For Gillian Russell seeing firsthand how tech can solve real, on-the-ground challenges for producers, was the moment she decided to be part of the driving the change.

Recently Gillian was announced as one of the Greater Whitsunday Agtech Hub, Agtech Activators, putting up her hand to take a leading role in shaping the future of agriculture in the Greater Whitsunday region,

Gillian is passionate about connecting farmers with practical technology solutions, Gillian is helping local growers navigate the rapidly evolving AgTech landscape — ensuring innovation translates into real on-farm benefits.

Based in Bowen, Gillian works across North Queensland as an Agriculture Workforce Development Officer for the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA). Her work focuses on supporting growers and agribusinesses to attract, train, and retain skilled teams — while giving her a front-row seat to the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture today.

“I’m based in Bowen and work across North Queensland as an Agriculture Workforce Development Officer for Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

“My role is all about supporting growers and agribusiness to attract, train, and retain their workforce — but it also gives me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today. I’ve always been passionate about helping farming businesses thrive, and I see technology as a key part of that future,” Gillian says.

Her interest in AgTech grew when she saw the tangible impact technology could have on day-to-day farming.

“For me, it really clicked when I started seeing growers’ trial new digital tools — like automated irrigation, crop scanning, and drone technology — and how quickly those innovations could reduce inputs, improve efficiency, and make farming more sustainable. Seeing firsthand how tech can solve real, on-the-ground challenges for producers made me want to be part of driving that change,” she explains.

As an AgTech Activator, Gillian’s role is all about connection, collaboration, and practical adoption.

“As an AgTech Activator, I see my role as being a connector — sharing knowledge, helping build confidence in new tools, and creating stronger links between technology providers and growers. “I wanted to get involved because I believe peer-to-peer learning is powerful; farmers trust each other’s experiences, and being part of those conversations helps accelerate adoption in ways that are practical and relevant,” she says.

She believes AgTech has huge potential for the region from capturing data using data-driven to make informed decisions to robotics to automation.

“These technologies can help our industries address labour challenges, adapt to climate pressures, and boost productivity while staying sustainable.”

Her goals as an Activator are clear: “I’d like to help build grower confidence in AgTech, create more opportunities for hands-on demonstrations, and support practical adoption of tools that really make a difference on-farm. If I can connect just a few more growers to technologies that save them time, money, or stress, I’ll consider that a win.”

Sustainability and efficiency are central to Gillian’s passion for technology. “AgTech allows us to do more with less. Whether it’s applying water or fertiliser more precisely, monitoring crops and livestock in real-time, or automating repetitive tasks — it reduces waste, improves resource use, and makes farms more resilient. At the same time, it can make agriculture more appealing to the next generation, who are often looking for high-tech, innovative career pathways,” she says.

Workforce development is also close to her heart, with labour as one of the biggest challenges facing growers.

And for Gillian she believes technology can help reduce pressure by automating certain tasks, supporting workers with better tools, and attracting new people to the industry.

“If we can combine human skills with smart technology, we’ll be in a much stronger position.”

Looking ahead, Gillian hopes her work as an AgTech Activator will leave a lasting mark on the region.

“Success would be seeing more growers across the region confidently using AgTech in their day-to-day operations — not just trialing it but adopting it because they see the clear value.

“It would also be about stronger collaboration between industries, tech providers, and growers, so that innovation becomes a normal part of how we farm in the Greater Whitsundays,” Gillian said.

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