Meet Di – Connecting People, Water and Agriculture Across the North

Or you may likely have already, as Di has become a familiar face to growers, industry partners and communities across northern Australia through her work with NT Farmers and the Northern Hub.

Originally from NSW, Di has always had a keen interest in farming since growing up on her family’s mixed farming operation.  It was 20 years ago, Di and her family made the move north, swapping southern life for the Territory's relaxed lifestyle, tropical climate, spectacular landscapes and, as Di puts it, "endless opportunities."

During that time, Di has worked in various roles in the agriculture sector, from research, technical sales and watermelon agronomy in the Katherine region and the Top End.

For the past five years, Di has been part of the NT Farmers team, where she's discovered that the organisation is about much more than supporting farmers in the NT.

"People are often surprised to learn the breadth of what we do," Di says.

As a Water Industry Officer, Di works closely with growers to improve water efficiency, helping businesses become more productive, profitable and resilient. Her role is incredibly diverse, from assisting with water licence applications and moisture monitoring to providing advice on water use, fertiliser management, chemical stewardship and land clearing requirements.

She supports an incredibly diverse farming sector, working with everyone from long-established Asian vegetable growers who have been farming in the Territory for more than 30 years to newer producers finding their feet in northern agriculture. NT Farmers also represents horticultural enterprises growing everything from mangoes, tropical fruit and vegetables to diversified cattle stations producing fodder, with members extending across the Northern Territory and into the Kununurra region of Western Australia.

Di's current water project reaches even further, connecting with growers from Carnarvon in Western Australia right across to northern Queensland.

Across the region, she oversees 20 soil moisture monitoring sites spanning Katherine, Mataranka, Lake Bennett and Kununurra. These moisture probes provide growers with valuable data to make smarter irrigation decisions, helping them save water while maintaining healthy, productive crops.

But for Di, agriculture isn't only about water—it's about people.

One of the many rewarding parts of her role is helping reconnect the broader community with where food comes from.

"I think we've lost that connection," she says. "Many people don't understand how food is grown, the challenges farmers face, or just how much science, technology and innovation goes into producing what ends up on our plates."

To bridge that gap, Di works closely with schools, coordinating farm visits where students can experience agriculture firsthand. From seeing drones in action and learning about soil health and water management to exploring the latest agricultural technology, students discover an industry that's constantly evolving.

For many young people who have grown up in suburban environments, it's their first real look behind the farm gate.

"My hope is they leave realising agriculture is so much more than they imagined," Di says. "There are incredible career opportunities across science, technology, engineering, environmental management and so many other fields."

Strong relationships are at the heart of everything Di does. Her extensive network of agronomists, researchers, government agencies, Power and Water, and industry organisations ensures growers have access to the best information and support when they need it most.

That collaborative approach also makes Di an invaluable Node Manager for the Northern Hub.  The role has enabled her to participate in more industry and water conferences, stay abreast of emerging research and government policy, and continue building valuable networks across northern Australia.

Whether she's working alongside growers, mentoring students, monitoring soil moisture, or connecting industry partners, Di brings enthusiasm, knowledge and genuine care to every conversation.