Jeremy Morton, is farmer from Moulamein in Southern NSW, producing rice, winter grains and beef, and has been the chair of the National Irrigators’ Council since 2018.  Jeremy has been President of Ricegrowers Association of Australia and a Director of SunRice.  In his roles and interests in farming and irrigation, he has encouraged collaboration and unity between various agricultural advocacy groups in New South Wales and national bodies. Jeremy has been an active participant in community activities, he’s a strong farmer advocate with a focus on sustainable practices. 

Jacqui Hickey, Executive Director - River Management, Murray Darling Basin Authority
Jacqui Hickey commenced her role as Executive Director of River Management at the MDBA in July 2024. With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, she is well-versed in the complexities of water management, including flood and drought management, irrigation system modernization, and environmental watering. Her past executive roles include leading multi-jurisdictional efforts to improve the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee at the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW).

She also supported the National Situation Room at the Bureau of Meteorology during the Australian Government's response to the 2022 floods and previously oversaw river operations and the Applied Science program at the MDBA. Jacqui is passionate about making a difference, caring for our rivers, and fostering positive working environments. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Melbourne.

Featured Speaker - Steph Cooke, MP 
Steph Cooke entered the New South Wales Parliament in 2017. Since then, Steph has served in several roles including as Minister for Emergency Services & Resilience, Minister for Flood Recovery, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, and the Nationals Whip. Steph has also been a member of a number of parliamentary committees relating to areas including regional development, community services, electoral matters, law & safety, and coercive control. Steph was appointed NSW Shadow Water Minister in May this year, and is committed to working with parliamentary colleagues on all sides, along with stakeholders, to progress issues of concern relating to water safety, supply, and security, across regional and metropolitan areas of the state 

Wednesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:30am - 3:00pm