APEN (Australasia-Pacific Extension Network)

Looking for some inspiring summer reading to kickstart 2025? 🌞 Dive into the latest edition of the Rural Extension and Innovation Systems (REIS) Journal, published by APEN. The REIS Journal is your go-to resource for high-quality articles on extension research and practice, focused on innovation and change in primary industries and natural resource management across the Australasian-Pacific region. Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, or simply passionate about extension, there’s something for everyone. What You’ll Find in REIS: 📄 Research Papers: In-depth studies into agricultural and natural resource change management, innovation systems, and extension methodologies. 📚 Literature Reviews: Comprehensive academic overviews of key topics in the field. ✍️ Field Notes: Informal, accessible articles sharing practical experiences, lessons, and innovations from extension professionals. Each article offers valuable insights and actionable knowledge to enrich your understanding and practice of extension. Ready to explore? The REIS Journal is available online—free of charge—making it easy to access wherever you are this summer. 👉 Start reading here: https://lnkd.in/gpYPPTfN Got an idea for a paper? Submissions are always welcome! Check out the publishing guidelines for details on how to share your research, reviews, or field experiences with the extension community. Make the most of your summer downtime with REIS—your next breakthrough idea might be just a page away! 🌱 #SummerReading #REISJournal #ExtensionCommunity #InnovationInExtension

Happy New Year to our wonderful APEN community! As we welcome 2025, we’re filled with excitement for the opportunities and milestones this year will bring. What’s ahead in 2025? ✨ Conversations: More thought-provoking APEN Conversations to spark ideas, share knowledge, and tackle the issues shaping extension work. 🚗 Roadshow Expansion: We’re hitting the road again, bringing workshops to more locations to strengthen connections and foster learning. 🌟 Conference Countdown: The APEN 2025 International Conference: Tech + Extension: A Powerful Partnership for Change is coming to Brisbane on 14–16 October. Save the date—it’s going to be an event to remember! And that’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more initiatives and opportunities as the year unfolds. Together, we’ll continue to strengthen the APEN network and drive meaningful impact in extension. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead. Let’s make 2025 our best yet! 🎊 #HappyNewYear #APEN2025 #ExtensionCommunity #NewYearNewGoals

As Christmas arrives, we want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful day. This holiday season is a time to reflect, relax, and celebrate the connections that matter most. We’re incredibly grateful for the APEN community—for your passion, ideas, and commitment to making a difference in extension. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and all the things that make the season bright. From all of us at APEN, Merry Christmas! 🎅🌟

As 2024 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on a year of growth, connection, and progress. Together, we’ve tackled complex challenges, shared meaningful insights, and celebrated key milestones. Let’s take a moment to highlight what we’ve achieved and what lies ahead! 🌟 2024 Highlights APEN Conversations This year’s sessions explored vital topics shaping our work: 💬 March: Tackled cancel culture and algorithms, finding ways to foster diversity of thought and inclusive dialogue. 🔍 July: Used the ORID framework to reflect on the power of questions in decision-making. 📊 August: Learned evaluation methods to measure and improve our work. 🎯 September: Shared practical strategies for audience engagement. 🎄 December: Caroline Coppo inspired us to embrace curiosity and continuous learning with “Training: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know.” These sessions reinforced the value of peer learning and vibrant discussion, fostering collaboration across the network. ExtensionChat This year’s workshops equipped professionals with tools to navigate the complexities of extension work: 🌿 Key themes included the power of peer-to-peer learning, timing and relevance, and facilitation techniques for engagement and collaboration. Participants left energized and ready to apply these insights in their work, showing how extension continues to adapt to a changing landscape. NSW Roadshow In-person connection shone at our Roadshow on “Getting the most out of a mentoring relationship.” Attendees gained tools to strengthen mentoring connections and networks. We’re excited to expand the Roadshow to more states in 2025! 30-Year History Release This year marked a significant milestone as we celebrated APEN’s journey with the release of our 30-Year History. This publication honours the achievements and impact of our network, showcasing the dedication and vision of our members over the decades. ✨ Looking Ahead: APEN 2025 International Conference Save the date! From 14–16 October 2025, Brisbane will host the APEN International Conference: Tech + Extension: A Powerful Partnership for Change. This event will bring extension professionals together to explore innovation and collaboration at the intersection of technology and extension. Thank You! To every member, participant, and supporter—thank you for being part of our journey this year. Your dedication continues to drive positive change in extension and beyond. We’re looking forward to an exciting 2025! What was your favourite moment from 2024? Share your highlights or what you’re excited about in the new year! 🌱 #APEN #YearInReview #30YearsOfAPEN #ExtensionCommunity #2025Conference

Ready to grow your professional journey? Join the APEN Mentoring Scheme as a mentee or mentor! 🌱 Expressions of Interest are now open for our 2025 program, starting this February. Whether you're looking to build confidence, expand your network, or give back to the extension community, this 8-month program has something for you. 💡 Mentees: Gain insights, skills, and career mobility. 🤝 Mentors: Share your expertise, refine your leadership, and help shape the future of our industry. 📅 Deadline: 18 December 2024 💻 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gQkvBDBE Let’s strengthen our community and build lasting connections! Who would you recommend for this program? Tag them below!

📸 30 Years in Photos: Celebrating APEN’s Legacy! 🌾🌏 The APEN 30-Year History book continues to inspire, and today, we’re sharing a visual journey through the decades. From conferences to workshops, trailblazers to milestone moments—these snapshots tell the story of how far we’ve come as an extension community. A massive thank you to Dr Patricia Hamilton for bringing these memories and stories together. Her dedication has ensured that APEN’s history is preserved for future generations. 🌟 If you haven’t already, download the booklet here: https://lnkd.in/g-6QiP7f 💬 What do these photos remind you of? Were you there? Share your memories in the comments below! #APEN30Years #ExtensionExcellence #Agriculture #Innovation #LeadershipThroughTheYears

Meet Sharon Honner: Inspiring Growth Through Mentoring As the Mentoring Program Coordinator for the APEN Mentoring Scheme, Sharon Honner brings over 20 years of experience empowering individuals and teams in the agricultural sector. Sharon’s expertise in leadership, mentoring, and personal development shines through in her work, where she fosters meaningful change and builds capacity across regional and rural communities. Through the APEN Mentoring Scheme, Sharon is committed to guiding mentees and mentors alike on a transformative journey. Her innovative mentoring strategies provide participants with the tools they need to grow their skills, build confidence, and achieve their professional goals. 🗓️ Applications are open until 18 December 2024—don’t miss your chance to learn from and work alongside passionate professionals like Sharon! 📋 Program Highlights include: One-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to your needs. Mini-training opportunities with industry experts. A supportive network of APEN members. 🔗 Apply now and join Sharon in shaping the future of agricultural extension: https://lnkd.in/gQkvBDBE 💬 What inspires you about mentoring? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Mapping APEN’s future together Late November saw exciting collaboration and planning for the Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN). Here’s what unfolded: 📌 The APEN Board: Met to align our strategic plan, develop KPIs, and define priorities for 2025. 📌 Regional Coordinators: Reviewed 2024 successes and challenges, setting the direction for the coming year. 📌 Joint Session: Both groups came together to integrate strategies, ensuring a united path forward for our vibrant extension community. We also celebrated transitions: 👋 Farewell and heartfelt thanks to retiring board members Pat Hamilton and Peter Long for their invaluable contributions. Their journey with APEN isn’t over—they’ll continue to lend their expertise as part of our committees. 🌟 Welcome to new board members Olive Hood and Salman Quddus, whose fresh perspectives will help us shape the future of extension. APEN still has two board positions open! Interested in making an impact? Reach out or tag someone who might be the perfect fit. 💬 How do you see extension evolving in the next five years? Share your thoughts below!

APEN Mentoring Scheme 2025: Deadline Extended! Great news for extension professionals! The deadline for Expressions of Interest to join the APEN Mentoring Scheme has been extended to 18 December 2024. This 8-9 month program (February – October 2025) is tailored for both mentees and mentors, offering: ✔️ For Mentees: Skill-building and confidence in a supportive environment. Networking with professionals in the agricultural extension sector. ✔️ For Mentors: An opportunity to share expertise, refresh skills, and contribute to the extension community. 📋 Program Highlights: Monthly mentoring sessions. Mini-training opportunities with guest presenters. Group sessions for progress and evaluation. 💰 Cost for Mentees: APEN Members: $530 + GST | Non-Members: $745 + GST 🤝 Mentors participate at no cost. 🔗 Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, learn, and connect. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gQkvBDBE 💬 Are you considering applying? Let us know in the comments or tag someone who might be interested!

Final call! Join us for the last APEN Conversations of the year, happening this Tuesday, 3rd December. 💬 Topic: “Training: You don’t know what you don’t know.” 🌟 Facilitated by Caroline Coppo, a passionate advocate for extension and capacity building. This one-hour session is a chance to reflect, connect, and explore how embracing curiosity can transform professional development. It’s an inspiring way to close the year and head into 2024 with fresh ideas! 📌 Register today: Log in to the Members Area, go to News and Events, and click APEN Conversations. Let’s end 2024 with a great conversation – we hope to see you there! 🌟