A ‘Learning Network’ project was undertaken with the objective of brining together the dairy manufacturing industry within Victoria to discuss pre-competitive issues relating to food safety, so that all manufacturers had an opportunity to benefit from the collective knowledge within the industry.
This case study describes how the strategies of the Learning Network concept were applied, with a view to promoting the model to others, both within and outside the dairy industry.
Nine rounds of Learning Network forums were held in five regional dairy manufacturing areas between February 2007 and November 2008. Various communication strategies were employed to inform and attract dairy manufacturers to these forums, and the input of attendees was encouraged by providing current and relevant industry information and raising topical issues.
Attendance at the forums progressively increased, in terms of the number of manufacturers being represented. At the end of the study period, 50% of all manufacturers had attended one or more of the forums. Participants have, over time, become progressively more confident and co-operative in openly sharing their concerns and questions about food safety and related matters. Through the expansion of their network contacts, individuals have found new opportunities outside of their regular circles, and gained a greater appreciation for other sectors within the industry, and the particular perspectives or problems that they face.
Feedback from survey responses demonstrates that those who have attended the forums have put to good use the information gained from the Learning Network in various ways, so as to advance food safety knowledge, understanding and performance in the dairy industry.
