23 June 2026
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kylie Porter as its new Chief Executive Officer.
QFF President Aaron Kiely said that Kylie’s deep experience in regional economic development, industry advocacy and stakeholder engagement would be invaluable to QFF’s future success.
“Kylie is a fantastic appointment for QFF, bringing with her a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional Queensland, a strong track record with government at local, state and federal levels, and a genuine passion for the future of Queensland agriculture,” Mr Kiely said.
Since 2017, Kylie Porter has held leadership roles with Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), an independent economic development organisation spanning the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. She has nearly a decade of experience in regional economic development, establishing GW3 as a respected voice for regional Queensland's economic future.
She is a founding Director of C-Res, one of Australia's largest social enterprises delivering local procurement solutions in remote and regional communities across Australia in partnership with BHP. She has served on Queensland Government Ministerial Advisory Councils and as a member of the Clean Economy Expert Panel, contributing to Queensland's low emissions transition.
Kylie said she was thrilled to be joining QFF at such an important time for Queensland agriculture, with both significant opportunities and pressing challenges demanding strong collaboration and industry leadership.
"Agriculture is a sector full of ambition and innovation with a long legacy and QFF plays a vital role in making sure that story is heard loud and clear by government, industry and the community. I look forward to building on the exceptional foundations that have been laid and working alongside QFF's Board, peak body members, and corporate and industry partners to deliver real outcomes for Queensland farmers," Ms Porter said.
Outgoing QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said she was delighted to be handing the reins over to someone with a genuine passion for regional communities and the agriculture sector.
“Agriculture is such an important sector for Queensland’s economy, regional communities and our way of life and the role QFF plays is ensuring a strong future for farmers is critical. Kylie’s background, skills and experience are a great fit for QFF, and I am confident that under Kylie’s leadership, QFF will continue to deliver cutting edge projects and effective policy outcomes on behalf of our peak body members and Queensland farmers across the state,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Kylie has been a respected leader for GW3 and for our region. Her appointment to QFF reflects the calibre of leadership she has demonstrated here. We wish her every success and are proud that Queensland agriculture will benefit from her talents,” said Tony Caruso, Chair of Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3).
Ms Porter will commence full time with QFF on 27 July 2026.
Media contact:
Jak Kirwin
General Manager, Marketing and Communications, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
M: 0488 305 106