Future of Orbost & District Project

12/10/2026

Continuing the work of the former Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project, the Orbost & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry has secured the services of a suitably qualified Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) volunteer to continue exploring the feasibility of a h**p hub in Orbost - particularly at the site of a former timber mill. Mac Thomson - the ABV volunteer - will visit Orbost & District early next week. Anyone interested in meeting with Mac and providing input into this process, can message us for more details.

This work is aimed to complement more strategic industrial h**p industry development work, which Food & Fibre Gippsland is hoping to be in a position to be able to undertake,

25/05/2026

So many opportunities - and so much activity occurring in the industrial h**p space globally - let’s make it happen here.

17/05/2026

H**p Grower
Licensing Webinar
May 20, 4-5pm
Register Now

https://www.victorianh**passociation.org.au/events

04/05/2026

There has been a bit of matchmaking going on. Connecting local biomass waste streams to technologies and research. We're keen to hear from community members interested in circular and bioeconomy opportunities.

Apologies for the short notice - but there will be a one hour zoom session tomorrow for interested community members keen to hear more about a draft proposal for a pilot using 'Black Soldier Fly' technology.

If the pilot goes ahead it would need a local project/operations manager.

Like to join the zoom session - or just keen to learn more?

Please eMail [email protected]

29/04/2026

The learnings around industrial h**p production continue - this year a focus on harvesting the seed! A great collaboration between Stan Weatherall and Gippsland Seed Services. Kudos to these local champions - nothing happens without local leadership and having a go!

We believe it's a great opportunity for the district and we're very pleased that Food & Fibre Gippsland is keen to play a key regional leadership/co-ordinating role in activating all elements of the value chain and sustaining momentum for the work undertaken to date.

Orbost & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry

02/04/2026

Sorry if you’re not a subscriber - but we at least want to share the headline!🤩

🌿 Orbost refuses to surrender after economic catastrophe, with h**p emerging as the unlikely crop that could rebuild the shattered timber town >>> https://bit.ly/47zB4Il