CRISP Wireless has stepped up to support Western Australian sheep farmers as they adapt to major industry changes brought by the live export phase out, connecting them not just online, but to vital information, funding and community support.
At the recent Connecting Sheep Farmers webinar, hosted by CRISP Wireless, CEO Leigh Ballard opened with a powerful message:
âWeâre not here tonight to debate the decision - thatâs been made in Canberra. Weâre here because we believe that no one in regional WA should have to face change like this, alone or uninformed.â
With that philosophy at the core, the session brought together WA Grant writing experts to unpack the Farm Business Transition Grant Program, helping producers understand what the funding means for their future.
CRISP Wireless have prepared a webinar to support sheep farmers considering applying for the federal government's farm business transition programme. Key speakers, including Heidi Cowcher (CRISP Wireless' Grant Manager), broke down how eligible farmers can apply for grants, guiding participants step by step through GrantConnect and the supporting documentation required.
Heidi underscored that strong applications come from planning ahead and showing readiness:
âIf you've done your background research, if you've done your planning, if you've got your quotes, you've got your solid evidence, don't second guess yourself when you're filling out the form.â
Heidi also outlined key application details, from eligibility and documentation requirements to expected timelines, noting that applications close 1 December, with outcomes expected in March 2026 and projects likely commencing by June 2026.
Grant writing specialist Karen McFarland, Funding Lead from Whitney Consulting highlighted the importance of telling each farmâs story with evidence and authenticity:
âWhen they're looking at these grant applications, they are competitive. So not everybody that applies is going to receive funding. So, what they want is to fund the businesses that will be the most impacted by the phase out. Let them know that the phase out of the live sheep export is going to have a significant impact, [on your business] as it will go from employing this many people to losing this many people in your local community.â
She also warned that missing mandatory attachments could disqualify applications before assessment even begins:
âIf you donât supply the things theyâve asked for, you can be ruled out before they even start reading. Itâs brutal, but thatâs how they get the numbers down.â
Karen encouraged applicants to demonstrate alignment with the programâs objectives and quantify community and economic benefits where possible.
Anna Dixon, Director of BlueSalt Consulting urged applicants to take a realistic approach to the assessment process and their project planning:
âIâd be cautious about being certain that it would be six months. I think it would be very optimistic to think the assessments were finished by February⊠every application needs to be rigorously assessed.â
She advised producers to plan for potential delays and develop fallback strategies:
âWork out where the tipping point is, when you say, âActually, I canât wait for this grant anymoreâ It might not make business sense if the grant is significantly delayed, to hang on.â
Her advice reinforced the programâs emphasis on transformation over quick fixes.
For CRISP Wireless, this initiative is part of a bigger mission: ensuring regional communities stay connected, informed, and empowered through change. From delivering reliable connectivity across the Wheatbelt to facilitating access to education and funding, CRISP continues to champion regional resilience, proving that connection goes far beyond the internet.
âWeâre proud to help farmers access opportunities that secure the future of regional WA,â Ballard said.
Farm businesses interested in applying for the Farm Business Resilience and Transition Grant can access:
This article is part of CRISP Wirelessâ commitment to connecting regional WA with reliable information and resources, not just connectivity.
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