Name: Fiona Johnson.
Title: Manager- Practice Change.
Location: Department of Primary Industries, Ferguson rd Tatura. Victoria
Business area: Adoption of Research and Extension.
Fiona.Johnson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Fiona consulted strongly with farmers and stakeholders. Using a model called Participatory Action Management she facilitated priority and program development with all stakeholders in the region. She successfully integrated theory and practice and developed a well-recognised model for surface water management. Her excellent skills in mediation, negotiation and problem solving have helped stakeholders to work through numerous issues before any extension activities could be implemented and because her holistic approach included legal and scientific aspects, the Victorian Appeals Tribunal approved the program. This process set a precedence which the tribunal used to set standards for other community engagement.