The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been confirmed as the Western Australian cluster lead for Cluster Connect, a new national program designed to strengthen growth and innovation in Australia’s agrifood sector.
Cluster Connect acts as the Industry Partner Organisation for food, beverage and agribusinesses participating in the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program.
It delivers tailored mentoring, expert advice, advanced resources and strategic connections to help businesses progress their commercialisation journey and achieve sustainable growth.
The initiative is led by the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) in Queensland, with cluster leads also appointed from Central Coast Industry Connect (New South Wales), Food and Fibre Gippsland (Victoria), and Fermentation Tasmania (Tasmania).
Together, the five organisations represent Australia’s leading agrifood clusters, working in collaboration to support innovative enterprises across the country.
NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the appointment ensures Western Australian agrifood businesses have access to a national network of expertise and opportunities.
“Being part of Cluster Connect means WA businesses can tap into a truly national ecosystem of knowledge and support,” Mr Beattie said. “Our role is to connect enterprises here in WA with the mentoring, advice and networks they need to grow - while also ensuring Aboriginal-led businesses are included in shaping the future of Australia’s agrifood industries.”
Through the program, businesses are matched with advisers and connected into opportunities most relevant to their goals, whether that’s developing a commercialisation strategy, testing markets, securing investment, or building partnerships.
Mr Beattie said the collaborative nature of the initiative was a key strength.
“No single business or cluster can do this alone,” he said. “By linking WA into a national network, we’re creating the conditions for innovation and growth that benefit not just individual enterprises, but the sector as a whole.”
Cluster Connect is now working with Industry Growth Program participants across the country, ensuring businesses are well positioned to meet challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable agrifood ecosystem.
