The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support of $69 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought and difficult seasonal conditions.
This is in response to deteriorating seasonal conditions across the state, with some areas of Victoria now recording significant rainfall deficiencies extending back to 2023. Learn more about the package.
Eligible farmers across the state can access On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management improvements.
Recognising the ongoing impact of drought for farmers in south west Victoria, eligible grant recipients can access an increased amount up to $10,000 across 11 local government areas and parts of West Wimmera. Eligible activities under the grant program are being expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture re-establishment in recognition of the broad pressures farmers are managing.
Funding announced earlier in mid-May provides farm businesses technical decision-making support right across the state. Agricultural service providers are invited to submit a request for quotation to support the delivery of the technical decision-making project. See the elegibility map below.
The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025. Visit Fair Work for more information
Superannuation Increase
The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. This is the final scheduled increase.. - ATO
Dear VCA Members,
I am elated to announce that the restructure of Cherry Growers Australia has made significant progress.
On May 16 2025, Cherry Growers Australia Limited was incorporated, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) confirming registration of Cherry Growers Australia Limited (CGA) as a company limited by guarantee.
This change in structure is the result of years, if not decades, of hard work and dedication by those passionate about creating a truly resourced and better positioned body to service the Australian cherry industry.
As you would recall the key changes of the restructure enable CGA to provide:
• a stronger and more unified voice and enhanced industry representation;
• increased connection, consultation and engagement with industry;
• data driven strategic decision making;
• a broader membership framework that allows memberships from individual growers, state associations, industry suppliers and stakeholders;
• improved operational efficiency, compliance, flexibility and transparency; and
• a resourced full time CEO and skills-focused board with directors elected by members.
Incorporation is not the last step in achieving this vision – there is still much work to be done. As a team, we look forward to strengthening CGA’s capacity to become a year-round, proactive and industry driven resource; growing and supporting industry’s sustainability and longevity. This truly is an exciting moment in CGA’s and the Australian cherry industry’s history.
From an operational sense, the previous Board of Management members have now become the Initial Directors of the new CGA Board. The office bearers are:
Chair: Alison Jones
Deputy Chair: Brent McClintock
Honorary Treasurer: Samantha Flanery
Penny Measham has been appointed as the CEO, and is supported by Kate McGilvray Interim COO, Chris Lethbridge Trade Development Coordinator and Gita Ricca Communications Officer.
We invite you to become a member of Cherry Growers Australia Limited.
With the new structure now in place, this is your opportunity to join CGA as a member and help shape the future of the industry. Whether you're a grower, part of a state association, supplier or stakeholder, we welcome your involvement and support as we take this important next step together.
Below is the link to the membership form and a copy of the constitution. We urge you to complete the form that is relevant to you and return it the CGA Office as soon as possible.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated and will allow CGA to strategically plan for and effectively oversee the industry’s growth. This is momentous step in CGA’s evolution which could not have been achieved without your support and commitment. This is something that I am immensely grateful for and I extend my thanks to you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or one of the CGA team if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Alison Jones
CGA - Chair
Click HERE for CGA Website
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Penny Measham as Chief Executive Officer of CGA, commencing 12 May 2025.
Penny brings to the role an impressive depth of experience across horticulture, trade, research, biosecurity and industry development. She is widely respected within the Australian and international horticulture community and has a long-standing connection to the cherry industry.
CGA President Alison Jones said the appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
The final report for the ACCC's supermarkets inquiry has made 20 recommendations after finding that ALDI, Coles and Woolworths are some of the most profitable supermarket businesses among global peers and their average product margins have increased over the past five financial years.
Read the full ACCC Media Release HERE
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
Web design by Fruit Tree Media