Sustainability Frameworks Operations & Communications
Brief
The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) exists to monitor, measure and report industry performance against agreed sustainability priorities, supporting the Australian sheep industry to better understand its opportunities, challenges and impacts across the value chain.
Operating alongside the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework and within a broader ecosystem of RDCs, industry bodies and stakeholders, the SSF is now in a stable delivery phase. With this maturity comes the need for disciplined operations, clear governance support and consistent, credible communications that reinforce the Framework’s value to industry.
On behalf of the Framework, Meat & Livestock Australia sought an experienced administration and communications partner to support the coordination and public extension of the SSF- ensuring governance runs smoothly, stakeholders remain engaged, and sustainability outcomes are clearly communicated in a way that is practical, industry-led and non-regulatory.
AgCentric was appointed to provide operational and communications support to the SSF, working closely with MLA project managers, the MLA Communications team and Steering Group members to strengthen delivery, reduce friction and support the ongoing relevance and credibility of the Framework.
Rounding up sheep at Mudgee NSW. Photo credit: Madie Hamilton
The AgCentric Approach
AgCentric’s approach is grounded in one principle: good sustainability outcomes rely on good governance, clear processes and calm, consistent communication.
Rather than reinventing what already works, our role is to support and strengthen the SSF by providing structured, reliable operational support and thoughtful communications delivery that integrates seamlessly with MLA systems and industry governance.
Our approach focuses on four key areas:
1. Governance & Operational Discipline
We support the SSF Steering Group and Board through predictable, well-run processes - from forward planning and meeting coordination to agendas, papers, minutes and live governance registers. This creates confidence for Chairs and members, reduces administrative burden, and ensures decisions and actions are clearly tracked and delivered.
2. Clear, Practical Communications
Working in close partnership with the MLA Communications team, we help plan, develop and deliver SSF communications that are timely, consistent and grounded in industry reality. Communications are aligned to governance milestones, reviewed early to avoid bottlenecks, and designed to build trust rather than noise.
3. Stakeholder Coordination & Intelligence
We act as a connective layer between governance, MLA and stakeholders - monitoring sentiment, identifying emerging issues early, and ensuring insights flow back into decision-making. This helps avoid surprises and supports more proactive engagement across the industry.
4. Continuous Improvement
Beyond day-to-day delivery, we support the Framework to identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve tools and enhance how sustainability information is communicated. The focus is on efficiency gains that maintain quality, credibility and industry confidence.
By bringing structure, calm and clarity to SSF operations and communications, AgCentric helps ensure the Framework continues to support the sheep industry in telling its sustainability story… credibly, collaboratively and with confidence.
We’re particularly excited about this project as it gives Founder, Madie Hamilton, a chance to return to her roots - growing up on a sheep property outside Mudgee NSW. We’re excited to get stuck in and support the framework Steering Group and Board as they make progress against the SSF’s Strategic Plan.
The role of the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) is to monitor, measure and report industry performance against sustainability priorities.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Strong frameworks are shaped by people who are willing to contribute their experience, insight and leadership. The Sheep Sustainability Framework is currently seeking expressions of interest for the following roles:
Sustainability Steering Group Member
This role is suited to individuals with experience across the sheep value chain who are interested in contributing to strategic discussion, oversight and continuous improvement of the Framework. Steering Group members play an important role in guiding priorities, supporting robust reporting, and ensuring the Framework remains practical, credible and industry-led.
View the position description and apply
Sustainability Steering Group Chair
The Chair provides leadership to the Steering Group and plays a key role in guiding the direction, effectiveness and integrity of the Framework. This role is suited to an experienced leader with strong governance capability, an understanding of sustainability in an industry context, and the ability to facilitate constructive discussion across diverse stakeholder perspectives.
