The Patron of the Soil CRC, The Hon Penny Wensley AC, provided an inspirational address in the opening session of the 2025 Participants Conference, highlighting the contribution that all partners need to make to ensure that the Soil CRC leaves a legacy when it finishes in 2027.
Fresh from delivering a keynote speech at the Soils for our Future 2025 Conference in Manitoba Canada, and prior to jetting off to Europe to give a keynote address at the SoilCarbon4Climate Conference in Berlin, Germany, Penny made time to give freely to the Soil CRC in her role as our Patron.
With a little under two years to go, Penny stressed the importance of the Soil CRC leaving a legacy, and that it is up to all participants – researchers, students, grower groups, management – to think about how they can contribute to that legacy.
“When the Soil CRC concludes, it is you – the scientists and researchers, the farmers and land managers, the universities, the grower groups, the representatives of industry and of state government departments and the students with long careers ahead of you – who will still be working ‘in this space’, who will not only benefit from a strong legacy, but actually be part of making it an enduring one.”
Penny also reflected upon what the Soil CRC has achieved, and the reputation and profile that it has nationally and internationally.
“I remain actively engaged with soil advocacy nationally and internationally – and I can assure you that the Soil CRC is highly regarded, in Australia and overseas. Its collaborative approach, linking science, industry and farmers, is an admired model. Interest in its work – from its partners and diverse stakeholders – has always been strong, but as it has evolved and in moving into the final years of its operation, interest in its outputs – in the ‘new knowledge, tools and practices’ it was established to develop ‘to help Australia’s farmers better manage their soils’ – and more broadly, contribute to the wellbeing of the agricultural sector – has sharpened noticeably.”
Penny was an active participant throughout the conference, enthusiastically engaging with PhD students, farmer groups and researchers, and was an eager attendee on one of the field trips.