Meet our Speakers

Dr Caroline Duddy, Carrus Park Veterinary Services

Dr Duddy is an Equine Vet who specialises in reproductive medicine and neonatology, originally from Northern Ireland, Caroline’s passion for racing has taken her around the world. She worked in Ireland, England and Hunter Valley as a vet before settling in north-east Victoria. Caroline has a genuine passion for Victorian Racing and Breeding and she lives and breathes this in a hands-on way each and every day. Highly regarded by her peers, Caroline has been an advocate for, and mentor to, many younger female Vets as well as other industry participants. She works tirelessly in her many roles within the equine community.

Joshua Glibert, Indigenous Consultant, Agriculturist & Innovator

Joshua Gilbert is a Worimi man with extensive experience in Indigenous affairs, environmental sectors, and sustainable agriculture, advocating for Indigenous identity and truth-telling. Pursuing a PhD on Indigenous modernity through agriculture at Charles Sturt University with support from the Food Agility CRC, he has just launched a book entitled "Australia's Agricultural Identity: An Aboriginal Yarn." Josh is recognised internationally for his work, announced in the inaugural 50 Next: People Shaping the Future of Gastronomy cohort. He is the Assistant Director for the UTS Centre for Indigenous People and Work. He serves on the Future Drought Fund’s Consultative Committee, the board for Indigenous Business Australia, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the Australian Conservation Foundation, and is the Aboriginal Co-Chair of Reconciliation NSW. Josh is also an advisor for the CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Advisory Group and the First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group.

Rachael Cann, Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science

Rachael is a first year student at the university of Tasmania studying a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science with Honours. Rachel is originally from the Goulburn Valley, and attended Greater Shepparton Secondary College, graduating in 2024. She was lucky enough to gain a full-time job at a dairy farm in Numurkah thanks to an excursion in VCE Ag and Hort, where she found my passion for agriculture. When Rachel graduates from university she’d love to work with farmers and researchers to bridge the gap between science and practical actions on farm. Into the future She is hoping to see more agricultural education being taught into schools and local communities, as well as an increased awareness of tertiary education and future careers into agriculture.

Sarah Parker, Executive Officer of the Victorian Farmers Markets Association

Sarah is the Executive Officer of the Victorian Farmers Markets Association. She is the VFMA’s representative for the World Farmers Markets Coalition. Sarah holds a Masters in Agriculture and Rural Development and a Bachelor of Leisure Management. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, National Farmers Federation Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program, and the Victorian Climate Smart Agriculture Fellowship Program. She has experience in executive and management roles in agriculture, extension and research, community development, and education including Children’s Services Manager, Milk Supply Manager, CEO of a regional RD & E organisation. Sarah has been a partner in an irrigated dairy farm at Undera, in the Goulburn Valley, since 2004. The dairy farm focuses on breeding registered Illawarra (Milking Shorthorn) cattle that are suitable for challenging conditions of our world, including adapting to impacts of climate change. Genetics from Glencliffe have been exported into the EU, UK, USA and New Zealand.

Victorian Association of Agricultural & Horticultural Educators

Conference Speakers