GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel to Leave Organisation

Image: Grain Growers

GrainGrowers, the Australian organisation representing grain growers, has announced that Chief Executive Officer Shona Gawel has resigned and will leave the organisation before Christmas. The organisation has already begun the recruitment process to appoint her successor.

GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton thanked Gawel for her contribution and leadership to the organisation and the wider grains sector. Turton highlighted her leadership during what he described as a particularly challenging year for the industry in 2026.

Turton said Gawel’s commitment to GrainGrowers and the grains sector had helped strengthen advocacy for Australian grain growers and contributed to action on the challenges facing producers during a period of uncertainty.

During Gawel’s tenure, GrainGrowers also expanded the reach and diversity of its capacity-building programmes and strengthened its thought leadership activities, with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes and mitigating risks facing the industry.

The introduction of a new membership class for State Farming Organisations within GrainGrowers, approved at the organisation’s annual general meeting, was also highlighted as an example of the organisational changes implemented during Gawel’s leadership. The new membership structure is intended to strengthen the involvement of farming organisations within GrainGrowers.

Turton said Gawel had built a strong team within the organisation and contributed to a positive workplace culture. He added that she was leaving GrainGrowers in a strong, well-respected and influential position.

Gawel said it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as GrainGrowers CEO. She thanked the organisation’s board and members across Australia for their support and also acknowledged the staff she had worked with during her tenure.

“I would also like to recognise the many incredible staff I have worked with during my time, whose dedication, expertise and hard work have helped us achieve so many great things as GrainGrowers,” Gawel said.

Gawel is expected to leave GrainGrowers before Christmas. The recruitment process for the organisation’s next CEO is already under way.