The One Basin CRC leadership team gathered in Mildura this month to discuss how the team is working to make an impact in communities across the Murray–Darling Basin.

The three-day retreat provided an opportunity to reflect on the CRC’s achievements so far and look ahead to the implementation of its strategic plan for the next three years, according to CEO Professor Mike Stewardson.

‘Previous planning activities with all our partners collectively identified the key challenge areas to direct our research efforts, so with that piece in place our focus is on how we will work to deliver our projects,’ Mike said.

‘There are five priority areas we are focusing on – ensuring our partnerships are valued; recognising the interests of First Nations in all the work we do; making sure our regional hubs are well established, supported and working effectively; acting as leaders in the innovation space; and managing projects to have a real impact on the ground.’

Mike said the team of about 20 people also spent a day talking about some of the issues in the Mildura region and visiting key local sites, including the SuniTAFE Smart Farm.

‘It is really important to have the retreat in a regional area because one of the things we like to do when we get together like this is take the chance to better understand the regions we are working in,’ he said.

Mallee Regional Innovation Centre CEO Rebecca Wells said it was a great time to host the team in the region.

‘The Mildura Hub is really taking shape now with this month’s appointment of hub manager Peter Forbes, the recent commencement of our first researcher, and new projects underway or about to start,’ Rebecca said.

‘The retreat was a meaningful and enjoyable way to help activate the hub.

‘It was the second time the leadership team has come together in Mildura, and for some it was their first time in the region. We welcomed the opportunity to connect with the other regional hubs and discuss shared issues as well as showcase our region and introduce the team to key people in the community.

‘A highlight of the retreat was a session on the banks of the Murray River with the First People of the Millewa-Mallee and Trust for Nature.’