WHO WE ARE
The Speak Up Campaign originated in 2015 as a Facebook Page to highlight the important role water plays in food production and rural communities. Bringing to attention the positive outcomes derived from irrigated agriculture, including ecological outcomes.
Within a few months a full media campaign was developed to increase the education messaging - highlighting the adverse social, economic and ecological impacts the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan was causing.
During this journey our role has broadened as we have brought together many communities across the Southern Basin (predominately) for numerous rallies, protests and other events. The most recent event we helped coordinate was the Convoy to Canberra, which had supporters from outside the Murray Darling Basin helping support our case.
Our aim is to be a voice for the grassroots. We want transparency around water management decisions and the implementation of the Basin plan.
Our vision is to have vibrant rural communities working in harmony with their local environment, where locals are key to decision making.
Basin Communities want a Basin Plan that delivers for communities, the environment and food security.
OUR TEAM
Shelley Scoullar - Chair
Co-founder of the Speak Up Campaign Shelley is the mother of three boys and married to Paul. Prior to relocating to Albury in 2019 Shelley worked alongside her father on the property owned by herself and Paul, and the family farm where she grew up.
While the businesses predominately focussed cereal crops, Shelley and her father shared a love of rice growing and the wildlife it supported.
Shelley’s ambition is to better educate those who have not had the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the benefits of irrigated agriculture and the role it can play in helping meet ecological outcomes. Despite a tough decision to sell the family farms in 2019 Shelley continues to be a driver of Speak Up.
David Farley - Deputy Chair
David Farley joins Speak Up with a lifetime of experience in the agricultural and agribusiness sector. Raised in the Riverina of NSW - Narrandera, he was immersed in agriculture from an early age, influenced by his family’s ownership of an agricultural services, machinery, fertiliser, and chemical supplies business.
With extensive experience in operating, managing, and directing farms, processing facilities, ASX listed agribusiness companies and large farmer Co-Operatives within the agricultural arena, David has developed a profound understanding of the industry's complexities and governing polices.
David’s involvement in water reform initiatives in Australia, California ,Arizona , Sudan, and FSU has provided him with firsthand insight into the challenges farmers and communities face due to policy issues that affect their capacity to grow food and build food security into a nation’s food supply chain.
David is passionate about fostering a healthy and prosperous Australia, advocating for leadership that is equipped with the skills, tenacity, and courage to make and challenge policy decisions.
David’s dedication lies in safeguarding our food-growing capacity and food security for future generations.
Sue Escott/Braybon - Secretary /Treasuer
Sue’s involvement with Speak Up began during the preparation for the Convoy to Canberra rally, having returned to the Southern Riverina after many years.
Sue believes people from the cities have a lack of understanding about the hardship farmers and rural communities face due to the poor decisions made by governments in relation to water policies. Speak Up can alleviate this situation by increasing exposure of the issues for their city counterparts.
Sue’s family are 4th generation farmers, having farmed properties in the Southern Riverina and Goulburn River districts.
Sue works behind the scenes, assisting Speak Up with their accounts, membership and website maintenance.