Southern Highlands Future Forum 2026 - Regenerative Food Systems

Soil in hands
Expressions of Interest Open!
Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest for the 2026 Southern Highlands Future Forum, with this year’s focus on Regenerative Agriculture (Regen Ag). Regen Ag is increasingly important in supporting resilient landscapes, healthier food systems, circular local economies, and stronger communities in the face of climate and environmental change.
 
Now in its third year, the Southern Highlands Future Forum returns in partnership with WinZero and this year joined by Regen Action. Regen Action is a community-led organisation supporting regenerative agriculture, landscape restoration, and local food system resilience through education, collaboration, and practical on-ground action.
 
Building on the success of previous Future Forums, this event will bring together farmers, landholders, researchers, educators, food producers, health practitioners, businesses and community members to explore how regenerative food systems can strengthen our region. The forum will focus on practical regenerative agriculture, soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, local food, nutrition, circular economy and community resilience.
 
The event will host two sessions, plus a lunchtime. The morning session will focus on practical information for landholders, farmers and producers. The afternoon session will focus on how the wider community can support local, sustainable and regenerative food systems and the importance of healthy soils, for healthy food. A lunchtime stallholder showcase will connect attendees with local producers, organisations, businesses and projects already contributing to this work.

At a glance:

  • Date: 5 September 2026
  • Times:
    • Session 1: 10am - 12pm
    • Lunch/stallholders: 12pm - 1:30pm
    • Session 2: 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Location: Bowral Memorial Hall
In 2026, the conversation focuses on:
  • Regenerative agriculture and land stewardship
  • Soil health and biodiversity
  • Local and circular food systems
  • Food nutrition via healthy soils
  • Carbon farming opportunities
  • Water resilience and landscape restoration
  • Climate adaptation in agriculture
  • Innovative farming and food production practices
  • Community-led food initiatives
We Are Seeking Expressions of Interest From:
Speakers & Panel Participants
We welcome EOIs from:
  • Farmers and regenerative agriculture practitioners
  • Researchers and educators
  • Nutritionists
  • Industry experts and consultants
  • First Nations knowledge holders
  • Community leaders and changemakers
  • Businesses and innovators working in food systems, sustainability, biodiversity, or climate resilience
Suggested topics may include:
  • Soil regeneration and carbon farming
  • Agroforestry and biodiversity
  • Regen Ag and nutrient rich foods
  • Water-sensitive farming practices
  • Restoring landscapes and riparian systems
  • Circular economies and local food networks
  • Climate resilience for farms and communities
  • Native foods and sustainable production
  • Community-supported agriculture and food security
Stallholders & Exhibitors

We are seeking local businesses, organisations, producers and community groups who align with the regenerative food systems theme.

This may include:
  • Regenerative and organic producers
  • Sustainable farming businesses
  • Environmental and Landcare organisations
  • Educational institutions and programs
  • Food nutrition experts focused on food production practices
  • Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives
  • Community gardens and food-based social enterprises
Attendees & Community Interest

Community members are also encouraged to register their interest in attending the forum.

Whether you are:
  • A farmer, land manager or landholder
  • A student or educator
  • A sustainability professional
  • A food grower or producer
  • A member of Landcare or community groups
  • Or simply interested in the future of food and farming in the Southern Highlands 
Expression of Interest Form
Expressions of interest are now open for:
  • Speakers and panel participants
  • Stallholders and exhibitors
  • Community attendees
We welcome both established and emerging voices and encourage diverse perspectives from across the region and beyond.
 
Before you start, please review the criteria below and ensure you have supporting information prepared if you are completing the EOI as a Speaker or Stallholder for this event.

EOI will close on Monday, 13 July 2026, at 5.00 pm.

EOI Criteria - Stallholder/Speakers

EOI Criteria

Speakers/Stallholders must demonstrate appropriate experience in delivering the following content or products: 

  • Regenerative Agriculture / Sustainable farming / Natural Sequence Farming practices
  • Benefits of regeneratively grown produce
  • Regeneratively grown produce 
  • Climate change impacts on food systems
  • Carbon Farming/Sequestration
  • Growing food at home/community gardens
  • Improved food nutrition via improved soil health 

• The supplier of services and goods must demonstrate how their services and/or goods will educate the local Wingecarribee community on agriculture, circularity, nutrition or sustainability.

• The supplier of services and goods (stallholders) must provide the Certificate of Currency for their Public Liability Insurance - $20 million. Wingecarribee Shire Council must be listed on the certificate as an “Interested Party”. The insurance dates must include 5 September 2026.

• The supplier of services and/or goods must be able to supply the appropriate equipment for their stall (e.g. table, marquee, chairs, etc).

• The supplier of services and/or goods (stallholders) must be willing to attend the event at no cost to Council.

• The supplier of the stall must provide goods (stallholders) in sustainable packaging (paper bags, compostable plates, bamboo cutlery, etc).

Entering your information to be a stallholder or speaker in this form does NOT guarantee your spot at this event. 

EOI supporting information requirements

To complete this EOI as a Stallholder/Speaker you will need to provide the following supporting information and supporting documents to complete your Expression of Interest.

Stallholders & Speakers

EOI Participation Proposal: In 4-5 sentences, include what you propose to contribute to the forum and how your information/goods are locally appropriate. Please also outline your experience as a business or individual in the areas mentioned above, or attendance at similar events.

Stallholders only
  • Evidence of your Insurance Cover: (The supplier of services and goods must provide a Certificate of Currency for their Public Liability Insurance - $20 million (for stallholders) with Wingecarribee Shire Council listed on the certificate as an “Interested Party”. The insurance dates must include 5 September 2026. 
  • Food and Drink Providers will also need to provide: Food safety requirements apply, including:
  • A copy of your most recent food safety inspection (upload)
  • A current NSW food safety supervisor certificate (upload)

You can refer to our website for more information relating to Food Truck approval requirements here: Food Trucks | Wingecarribee Shire Council (nsw.gov.au) 

Click here to view form.

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