Dr Andrew Watkins will speak at BCG’s Chair’s Breakfast on Thursday 8 October at BCG. His presentation, the risks and opportunities for the next generation of Mallee farmers, will provide an overview of the national climate risk assessment how it applies to local farmers and rural communities.
Dr Watkins is based in Melbourne and is an Adjunct Professor (Practice) at Monash University’s School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, a Climate Councillor with the Climate Council, and a Fellow of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society.
His research background began with Antarctic sea ice and its importance in global weather and climate, before shifting to Australian, South Pacific and global climate variability and change. Dr Watkins joined the Bureau of Meteorology in 1999 and was Head of Climate Prediction for more than a decade.
In 2024, he joined the Australian Climate Service and was a lead author of Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, delivered by the Federal Government in September 2025.
Dr Watkins has a long association with agriculture and BCG, having worked with rural research and development corporations, including GRDC, to improve climate services for agriculture and previously presenting climate outlooks at BCG events.
“I’m lucky to have a long history with BCG, presenting climate outlooks at BCG’s expos and, more recently, working as a chaser bin driver for the Ferriers in 2021,” Dr Watkins said.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Birchip in this capacity.”
BCG Chair Brett Hosking said the breakfast was an opportunity for farmers and the wider community to hear directly from someone who has been closely involved in assessing Australia’s future climate risks.
“Farmers are used to managing climate variability, but this is an opportunity to look beyond the next seasonal forecast and consider some of the longer-term risks and opportunities for agriculture,” Mr Hosking said.
“Andrew brings a unique combination of climate science, agricultural experience and an understanding of our region, which should make for a really relevant discussion.”
“I’m looking forward to catching up with BCG members, corporate partners and community members in what will be a great morning of discussion,” Mr Hosking finished.
Starting at 8am with breakfast, this event offers attendees the opportunity to hear an inspiring guest speaker, enjoy breakfast and meet with friends and colleagues before work.
The event is free. Online registration is essential. Visit www.bcg.org.au/events today to secure your place. For enquiries, call the BCG office on (03) 5492 2787.
