Project Overview
Project Cane Changer is an evidence-based behaviour change program for the Queensland sugar industry. It is an initiative of Queensland CANEGROWERS Organisation, carried out in partnership with human behaviour experts Behaviour Innovation. The project is designed to recognise growers for their past innovations and continued effort to farm sustainably.
The goals of Project Cane Changer are simple: recognise the hard work that growers have put in to their industry, foster further innovation and positive change, and 'set the record straight' about the Queensland sugarcane industry.
Growers can do this by signing their own "Cane Changer Commitment". This is a document that asks growers to record their past and ongoing commitment to change. Signing a commitment means that these growers will be recognised for the changes they have already made, and are committing to help the industry pave a path toward a brighter future.
Government officials are also asked to sign their own commitment to the industry, to recognise the cane industry for their positive change and stewardship of their land over generations.
Cane Changer commitments are just one of the strategies of Project Cane Changer. Cane Changer comprises four behaviour change strategies that are built on behavioural science evidence, and are designed to propel the Queensland cane industry forward toward positive change.
Each strategy has a range of activities that the Cane Changer team works to tailor and disseminate to all cane growing districts of the Wet Tropics Region of Queensland. Project Cane Changer is currently active in Mossman, Tablelands, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, and the Herbert River.
The project officially commenced in early 2016 and was funded by the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science from 2016 - 2018.
The Project Team
Dr John Pickering
John is the Chief Behavioural Scientist and Director of the Cane Changer Project. He is the brain behind the world of Cane Changer, and continues to have a heavy involvement in its ongoing delivery and implementation. John is frequently up in the Wet Tropics delivering workshops and meeting with our valued project partners.
Contact John
✉️ john@behaviourinnovation.com
📞 +61 407 007 744
Toneya McIntosh
Toneya is our Project Manager and is responsible for the implementation of the five project strategies throughout all Wet Tropics districts. Toneya spends a lot of her time in Far North Queensland, running events and spending time with our valued grower and industry partners. Toneya also has a role in managing project communications. If you have a question or an idea, feel free to get in touch with Toneya via email.
Contact Toneya
✉️ toneya@behaviourinnovation.com
📞 +61 447 388 165
Sally Priwitzer
Sally is a Behavioural Scientist on the Cane Changer team, and actively assists with all elements of the co-ordination of project events. This includes program delivery, event logistics, data collection and event grower contact and follow-up processes. Sally plays an active role in delivering workshops for the Women and Families strategy. Sally is also an active member of the field team, and always up for a chat about what Cane Changer can do for you. Feel free to shoot Sally an email at -
Contact Sally
✉️ sally@behaviourinnovation.com
Sam Moore
Sam is a Behavioural Scientist on the Cane Changer team and is primarily responsible for project communications. Sam authors articles about positive practice changes across a range of publications. If you've recently picked up the paper and seen an article on Cane Changer, chances are Sam has had something to do with it! Sam is an active member of the field and engagement team, and contacts growers on a regular basis. If you have a question, or are just up for a chat, feel free to contact Sam via email -
Contact Sam
✉️ sam@behaviourinnovation.com
Katri HaanterÄ
Katri is a Senior Behavioural Scientist on the Cane Changer team and oversees the training portfolio for the project. This includes the design and implementation of training workshops for industry groups focused on enhancing the productivity and efficiency of teams through behavioural science psychological skills. Katri is also actively involved in the Innovation Network strategy for Cane Changer. To find out more, feel free to contact Katri at -
Contact Katri
✉️ katri@behaviourinnovation.com
Our Partners
It's simple. We are nothing without our partners.
Cane Changer is based on the notion that true and lasting change needs to come from within.
By making collaboration an essential part of the process, we make sure that we are working toward a future that is desirable for everyone involved. Our partners inform, shape, and lead every single aspect of the project, the whole way.
We work with everyone in the system to create the environment needed for positive change to occur. We work with leaders in the grower community, major industry bodies, government departments, and extension officers. Each is responsible for doing their bit in being the difference they wish to see in their industry, and so far, they have done just that.
Working with established partners means that we are able to draw on their decades of insight and experience. We also believe that the values of Cane Changer must continue to live on through local initiatives driven by our partners - they are the ones that are here to stay.
Here are some of our highly valued partners who are passionate about making the industry better for all. These groups are the legacy for change.
