The Australian melon industry convened last week for the 2025 Australian Melon Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration, organised by Melons Australia. The event brought together growers and industry stakeholders from across the country to discuss current challenges and identify strategies for future development.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the ongoing cost/price pressures affecting melon growers nationwide. Presentations and discussions emphasised the need for detailed market assessments and efforts to expand market access. Attendees called for data-driven decision-making in marketing, research, and communications, and stressed the importance of collaboration, education, and long-term strategic planning.
Several initiatives were proposed for future development, potentially through levy funding or other support mechanisms. These include incorporating melon-related education into schools and food service sectors, continuing work to improve fruit quality and explore new markets, and identifying opportunities for strategic collaboration along the supply chain. Additional proposals focused on promoting the health benefits of melons through targeted outreach, developing a communications and social media training program for growers, and exploring apprenticeship or engagement strategies to attract younger participants to the industry.
The event also highlighted the need to reassess the current levy structure to enable increased investment in marketing efforts.
Melons Australia CEO Johnathon Davey noted the high level of engagement during the conference and acknowledged the strong attendance, with over 130 participants, marking the return of the event after a seven-year hiatus.
30th Anniversary of the Australian Melon Association
The evening event commemorated the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the Australian Melon Association. It brought together current and former industry leaders to reflect on the Association's history and development.
Four of the Association's six Chairs were present, including inaugural Chair Darryl O'Leary (Chinchilla), and Judy Greensill (Bundaberg), the first Secretary/Treasurer and later Chair from 2003 to 2007. Long-serving Chair Mark Daunt was recognised for his leadership during a decade of industry challenges, while current Chair Paul McLaughlin spoke about the organisation's continued role in shaping the future of the industry. Former Chairs Jeff Moon and Jon Caleo were also acknowledged, along with other past and present Board members.
Reflecting on the early days of the Association, McLaughlin noted that the organisation emerged from discussions at the 1992 Melon Conference in Griffith and was formally established at the second conference in Ayr in 1995. He described the 2025 gathering as a significant moment to assess the sector's progress and reaffirm its commitment to addressing future challenges.
The conference concluded with a focus on continuing to adapt through innovation and coordinated industry action.
For more information:
Johnathon Davey
Melons Australia
Tel: +61 407 032 023
Email: [email protected]
www.melonsaustralia.org.au