The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Jo Wisdom as its new Director, effective 1 January 2025.
The SW WA Hub is funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and led by the Grower Group Alliance (GGA). It plays a critical role in supporting farmers, communities, and industries in South-West WA to accelerate resilience to drought and climate variability.
Dr Wisdom succeeds Mark Holland, who served as Director of the SW WA Hub for just under three years and is stepping down from the position for personal reasons. Mr Holland will continue his valued work with GGA as Program Broker.
“I’m deeply honoured to step into the role of Director of the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. Agriculture has never been more critical – or more exciting – as we shape the future of food and farming,” Dr Wisdom said.
“The World Economic Forum has ranked farm workers as the top-growing job over the next five years, highlighting the incredible opportunities ahead in our industry.
“In 2025 and beyond, I look forward to collaborating with the SW WA Hub, GGA, and Future Drought Fund teams, and the broader agricultural community to drive innovation and build a resilient future. Together, we can empower farmers, communities, and ecosystems to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Dr Wisdom joined GGA in August 2022 as Innovation Manager, where she led projects focused on advancing agricultural innovation, strengthened GGA’s connections within the WA agricultural ecosystem, and championed extension initiatives.
Her impressive academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and a PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Western Australia, and a Diploma in Digital Technologies from Flinders University. Her career spans research, industry and government roles, with a passion for teaching and learning across diverse agricultural sectors, including horticulture, viticulture, and sustainable projects in pastoral and broadacre cropping systems.
Chair of the SW WA Hub Steering Committee Erin Gorter said she is delighted to welcome Dr Wisdom as the new Director.
“Jo’s passion for innovation and her deep understanding of agriculture will drive the Hub’s mission to support farmers, industries, and communities in building resilience to drought and climate variability,” said Ms Gorter.
GGA Chief Executive Officer Rikki Foss expressed confidence in Dr Wisdom’s ability to lead the SW WA Hub into its next chapter.
“Jo’s extensive experience in research, project management and stakeholder engagement makes her the ideal choice to lead the SW WA Hub,” Ms Foss said.
“Her leadership will continue to drive impactful outcomes, fostering resilience and innovation in Western Australian agriculture.”
The SW WA Hub extends a warm welcome to Dr Wisdom as she begins her new role and offers heartfelt gratitude to Mr Holland for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the Hub’s development.
