University of Queensland business students from Brisbane stepped out of the lecture theatre and into the Lockyer Valley, gaining firsthand insight into how regional businesses thrive.
The visit showcased how innovation, sustainability and collaboration drive success across the Valley’s agricultural sector.
Benita Lella, a master’s student in international business and human resource management at UQ Saint Lucia, said the trip was an eye-opening experience.
“We, the master’s students from UQ, are all studying business. Recently, we took a trip to the Lockyer Valley to explore local businesses and engage with stakeholders,” she said.
“This was part of a BRIP trip, which stands for Business Regional and Industrial Partnership. It was a great opportunity to gain insights into the region’s industries and make valuable connections.”
During the trip, students visited several local businesses, including Mulgowie Farming Company, Native Oz Bushfoods, Metagen, 9Dorf Farms, Porter’s Plainland Hotel and the Lockyer Valley Growers.
Originally from India, Benita said the trip gave her a deeper understanding of how business in regional Australia operate and the vital role they play in agriculture.
“I lived in India for the first 22 years of my life,“ she said.
“At the age of 23, I moved to Australia to pursue my master’s degree in business, specialising in international business and human resource management.
“Australia has been a new experience for me, and my first city was Brisbane.
“I’ve lived here for the last two years, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to deeply engage with the local community and gain insights from the locals until this trip.”
“I found our experience interacting with the direct stakeholders to be incredibly valuable,” she said.
“One major emphasis was on how they managed their operations in a lighthearted way while also grounding themselves in sustainability.
“The two factors of innovation and sustainability truly stood out to me.
“A prime example was Metagen, where innovation intersects with technology and sustainability.
“I was also impressed with Mulgowie, as they demonstrated exceptional corporate social responsibility practices.
“What fascinated me was the broader business perspective we gained.
“We learned how different businesses can produce the same product using diverse packaging strategies from the same factory… Through this experience, we gained insights into price negotiation, bargaining power, and product differentiation.
“Overall, it was enlightening to see how stakeholders interact and maintain strong relationships with one another throughout the supply chain.”
The students also visited the Lockyer Valley Council and met Deputy Mayor Chris Wilson.
“During this meeting, we held a discussion panel with around 25 students and four lecturers,“ Benita said.
“It felt more like a conference, allowing for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
“One takeaway… was learning about the debt the council had faced previously and how they successfully worked together to overcome it. It was inspiring to see how the council operates as a unified team rather than just a collection of individual efforts.
“Every stakeholder involved is committed to giving back to the community, focusing on collective growth rather than individual interests.”
Ms Lella said the group concluded the trip with a visit to the Lockyer Valley Community Centre where they discovered the vital hub of support the centre provides.
“It was insightful to see how they engage with the local community,” she said.
“They have a thoughtful approach to addressing homelessness by sourcing products for those in need.
“Their goal is to ensure that homeless individuals have access to not only necessities but also opportunities for a healthier and more dignified lifestyle.”
