • Australian Rural Leadership Foundation TRAIL Program (March 2026): A challenge-based program designed for emerging rural leaders. Learn more
  • Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program: A five-day intensive workshop in Geelong, backed by NAB Agribusiness, with a strong reputation across the ag sector. Learn more
  • AICD Foundations of Directorship: A three-day course covering governance, risk, strategy, and finance for aspiring directors. Learn more
  • AICD Company Directors Course: A comprehensive five-day program (plus pre-reading) offering deep insights into board responsibilities and effective governance. Learn more
 

These programs offer valuable skills and credentials to help you grow as a leader in the melon industry and beyond.

Positive Advancements in Non-Destructive Testing for all Melons


Non-destructive testing is moving into an exciting new phase as the southern season begins, with promising options now identified for rockmelons, honeydew and watermelons. Comparison trials using Near Infra-Red (NIR) technology alongside traditional destructive testing have indicated that NIR may be an effective tool for assessing rockmelon and honeydew maturity. By the end of September, around 150 NIR tests will have been completed during routine inspections, with on-farm testing set to expand in the coming months. The instruments used for the testing will include a new Sunforest NIR gun, chosen for its precision, ergonomic design and ease of use.

While NIR is not ideal for watermelons due to their thick rind, the project team has identified a new non-destructive technology that shows strong potential. This will be trialled for the first time in the southern season to assess its accuracy and practicality for growers.

Project Lead, Mark Loeffen, explains: “Our aim is to identify non-destructive measurement technologies for all melons that are accurate, easy and convenient for growers to use on- and off-farm. We’ll continue evaluating the results of these technologies as the project progresses.”

Image shown: Non-destructive testing being carried out with a Sunforest NIR gun.

Turn Over a New Leaf and Grow Your Knowledge


Earlier this year, Plant Health Australia enhanced its Growers Guide to Pest Reporting and Responses course to improve accessibility—especially for mobile users and those with English as a second language. Since then, the updated format has made it easier for busy farm managers and staff to engage with vital biosecurity training on the go.

The course now automatically adjusts to mobile screens and offers translation options in languages such as Vietnamese, Khmer, and Hindi. These improvements have helped broaden access to essential biosecurity knowledge across Australia’s diverse agricultural workforce.

This free online resource continues to support growers, farm managers, and workers in understanding:
  • The value of biosecurity for protecting crops and livelihoods
  • Potential pest impacts
  • Practical biosecurity measures
  • What to do if something unusual is spotted
  • How government and industry respond together
 

To complete the Growers Guide to Pest Reporting and Responses course, log into Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT). While you're there, explore other free e-learning courses on biosecurity and emergency plant pest preparedness.

For questions or feedback, contact the Plant Health Australia training team at training@phau.com.au.

Release of the final report for melons from Japan


The final report for the review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh melons from Japan has been released.

Please find the Biosecurity Advice for this risk analysis on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website here. Please also view the fact sheet and import pathway diagram for more information.

If you have any questions about this risk analysis, please don’t hesitate to contact us at biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au.

National Centre for Farmer Health


The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) at farmerhealth.org.au is a key resource for Aussie horticulture farmers, providing targeted education, training, and support to boost mental health and wellbeing amid the unique challenges of the sector. Through practical workshops like the free “Farm Safe and Strong” event in October, the NCFH equips farmers with tools to manage stress and promote mental resilience while working in demanding environments. NCFH invites partnerships, and involvement to foster stronger, mentally healthier horticulture communities.

DOWNLOAD THE STRESS MANAGEMENT FACTSHEET HERE

Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership


The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership recognise trailblazing leaders who are creating real change for women, girls, and underrepresented groups through meaningful action and impactful initiatives.

These awards highlight individuals who invest their time, influence, and passion into advancing diversity in leadership across Australia— inspiring others and helping to build a more inclusive future.

We would love to see some of the amazing women who work in the melon industry nominated for one of these prestigious awards!

NQ Avocado Industry & Hort ‘Show Days’


join us, as Melons Australia will be in attendance, in Tolga, North QLD for the very first North Queensland Avocado Industry & Hort ‘Show Days’ on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October 2025 — bringing together the largest regional network of avocado growers and the broader horticultural industry and their partners in Australia.

Please reach out to Joanna (biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au) and Johnathon (ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au) if you plan to attend and want to catch up or would like us to visit you while we are in the region.

Date: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October 2025

Location: The Pack Centre 37-39 Albrecht Street, Tolga

QLD: 2025 Gatton AgTech Showcase announced


Back by popular demand –the Gatton AgTech Showcase returns 15th & 16th October 2025.The Showcase will deliver an expanded program over the two-day event featuring:
  • More live and static field AgTech and machinery demonstrations as well as exhibition displays
  • Official launch of DPI’s Centre for Mild Winter Climate Protected Cropping. And a dedicated protected cropping showcase with the support of NFF’s National Horticulture Roadshow
  • AgTech speaker and student immersion program
 

As a national, grower-focused event, the Gatton AgTech Showcase is expected to attract growers from all over Australia, with even greater international reach in 2025. Organisers are gearing up for 1,500 attendees across the two-day event.

Jo and Courtney will be representing Melons Australia at the Showcase. If you’re attending and would like to connect, feel free to reach out to Jo at biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au or Courtney at comms@melonsaustralia.org.au.

Date: 15th, 16th October

Location: DPI Gatton Smart Farm

National Ag Day 2025


National Agriculture Day is your chance to celebrate about Australia’s incredible farm sector. Held on the third Friday of November each year, it’s one day to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives – every single day.

On this Ag Day, Australians are being called to Stand with the Land. For the past year, our farmers have shown extraordinary grit, navigating record-breaking floods, devastating droughts, imperfect policies and trade disruptions. Stand with the Land is a powerful call to action that unites Australians in solidarity with our farmers and rural communities.

Melons Australia will be sharing our plans for the day soon. In the meantime, we’d love for you to share your own celebrations on social media and tag us @MelonsAustralia.

Date: 21st November 2025

Melons Australia Roadshow


Join us from 4:30pm on Tuesday 2 December 2025, ahead of the Melon Field Day on Wednesday 3 December. We encourage everyone to come along! More details will be shared in the coming weeks – stay tuned.

Date: 2nd December 2025

Location: Carnarvon, WA


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2025 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

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