The Next Gen Committee adds another dimension to the upcoming Beef 2027 event managed by Beef Australia
Beef Australia has announced Bethany Rands as the newly appointed Chair of the Next Gen Committee.
Bethany, a Business Analyst (Operations) with the Northern Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo), recently completed the Marcus Oldham Leadership Program and will now lead the committee’s activities as preparations for Beef 2027 continue.
“My top priority will be to help the team deliver a seamless and impactful Next Gen Program,” Ms Rands said. “I’ve seen the positive impact this initiative has on young people, myself included, and I’m eager to share that same support. I want to build on the legacy of the program and ensure it remains fresh, valuable, and genuinely exciting for the next wave of talent.”
Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin explained how the Next Gen Program plays an essential role in engaging and inspiring young people who see a future in the beef industry.
“At its core, the program aims to help expose future participants in the beef industry to the incredible variety of pathways that exist for young people seeking a future in Ag,” Simon Irwin assured.
“In a time where we’re seeing a continuing skills shortage across the industry, it’s more important than ever for our event to focus on supporting and highlighting pathways to employment amongst our next gen audience, and also within our schools’ program,” Simon Irwin concluded.
The 2027 Beef Australia Next Gen Committee includes:
- Bethany Rands (Chair)
- Cassandra Bush
- Lily Cochrane
- Tessa Conaghan
- Emily Greer
- Toby Kellaway
- Xavier McCluskey
- Kate McDonald – please note this committee member is Kate McDonald, originally spelt Kaye
- Lucy McGilvray
- Emily McNair
- Maddie Morgan
- Samantha Plath
Be part of Beef 2027 in Rockhampton QLD running from 2 to 8 May 2027 for a week-long exhibition and celebration of all facets of the industry, including producers, scientists and exhibitors. See the Next Gen Program here.
Exhibition space is now open and will close on 4 February 2026. See the exhibitor link here, or for more information, contact the Beef 2027 team on tel: 07 4922 2989, or email: tradefair@beefaustralia.com.au
