Sharon Natoli: Speaking with Confidence & Growing Your Influence

A Short Course for Aspiring Female Leaders in Food Science

Due to the popularity of this course we are scheduling some more dates with the fabulous Sharon Natoli.

3 x 90 minute online sessions for female food scientists. Sessions will be held fortnightly over a 6 week period from 6 May - 3 June 2025. Registrations are limited to 25 so be quick!

Course outline-

Session 1: Barriers, Intentions and Challenges (6 May)

• Awareness of the barriers that get in the way of speaking with confidence and growing your influence.
• Why confidence and influence matters in the workplace – what you gain from developing your skills in these areas.
• How to increase your confidence and influence – a starting point for change.
• Setting intentions.
• Getting into action - fortnightly challenge.

Session 2: How to Increase Your Confidence (20 May)

• Fortnightly challenge follow-up and sharing
• The power of words – words and phrases you can use to enhance your confidence
• Standing in your power – embodying confidence through your body language
• Structuring your message for clarity – using the power of three to create rhythm and memorability
• Shifting from nervousness to confidence – how to manage nerves before you speak or participate
• Getting into action - fortnightly challenge.

Session 3: How to Increase Your Influence (3 June)

• Fortnightly challenge follow-up and sharing
• Speaking to be heard – voice projection and warm up
• Five speaking styles for influence
• When to use more words and when to use less
• Managing your state – bringing energy to your speaking
• What’s next? Intentions and outcomes.

ABOUT YOUR PRESENTER:

Sharon Natoli helps individuals, teams and leaders find their voice, grow their presence and ignite their influence by speaking up with confidence.

Sharon has 30 years experience in one on one counselling, communication, media and spokesperson roles, and as an advisor to organisations in the food sector assisting brands find their voice through key message development. Her professional experience is complimented by her personal understanding and empathy about the internal barriers that hold people back from speaking up and sharing their thoughts, ideas and opinions with confidence.

Sharon’s philosophy is that speaking up is a critical ingredient for demonstrating leadership readiness and making the career contribution you'd like to make.

Food Science Fundamentals

Virtual Short Course

The aim of this course is to familiarise food industry staff on the basic principles of food science.

Understanding the language used to assist communication with other staff and customers. Identify how food science impacts and supports their non-science role. 

This course will be delivered virtually, and the content includes:

• What is Food Science?
• Food Policy & Regulations
• Food Chemistry – the building blocks
• Food Packaging
• Food Microbiology
• Nutrition – food and the human body
• Food Processing
• Sensory & Consumer Science
• Food Safety
• The Future of Food

The course is held over four (4) afternoons:

1. Thursday 8th May 2025, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (AEST)
   
2. Thursday 22nd May 2025, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (AEST) 
3. Thursday 5th June 2025, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (AEST) 
4. Thursday 19th June 2025, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (AEST) 

Only 30 places available.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the interactive nature and long hours these sessions will NOT BE RECORDED and you are expected to be in attendance to gain the most from this course.

Join us for an insightful Webinar led by Prof Nenad.Naumovski & Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan

Prof Nenad.Naumovski will discuss Nutrition and the gut-brain axis - This presentation will include the potential influences of adhering to different dietary patterns on gut microbiota that may result in the modulation of the gut-brain axis.

Postbiotics for gut health: How do Australian native foods fit into the equation? Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan

Our gut microbiota is indispensable in food metabolism, nutrient absorption, and overall health. A person's gut microbiome composition affects their ability to absorb nutrients, so even a healthy diet may not ensure proper nutrient uptake. About 92% of adults in Australia do not meet their vegetable intake, and 50% fall short on fruit, leading to poor health and costing Australia over $195 billion annually. This is where postbiotics, the by-products of gut microbiota, offer a promising approach to personalised nutrition. Australian native fruits and vegetables have been integral to the Indigenous diet for millennia, and they have the potential to revolutionise the functional food industry globally. This presentation will explore the links between postbiotics and Australian native foods, featuring studies from our lab and others.

Our Speakers:

Prof Nenad Naumovski commenced his employment at University of Canberra (UC) in 2014 where he works as a Full Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition. He has established a research arm investigating healthy aging trajectories, plant bioactives, psycho-cardio-metabolism and development of nutraceuticals. Dr Naumovski is a founder and team leader of the Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory (former: Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers (CRIBB) Group). He is an academic member of the University of Canberra Research Institute in Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) and he also holds a position of Visiting Professor (Harokopio University, Athens, Greece), Conjoint Senior Lecturer (University of Newcastle, Australia) and Honorary Fellow (Abertay University, UK). Dr Naumovski is author of over 200 peer reviewed manuscripts, and he has presented at several national and international conferences. He was invited guest speaker for Australian Academy of Science (Food for Thought; Alternative Food Sources), International Bipolar Foundation (Dietary Interventions and Nutraceuticals for the Management of Mental Health) and Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST). From July 2025, Dr Naumovski and his laboratory (FFNR Laboratory) will be based in Singapore at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan is a Senior Research Fellow, International Engagement Coordinator, and Higher Degree Research Coordinator at the NICM Health Research Institute (NICM HRI) at Western Sydney University. He leads a culturally and linguistically diverse research group known as The GutBiotics Lab, which investigates the relationship between gut microbial byproducts (postbiotics), Australian native foods, and health. Dr Bhuyan has established NICM HRI’s first gut microbiome and virology laboratory and a genome sequencing facility to train the next generation of researchers within and outside of WSU. The research conducted at his lab contributes significantly to a recent paradigm shift in microbiology, revealing how postbiotics can provide essential insights into the impact of the gut microbiome on health and cancer therapy. He has published 61 articles in prominent journals, including Gut Microbes, Trends in Food Science and Technology, and Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. His research on postbiotics has garnered multiple awards and has been featured in over 160 media outlets, including The Conversation, ABC News/Radio and BBC Brazil, reaching more than 39 million readers. In collaboration with the industry, he has facilitated the commercialisation of a functional food product in both Australian and international markets.

Marketing the health benefits of food products

The opportunities of Standard 1.2.7 and the risks of the food-medicine interface

No matter the category of food product, consumers now expect it to be healthier and better for them. But marketing the health benefits of food products – whether they are true or not – can open up a can of regulatory worms. This half-day workshop will cover the following:

• The risks of a claim re-classifying a product from food to medicine.
• How format can impact on health marketing (i.e. can my food be sold in a pill, tablet, or capsule)?.
• How has the regulation of sports supplements changed?
• Distinguishing between high-level health claims, general level health claims and nutrition content claims.
• Knowing whether the Food Standards Code needs to be amended or not.
• How much scientific information is necessary to self-substantiate a health claim.
• Assessing whether your product is eligible to make health claims (i.e. do I need to meet the NPSC and what on Earth is the NPSC?); and
• Identifying pathways to market the health benefits of a product without making health claims.

This workshop is suitable for people working in regulatory, marketing, QA, R&D, NPD and legal at food companies, especially those responsible for approving key marketing claims.

Presented by CharlesFisher,  KHQ Lawyers – Principal Solicitor in Food & Beverage 

Charles is a Principal Solicitor (Food and Beverage) at KHQ lawyers. Charles is one of the leading consultants and trainers on food marketing, compliance, labelling, classification, licensing, safety and food crisis management. He has spent more than a decade staring at Australian and New Zealand FMCG regulations. He has facilitated thousands of innovative food, beverage, cosmetic and health products in reaching the AUNZ market, and have negotiated favourable outcomes with many industry regulators, including but not limited to FSANZ, DAFF, TGA, NSWFA and more.

Not a member? Join online today!

SA Branch Networking night

The SA Branch warmly invites members and non-members of the AIFST to join in for a casual night of networking and connections.  All formalities can be left behind as this is a night to connect (or re-connect) with others in the Food Science and Technology community.  Come for a little, or stay for a while, it’s totally up to you.

When:  Wednesday May 21st 2025.  From 5pm till 9pm (ACST)

Where: Big Shed Brewing. Mezzanine floor 1154 Old Port Rd, Royal Park SA 5014

Please meet Mezzanine floor area (just ask for the AIFST booking).

Cost: No cost to rock up and connect, but if you get thirsty or hungry there are many eateries and also the bar to purchase your own food and beverages.   

RSVP:  Please show your interest by registering (no charge) via the register button so we have an idea of how many to expect in attendance. RSVP By Wednesday 14th May.

Contact: Any questions - please call Rai on 0414 377 430 

AIFST QLD Member Exclusive: Priestley's Gourmet Delights

Need to know:

• The tour has limited numbers, so register today to avoid missing out!
• Competitors to Priestley's and those from similar industries are not permitted on tour.
• The attendee list will need to be approved by Priestley's prior to the tour, so please wait for confirmation from AIFST that your tour spot has been confirmed.

After the tour the Priestleys R&D team will provide complimentary samples of their cakes.

Parking instructions - Priestleys have some car parking onsite and street parking as well. Park in marked areas only. 

Safety and PPE requirements for guests:

• No fake lashes to be worn inside the factory

• If they have any piercings (including face ones) these will need to be taken out.
• Closed in footwear
• Hair to be tied up
• Long pants to be worn
• No jewellery
• If they have fake nails, they will need to wear gloves.
• Priestley’s will provide coats, shoe covers, hair nets and earplugs which are all required to be worn into the factory.

Please direct queries to aifst@aifst.com.au. We look forward to sharing this experience with our members, and hope you can join the QLD branch on this tour.

2025 AIFST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Notice is hereby given that the 2025 AIFST Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on THURSDAY 29 May 2025 commencing at 5:30pm (AEST) via ZOOM video conference.

The AGM is open to all financial members of AIFST. 

Voting information will be provided 21 days prior to the AGM.

Register to attend the AGM by clicking on the REGISTER button or by emailing aifst@aifst.com.au by 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday May 28th 2025

Food Science Week Webinar 1: Why Food Scientists Matter More Than Ever

Explore the vital role of food scientists in tackling tomorrow’s challenges—from sustainable production to global nutrition. A webinar to kick off the week looking at the future challenges for food scientists, why food scientists are needed, the difference they make. This leads in well to the week’s theme - What does a food scientist or technologist do?

Host: Fiona Fleming, AIFST

Panellists:

Stewart Eddie, askafoodtech

Rozita Vaskoska, CSIRO

Ben Sutherland, FSANZ

Chris Downs, FaBA

Food Science & Technology Week Webinar 2: Job Skills Webinar

An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce report - insights relevant to food scientists.

Host: Andrew Edwards, Job Skills Australia

Free to register

Food Science & Technology Week Webinar 3: Food Safety - Science in Action

Marking World Food Safety Day, this expert panel unpacks the science that safeguards our food and our future.  Hosted on the eve of World Food Safety Day (7 June) - the theme this year is 'Food Safety: Science in Action.

Host: Deon Mahoney, AIFST

Panellists: Victoria Wansink, ACT Health

Jasmine Lacis-Lee, BVAQ

Martyn Kirk, ANU

Craig Shadbolt, NSW Food Authority

Free to register

Risk Assessment Principles and Practice

• Do you need to update your Risk Assessment process?
• Do you know the right questions to ask and who should be involved?
• Have you thought outside the square?
• Do you know there is a difference between HACCP and Risk Assessment?
• How do we categorise the risk? What if you don’t have the answers? How do you access the data?

Be prepared for the next food safety incident and risk proof your future.

Our presenters include:

• Dipon Sarkar, Victual
• Deon Mahoney, AIFST
• Fiona Fleming, AIFST
• Dr Thea King, DPIRD

This AIFST workshop will bring together individuals from various backgrounds and professions who share a common interest in risk assessment and recall.

Participating in this event will allow you to network with industry professionals, experts, and like-minded individuals.

Networking can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities for professional growth.

Program Overview

FoodTech Qld

19-20 June 2025

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

FoodTech Queensland brings together the most innovative food manufacturing and technology solutions into one destination event on the beautiful Gold Coast.

Held every three years, FoodTech Qld unites major food operators with influential industry figures and explores the critical challenges faced by food manufacturers. As Queensland’s leading event for food processing and production, it’s the industry’s meeting place for driving business growth, discovering advanced solutions and reconnecting with peers.

To register, visit the FoodTech Qld website HERE

AIFST Members receive 10% discount off Conference Passes! Please contact us at aifst@aifst.com.au to receive the discount code.

AIFST online workshop: How to confidently make voluntary marketing claims food

How does the Australian Consumer Law go beyond the Food Standards Code?

Most of the marketing of food products is not prescribed by regulation in Australia. So how can we confidently assess whether our products are “natural”, “vegan”, “good for you”, “sustainable” or “fresh”? The key is being able to assess your risk of breaching the Australian Consumer Law. This half day workshop will enable participants to:

• Identify who their “reasonable consumer” is.
• Assess what their expectations may be; and
• Know how much evidence we need to hold to substantiate our marketing claims.

We will look at recent regulatory actions on emphasising key ingredients, origin claims, sustainability, and packaging claims, and more.

This workshop is suitable for people working in regulatory, marketing, QA, R&D, NPD and legal at food companies, especially those responsible for either substantiating or approving key marketing claims.

Presented by Charles Fisher, KHQ Lawyers – Principal Solicitor in Food & Beverage 

Charles is a Principal Solicitor (Food and Beverage) at KHQ lawyers. Charles is one of the leading consultants and trainers on food marketing, compliance, labelling, classification, licensing, safety and food crisis management. He has spent more than a decade staring at Australian and New Zealand FMCG regulations. He has facilitated thousands of innovative food, beverage, cosmetic and health products in reaching the AUNZ market, and have negotiated favourable outcomes with many industry regulators, including but not limited to FSANZ, DAFF, TGA, NSWFA and more.

Please note: Due to long length and interactive nature of this workshop it will not be recorded so please only register if you can attend on the advertised date

• AIFST Virtual Workshop: Navigating the Food Regulation Maze

• 
  

• Food regulation can be confusing! 

  Do you ever ask yourself "How do I know if the ingredients I want to use in my new product are approved and safe?"

  Or what about... "How do I know what I can or can’t say about my product?"

  This workshop is designed to help your business collect and manage the information needed to assist with regulatory compliance.

  The workshop will cover:

• Overview of the food regulation system in Australia and New Zealand
• Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
• Mandatory labelling requirements under the ANZ Food Standards Code
• Uniform Trade Measurement Legislation
• The Food-Medicine interface - Complementary medicines
• Practical exercise looking at assessing a label

Whether you are entering the food industry or just trialing new products, learn more about the regulations that can protect your products and your consumers.

Please note - This workshop will NOT be recorded due to it its interactive nature and long length so you will need to be able to attend in person on the day.

Presenters:

Fiona Fleming - AIFST

Fiona is CEO of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST). She is an experienced Corporate and Regulatory Affairs professional who has been involved in leading and facilitating change and developing management strategies across a portfolio of food policy and regulation matters in global FMCG and NGO environments.

Mr Jim Moshovelis

Jim has over 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries with a strong background in regulatory and government affairs, stakeholder engagement, product development and quality assurance. He advises and assists companies wishing to register or list their products with the TGA.

Charles Fisher - KHQ Lawyers

Charles is a principle solicitor (Food and Beverage) at KHQ lawyers. Charles is one of the leading consultants and trainers on food marketing, compliance, labelling, classification, licensing, safety and food crisis management. He has spent more than a decade staring at Australian and New Zealand FMCG regulations. He has facilitated thousands of innovative food, beverage, cosmetic and health products in reaching the AUNZ market, and have negotiated favourable outcomes with many industry regulators, including but not limited to FSANZ, DAFF, TGA, NSWFA and more.

Registration Cost:

AIFST Members: $110.00

Non-Members: $195.00

Student/Graduate Members: $60.00

Student/Graduate Non - Members: $80.00

NZIFST Members: $110.00 with code

Not a member? Join online today!

AIFST25 Convention 12-13 August 

AIFST25 will be held as a face-to-face event, on August 12 & 13 in Melbourne featuring a full technical program and exhibition.

With the theme Grow, Learn, Connect, and Champion, AIFST25 will be held over two days with plenary and concurrent session streams, the convention will feature over 60  scientific and food industry speakers from across the agrifood sector. Food safety will feature strongly, alongside advances in health and nutrition, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, sustainability, and packaging. 

Please join us in August to grow, learn and connect.

Visit our AIFST25 website page HERE for partners and more!

For all partnership enquiries, please contact Clive Russell on 0407 066 188 or via clive.russell@aifst.com.au.

AIFST25 Convention Tuesday 12 August 

Day 1 only ticket includes Tuesday 12th August 2025 face-to-face convention sessions and the Food and Wine Networking Event.

AIFST25 will be held as a face-to-face event, on August 12 & 13 in Melbourne featuring a full technical program and exhibition.

With the theme Grow, Learn, Connect, and Champion, AIFST25 will be held over two days with plenary and concurrent session streams, the convention will feature more than 50 scientific and food industry speakers from across the agrifood sector. Food safety will feature strongly, alongside advances in health and nutrition, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, sustainability, and packaging. 

Please join us in August to grow, learn and connect.

Visit our AIFST25 website page HERE for partners and more!

For all partnership enquiries, please contact Clive Russell on 0407 066 188 or via clive.russell@aifst.com.au.

AIFST25 Convention Wednesday 13 August 

Day 2 only ticket includes Wednesday 13th August 2025 face-to-face convention sessions and the Food and Wine Networking Event.

AIFST25 will be held as a face-to-face event, on August 12 & 13 in Melbourne featuring a full technical program and exhibition.

With the theme Grow, Learn, Connect, and Champion, AIFST25 will be held over two days with plenary and concurrent session streams, the convention will feature more than 50 scientific and food industry speakers from across the agrifood sector. Food safety will feature strongly, alongside advances in health and nutrition, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, sustainability, and packaging. 

Please join us in August to grow, learn and connect.

Visit our AIFST25 website page HERE for partners and more!

For all partnership enquiries, please contact Clive Russell on 0407 066 188 or via clive.russell@aifst.com.au.