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Hope Vale Foundation is advancing Indigenous-led aquaculture to address food security, create jobs, and build sustainable economic growth on Country.

Lu Zhao joined Hope Vale Foundation in 2025 as Office Manager, bringing strong project management experience. She supports daily operations while exploring innovation in agriculture and regional development.

Hope Vale Foundation’s pioneering freshwater prawn project took centre stage at evokeAG 2026 in Melbourne, where Directors and staff showcased the Normanby Freshwater Prawn to global agrifood innovators, investors and chefs.

Hope Vale Foundation is working with seafood specialist Umar Nguyen ‘The Fish Girl’ to introduce chefs to Cape York’s giant freshwater prawns and build demand for Australia’s first Indigenous-led commercial prawn industry.

This International Women’s Day, Hope Vale Foundation celebrates the leadership of Indigenous women in agriculture and aquaculture, recognising the contributions of Board members Cheryl Cannon and Kaylene Bowen.

The Foundation’s Extraordinary and Annual General Meetings on Tuesday 2 December 2025 delivered positive outcomes and reaffirmed shared commitment to the year ahead.

Our Climate Intelligent Workshops brought together students, families, and industry partners for two days of hands-on learning in aquaponics, composting, worm farms, and wicking beds.

Lu brings five years of project management experience, and a passion for innovation in agriculture, to her role, supporting the Board in streamlining operations, and helping drive meaningful change.

Directors Woibo and McIvor introduced Tony Matchett to Hope Vale’s origins, connecting him with the community’s history, Country, and people.

Hope Vale Foundation Manager Rachelle McIvor joined the FutureAg Expo in Melbourne, alongside Hope Vale Congress Rangers Riana Hart and Leonard Yoren, exploring Indigenous-led innovations in agriculture.