The Shine Awards is a campaign by The Weekly Times, supported by Harvey Norman, celebrating the passion, dedication, spirit, belief, grace and courage of women across rural and regional Australia. Nominate a rural woman who makes a real difference in her community or industry, so we can share her story.

Visit The Weekly Times website to complete your nomination.

Grants are available for eligible horticulture enterprises operating in Victoria. The Program will provide for up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to purchase and commercially install new horticultural netting (fixed and demountable), to a maximum of $150,000 (ex GST). The application period for this grants program is between 17 August 2022 and 17 October 2022. Visit the Ag Vic website for more information.

From 11.59pm on Thursday 8 September, the following changes apply:

• the self-isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases who don’t have symptoms on day five of their isolation will reduce from seven to five days – excluding people who work in high-risk settings
• the requirement to wear masks on domestic flights will also be lifted.

Additional self-isolation requirements
The new orders around the self-isolation period for positive cases include some additional requirements to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.Anyone leaving isolation after five days cannot visit or work at a sensitive setting – such as hospitals, residential aged care, disability care settings or in-home care for the next two days, or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Visit the Coronavirus website for further information

Please be advised that the mainland apple and pear industry applications for the export of apples and pears to Thailand are now open for the 2023 season.

Summary of changes and key points

• Applicants can complete their application forms using the Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) export registration system.
• Applications must be submitted by 5pm AEDT 3 October 2022. Late applications will not be accepted.
• Orchards or packhouses accredited for export to Thailand in 2022 will receive an SMS from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. advising that the application process for accreditation has commenced.
• Orchards or packhouses not accredited in 2022 and wanting to export to Thailand in 2023 must This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to access the export registration system.
• Crop monitors must complete the generic crop monitor course online through the Tocal College online eLearning hub by Monday 17 October 2022 to be eligible to conduct crop monitoring for apples and pears to Thailand.
• All orchards and packhouses will be subject to audits by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Please click on this link for more information - https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/plants-plant-products/ian/2022/2022-56

National Agriculture Day

Friday 18th November

National Agriculture Day is your chance to celebrate and learn 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.

Ways to get involved:

Hear from guest speakers and industry experts on topics ranging from:

• The importance of HSR's to business.
• How organisational culture impacts workplace mental health.
• What are your rights as a young worker?
• Construction sessions.
• Plus many more!

The events will be delivered as a series of webinars and face to face sessions throughout regional Victoria, so it’s never been easier to participate. Most events are free to attend.

Find a webinar or event to attend here