This year, the One Basin CRC Annual Partner Event brought partners from across the Murray– Darling Basin to Goondiwindi, Queensland – the home of our Northern Basin hub. Hosted by Hub Manager Marti Beeston, more than 150 attendees were welcomed into the community and given the chance to experience all that “Gundy” has to offer.

The theme, Evolving Together, set the tone for the two-day gathering. The 2025 Annual Partner Event was not just an opportunity to connect, but also to reflect on how our industry-led research projects are maturing and responding to the ever-evolving social, technological, environmental, economic, and political forces that shape the Basin.

The event opened with a Smoking Ceremony, and Welcome to Country was delivered by Tanya Kirkegaard of the Bigambul people; a reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual connections to Country that underpin all our work.

One Basin CEO, Professor Mike Stewardson, set a strong foundation with his opening address, reaffirming the CRC’s purpose and direction. His message was clear: “Activity is not impact.” It was a call to action that all involved must continue to work to translate research outcomes into meaningful change for communities, industries, and the environment.

Keynote speaker John Ruffini, Director of Water Planning Sciences at the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, reflected on his decades of experience in the sector. He reminded the room that true progress depends on including all stakeholders in the process: “If we don’t include and understand different perspectives – tensions build, resistance builds.”

The program was as diverse as it was engaging. A panel of diverse experts – including Ruffini, Michael Scobie (University of Southern Queensland), Zara Lowein (National Irrigators Council), and Michelle Ramsay (Goondiwindi Regional Advisory Committee member) – discussed the shared challenges and unique perspectives of communities and industries in the Northern Basin and Southern Basin. 

Regular attendees would have noticed a big change this year: a much greater focus on our research projects and outcomes. Six dedicated project sessions were held across the two days, allowing more than 35 researchers to share current findings and progress for their projects. The event also featured a poster session, showcasing the work of the CRC’s PhD and postdoctoral researchers, and allowing direct discussion and connection with this emerging cohort. 

Day two began with a candid Q&A from Julia Spicer OAM, Deputy Chair of the Australian Economic Accelerator, and a proud Goondiwindi local. A powerful advocate for regional communities and businesses, her words rang true for many: “Building relationships locally takes time. It is a long-term commitment, and you need to find the people you want to build those relationships with.”

Two industry site visits then gave participants a grounded perspective on regional innovation and resilience. Goondiwindi Cotton, with its blend of tradition and technology, and the Woods Grain Algae Pharm, the antipodean pioneer of this emerging industry.

This year also introduced optional tours on the days before and after the main event. Ahead of the event, partners had the chance to visit Cubbie Station and experience the awe-inspiring scale of the largest irrigated property in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The post-event tour was to Queen Mary Falls, near the headwaters of the Condamine, and offered a more intimate opportunity to connect with nature. The experience was enriched by a powerful Welcome to Country from Uncle Rod Williams and Nathan Charles, and reflections from Melissa Chalmers on the cultural connection to Country through the water for Githabul women, and the Blackfish Project with Southern Queensland (SQ) Landscapes.

The main event concluded with an interactive session on the integration and impact of research projects. Partners were invited to make personal commitments that will guide us all towards even greater impact. It was a fitting way to close; a reminder that the strength of One Basin CRC lies not only in research excellence, but in shared ownership of outcomes. 

As one partner reflected: “It’s not up to ‘the CRC’ to determine legacy. It’s up to all of us.”

Were you at the One Basin CRC 2025 Annual Partner Event? Take a look at our event photo gallery here.