​Grants Focus
NSW Aquaculture industry development program
Under the program, the aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have access to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2 million, for the following:
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  1. Stream One - Projects focused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment upgrades, supply chain improvements and new product development.
  2. Stream Two - Projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as converting equipment to lower emissions or creating bioproducts and utilising waste streams such as processing of oyster shells.

It's strongly recommended that projects align with the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement Roadmap and the NSW ARAC RD&E Strategic Plan (where appropriate).

Applicants should carefully review the grant guidelines in full, paying close attention to eligibility criteria and co‑contribution requirements. Some of the key points include:

•     Sole traders and partnerships (as defined under taxation law) are not eligible.
•     Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost (although exemptions may be considered in limited circumstances).
 
Appications close 4pm on Sunday 18th January 2026.​
This list is not exhaustative, and farmers are encouraged to undertake their own searchers for grants and funding support. Some useful websites to visit are:
Professional Development Opportunities
NATIONAL SEAFOOD INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP) is the only national seafood industry specific leadership program, and is designed for people wishing to take up leadership roles within the seafood industry. The focus of the program is for participants to develop an understanding of how to impact constructively, resulting in positive outcomes for the seafood industry. Graduates have gone on to apply their skills to a wide range of areas including regional network development, regional and state industry association boards, and reference committees and effective business management. 
NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIP
Nuffield Australia awards scholarships each year to farmers in Australia. The objective is to increase practical farming knowledge and management skills and techniques generally. These scholarships give Australian citizens the opportunity to study farming practices in NZ, Europe, Asia and the AMericas and those countries best suited to the Scholar. They will also promote a closer understanding between farmers in the countries visited. Upon returning to Australia it is expected that scholars will be able to activity spread the knowledge and understanding they have gained among their fellow farmers and others.

Nuffield Farming Scholarships give a unique opportunity to stand back from your day-to-day occupation, and to study a subject of interest to you. You do not need academic qualifications, but you will need to persuade the Selectors that you have the qualities to make the best use of an opportunity that is only given to a few.
Farm business resilience program
The Farm Business Resilience Program invites farmers in NSW to positively change the way they run their farming enterprise. It's designed to empower farmers with the skills to navigate risks, adapt to climatic shifts, and enhance the overall resilience of their operations, economically, environmentally, and socially. Through personalised coaching, workshops, and digital learning, plus invaluable peer insights from case studies, NSW farmers are transforming their businesses into models of resilience and forward-thinking success.​
women & Leadership development 
All women currently employed in the Australian farming and agriculture sector are invited to apply for a limited pool of scholarship funding that has been provisioned for participation in a range of leadership courses. The grants are allocated with the specific intent of providing powerful and effective development opportunities for women within the farming and agriculture industry. 
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​Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP)
The Australian Rural Leadership Program supports individuals who want to respond to regional, rural, and remote Australia’s most complex challenges, as well as the opportunities that arise. The program is for established leaders who are ready to tackle complex challenges and have significant impact on rural, regional and remote Australia. This is a ​15-months program including 4 face-to-face sessions between 5-10 days in length, online sessions and independent project work.

Contact

Andy Myers
E: [email protected]
M: 0488 656 366

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OceanWatch Australia is the National Marine NRM, recognised and supported by the Australian Government through the National Landcare Program.

The NSW Oyster Industry Extension Officer is funded through the NSW Aquaculture Trust and the NSW Landcare Program. The NSW Landcare Program is a collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.