Affectus

affectus

Affectus was born from the September 11th crisis. Managing Director, Jill Briggs saw the wo

Rural Training Initiatives focuses our resources on delivering leadership, personal and community development programs. Our work spreads from local community voluntary work through to national industry leadership programs. Our passion is working with rural people – we live in rural communities, we understand rural communities and we have personal and professional knowledge regarding rural Australi

a. We do however acknowledge that we are experts in only one field and that is providing programs that are facilitated and managed so that people participating are able to build skills that will assist them provide leadership into the future.

09/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Sugeesha Diunugala - Kialla, VIC

I am a results-driven Farm Manager with over 13 years of experience in agricultural operations and leadership. Currently overseeing harvest operations at one of Australia’s largest hydroponic facilities, I lead diverse teams to deliver high-performance outcomes in quality, safety, and productivity. With a background in Agricultural Technology, an MBA in Marketing, and a Diploma in Human Resource Management, I combine technical expertise with strong people leadership. Passionate about continuous improvement and team development, I am committed to strengthening the vegetable industry through innovation, collaboration, and building capable future leaders within his workplace and community.

09/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Sophia Thach - Eveleigh, NSW

I am an early career researcher and project Manager for Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection, the national extension and communications project supporting Australia’s vegetable industry. I am participating in the 2026 Growing Leaders program to strengthen my leadership, communication and change-management skills so I can lead high-performing teams and deliver greater impact across horticulture projects. My vision is a resilient, profitable vegetable industry built on simple, evidence-based systems that improve soil and crop health, reduce costs, and support long-term sustainability and industry-led innovation.

08/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Richelle Kelly - Bowen, QLD, 4805

I have been working with BGGA as the VegNET Regional Development Officer since late 2024, but I have a long background in agriculture. I grew up on a sugarcane farm in NQ before completing a communications degree and returning to work on the farm for 10 years. I then worked for a sugarcane agronomy firm before moving to this role in vegetables. I enjoy the challenge of horticulture, and working with the growers and my team to learn and develop in the industry i find to be rewarding.

07/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Nina Morozenko - Warragul, VIC

Hi. I am Nina Morozenko. I am a Head Grower at Flavorite farm.
I am participating in 2026 Growing Leaders to challenge myself and enhance my knowledge in leadership.

06/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Nikola Manchev - Warragul, VIC

I am a National Sales and Technical Specialist at Boomaroo Nurseries, working closely with vegetable growers to improve seedling performance, crop reliability and commercial outcomes. My role bridges technical agronomy and sales, focusing on practical solutions, innovation and long-term partnerships. I like identifying opportunities for improvement and turning ideas into measurable results. Originally from Europe and now based in regional Victoria, I value hard work, resilience and continuous growth. Outside of work, I’m a husband and father of 9 year old girl and 10 year old boy, which doesn’t leave me much time for my motorbike.

02/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Natasha Schultz - Blenheim, QLD, 4341

I am an agronomist with Elders Gatton in the Lockyer Valley, supporting vegetable and horticulture producers across the region. Coming from a farming family, I understand firsthand the challenges and rewards of agricultural life, which shapes the practical, grounded advice I provide. I work closely with growers on crop nutrition, soil health, and pest and disease management to improve productivity and sustainability. I am passionate about building strong relationships and delivering solutions that are both economically sound and environmentally responsible.

02/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Mendurim Selimovski - Dandenong, VIC, 3175

Arriving in Australia in 2000 as an immigrant, I joined Schreurs & Sons as a celery packer. Over time, I have managed to work my way up to my current role of Production Manager. I am taking part in Growing Leaders as I want to improve my supervisory skills so that I can get the most out of my team, ensuring that they can continue to develop in their roles and drive change within the business. I want to help ensure that the vegetable industry can continue to grow healthy and safe vegetables in a sustainable and economically viable way.

01/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Josh Cranwell - Milang, SA

Josh Cranwell is a sixth-generation vegetable grower from South Australia, part of a family-run multi-crop farm best known for producing Brussels sprouts. He values the farm’s history and is focused on keeping it strong for the next generation. Josh is participating in the 2026 Growing Leaders program to challenge his thinking and strengthen his leadership skills. He wants to play a role in improving standards and adopting practical innovation to keep farming strong into the future.

31/03/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

John Taylor - Amiens, QLD

As a fifth-generation leafy green vegetable grower in Queensland, I live in the Granite Belt—a region nestled high in the mountains, renowned for its delightful climate, stunning scenery, and national parks. This April, I am eagerly looking forward to marrying the love of my life after five wonderful years together. My two Kelpie dogs, Bundy and Skylier, always keep us on our toes. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and community that stand by me and my partner in every aspect of life.

29/03/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders

Gabby Kupsch - Frankston South, VIC

I am fairly new to the horticulture industry with just 3 years experience on farm and a background in nursing before that. I think that nursing has equipped me with a fair idea of what makes a good or bad leader but I would say I missed the oppurtunity to explore or expand my own skills in that way. I now work for a growing business (in both senses of the word) and I am really excited about the oppurtunity to make a difference for myself, my workplace and hopefully the industry!

26/03/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders

Evan Braham - Virginia, SA

My name is Evan Braham, I work for Braham Produce family owned business by my parents (Andrew and zurriyet Braham). We grow capsicums all under protected cropping around 60,000 plants 2.5 hectares. I have been in the industry full time for 4 years but grown up with growing my whole life. The reason why I am participating in Growing Leaders is because I am a young grower and experiencing chances like this boost my knowledge and skills with others and growing. its also great for networking and getting to know more growers and learning about their companies. What I would like to do for the vegetable industry is show that young growers can make a difference and show to others that change is needed to grow the best vegetables as some of the vegetable growers are stuck in old ways.

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1095 Kings Road
Norong, VIC
3682

Website

http://www.affectusaus.com.au/

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