The Egg Industry Stakeholder Event at Crown was a truly memorable occasion, brimming with meaningful discussions, invaluable insights, and a shared sense of purpose. From the moment I stepped into the River Room, the atmosphere was charged with energy and anticipation. The day began with tea and coffee, providing a relaxed opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new colleagues from across the industry.
The morning sessions set a strong foundation for the day, starting with a warm welcome and industry update from Rowan McMonnies. He offered a candid reflection on the challenges our sector faces and the opportunities ahead, grounding the conversation in the broader context of what’s at stake. A standout moment for me was the session on avian influenza outbreaks, where Graeme Cooke, Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, shared his wealth of knowledge and insights from recent experiences. Brendan Sharp’s presentation on aerosol transmission added depth, offering a clear understanding of how diseases spread and emphasising the critical need for stronger biosecurity measures. These talks left us with both a sense of urgency and a renewed commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
After morning tea, the focus shifted to production challenges, with Mini Singh facilitating a dynamic series of talks. Peta Taylor’s presentation on smothering brought fresh perspectives and actionable solutions, while Andrea McWhorter’s discussion on single-use vaccines highlighted the potential for innovation in solving long-standing problems. Amy Moss shared intriguing research on layer nutrition, and Peter Groves provided a timely update on Spotty Liver Disease. The interconnected nature of these topics became evident during the panel discussion, which fostered open and honest dialogue about the practical challenges on the ground. Jo McCloskey and Robyn Richards later led an inspiring session on building capacity within the egg industry, leaving us optimistic about the potential for collaboration.
Lunch provided an excellent opportunity to network and delve deeper into the day’s discussions. The buzz of engagement was palpable as attendees shared their thoughts on the sessions so far. Post-lunch, the spotlight turned to sustainability and marketing. Kelly Seagrave introduced the Egg Industry Sustainability Framework, offering timely insights into adapting to evolving consumer and environmental expectations. Caitlin McConnel and Philip Szepe expanded on emerging sustainability issues, delivering practical guidance on reporting and accountability. Elodie Myers from Hall & Partners presented compelling consumer insights, while Beck Vila’s overview of key campaign outcomes offered a forward-looking perspective on promoting eggs in a changing market.
As the day wound down, pre-dinner drinks and canapés provided another opportunity to connect and reflect. Dinner in the Crown Aviary, generously sponsored by DSM, was beautifully organised. Surrounded by colleagues, exchanging stories and ideas, I felt deeply appreciative of being part of such a forward-thinking and resilient industry. It was a powerful reminder of our collective strength in tackling challenges and driving progress.
I left the event feeling inspired and optimistic about the future. It wasn’t just about the knowledge gained—it was also about the relationships built and the sense of community strengthened throughout the day.
Professor Tamsyn Crowley
