Profitable and sustainable primary industries supporting vibrant regional communities

Hawkesbury Harvest supports the HARtDAC project and thanks the supporting partners for thier vision and commitment to agriculture. Hawkesbury City Council have clearly identified the need for the retention of agriculture within the region, and as part of an ongoing process they have initiated the 'Hawkesbury Agricultural Retention through Diversification and Clustering' (HARtDaC) project; the first of its kind in the region. This project will consider, in some detail, agricultural opportunities in the region that can assist in the retention of agriculture, by investigating opportunities for diversification of farming, and opportunities to enhance agricultural activity through farming networks. In the first instance, the project will consider crop suitability based on the survey and analysis of critical biophysical factors. However, it will also consider these biophysical opportunities in the light of socio-economic factors, such as infrastructure, market accessibility and access to skills and knowledge.

Hawkesbury City Council, inital sponsors of the Hawkesbury Harvest project are very proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest and its goals for the Region.

This Regional Tourism body is key to the development in the Hills and Hawkesbury Regions. It takes in the shires of Hornsby, Hill and Hawkesbury. The River, The Hills and the Mountains is a key attractions to this region

Hills Shire Council are proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest and its goals for the Region.

Hornsby City Council are proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest and its goals for the Region.

Kiama Council together with Shoalhaven City Council have been the drivers in the region in bringing Hawkesbury Harvest to the Region. The South Coast Harvest Experience has been 5 years in the making.

National Australia Bank (NAB) Agribusiness employs more than 580 agribusiness banking specialists in 110 metropolitan and regional locations Australia-wide. Our agribusiness team uses local and industry knowledge to better understand the unique environmental and economic needs of farmers and businesses beyond the farm gate - whether they provide inputs into agriculture or process, distribute or market primary produce. We have a flexible range of agribusiness products and services which have been developed by listening to and working with customers, to tailor the best packages and advice for their businesses. NAB Agribusiness Penrith is proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest and their commitment to local agriculture.

The NSW Department of State and Regional Development is proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest. The Department is dedicated to expanding the economic capacity of the State's regions and encourages communities to strengthen their viability as business locations through local partnerships with councils and business organisations. The Department cooperates with regional groups in order to build regional business and investment through market initiatives such as Hawkesbury Harvest.

Penrith City Council is proud to support Hawkesbury Harvest and its goals for the Region. Penrith, with its river, mountains and lakes can be the perfect place to pick up your gourmet farm produce and boutique wines. Enjoy a visit to the area and taste the delicacies that the region has to offer. While you travel the farm gate trail through Penrith take a moment to experience the world class entertainment, fabulous outdoor recreation and cultural facilities that Penrith has to offer. Penrith is also home to numerous craft and fresh produce markets. The Penrith Visitor Information Centre can provide you with more information on these, for a full listing call 1300 736 836. With its gourmet food and wine, dining, markets and entertainment there is so much to see and do in Penrith that one day might not be enough time to fit it all in! Penrith City Council also manage the Visitor information centre website. This website is packed with useful information on the Penrith and Hawkesbury Region. Visit the website on www.penrithvalley.com.au for more information.

Greater Western Sydney (GWS) has the third largest economy in Australia, houses people from more than 170 countries and has more Indigenous residents than Victoria or South Australia. It is a rapidly developing peri-urban area with more people driving to work than anywhere else in Australia. It is the food bowl of Sydney and its waterways and land are under significant pressure from development. The four main sustainability challenges for the region are: transitioning to a low carbon economy; developing sustainable communities; ensuring agricultural sustainability and food security; and conserving biodiversity and river health. The Vision of this RCE is to establish GWS as a living laboratory of environmental, economic and social sustainability, with collaborative action learning programs, which are relevant, innovative, engaged and have a regional narrative.

Shoalhaven City Council together with Kiama Council have been the drivers in the region in bringing Hawkesbury Harvest to the Region. The South Coast Harvest Experience has been 5 years in the making.

The University is a proud supporter of Hawkesbury Harvest and students and staff are actively involved in its development. UWS Engagement is an active participant in the community life of Greater Western Sydney. UWS Engagement has dedicated staff whose roles are focused on University-Community links around environmental and social sustainability issues of priority importance to GWS. The University of Western Sydney is a leading centre of learning, research and culture in the community. We pride ourselves on developing sustainable partnerships with local organisations, residents, government, industry and business. This collaboration enriches and strengthens both the University and our community through the advancement and transfer of knowledge, making a significant contribution to improving the quality and vibrance of life across Greater Western Sydney. Our goal is currently achieved through a diverse range of outreach programs and research projects. We also support commercial initiatives including conference facilities, and provide access to continuing and professional education opportunities.