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Free resources | Stay safe and operational this harvest season
As we prepare for a busy harvest season and the potential of a hot dry summer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

We’re here to help you plan ahead with free resources on inducting new workers, fire preparedness and emergency procedures, seasonal worker safety, managing fatigue and more.

• New workers and not sure where to start? The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Making Our Farms Safer program offers farm visits, presentations and resources. The OHS Essentials program is another option for confidential and personalised safety support from an ag industry expert at a time that suits you. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get started.
• Employing workers from the Pacific Islands? Seasonal workers are vital for harvest but can face unique risks on farms, so Victoria’s Pacific Island community worked with us to create straightforward safety resources. The videos, posters, and guides can help with induction and training, and are available in five languages: Bislama, Fijian, Tongan Samoan & English
  View the resources and share the link to help keep seasonal workers safe. 

Planning for the fire season? Check out Agriculture Victoria’s fire preparedness toolkitto help you prepare for the fire season. Further tips on emergency communication and procedures are available on the WorkSafe website

Visit the Worksafe website to view upcoming events and online webinars that may be of interest to you.

A conference to connect women in agriculture from across the nation. A variety of speakers that will inform, influence, innovate, invest and include.

As we prepare for our 2023 national conference, we are excited to embark on a journey of empowerment, knowledge sharing, and community building. We are committed to delivering a program that is as formidable and diverse as the individuals it serves, with a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and the interconnectedness of our agricultural landscape.

Keep an eye out on our 2023 conference website www.awiaconference.com.au and socials for the full program and speakers.

The AWIA AGM will take place on Friday 24th November from 2 to 4pm.

Purchase your Conference tickets here

Information in relation to the management of abandoned orchards is available on Agriculture Victoria’s website:

• General information in relation to the management of abandoned vineyards and orchards: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/fruit-and-nuts/orchard-management/managing-abandoned-vineyards-and-orchards
• Overview of how neglected lands can be managed for biosecurity under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010:  https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/moving-plants-and-plant-products/managing-neglected-lands-for-biosecurity

Any grower that is adversely impacted by an abandoned or undermanaged orchard or vineyard is required to contact the department on 136 186.
 
Growers will be provided with a form that sets out all the information required for Agriculture Victoria to respond to the complaint.

Agriculture Victoria- Farm Fire Preparedness webinar
Check out our new Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit and join us at a lunchtime webinar on Thursday 19 October. We’ll take you through the tools and templates designed to help you plan for the season ahead.
Topics include:
• Farm asset inventories
• Fire preparedness checklists and action plan
• Saving farm documents to the ‘cloud’ or off-farm
• Updating PIC and NLIS data.
To join the webinar, register online by clicking on this link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81060024131
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events #FarmBusinessResilience #agrecovery #firepreparedness VicEmergency Victorian Farmers Federation

Join WorkSafe's specialists at the GV Hotel in Shepparton for a practical session covering: 

• Why WorkSafe exists
• Hazardous manual handling basics
• How to support injured workers back to safe work
• Dealing with drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

A free lunch with be provided.
So come along, and don't miss your chance to connect, learn and share. Reserve your spot here

The National Management Group (NMG) confirmed at its meeting on 19 September 2023 that eradication of Varroa destructor (varroa mite) is no longer feasible based on technical grounds, following advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), and has now entered a transition to management phase. The NMG acknowledged the significant and sustained efforts of the New South Wales (NSW) Government and impacted industries over the eradication response phase since June 2022 and the contribution of both government and industry representatives in guiding response activities.

Click here for more information