Managing risk and reputation during the tragic death cap mushroom crisis 

When the tragic death cap mushroom case in Victoria first broke, it soon became clear that cultivated Agaricus bisporus mushrooms were being drawn into the media story. From that moment, the AMGA, together with Porter Novelli, worked tirelessly to protect the industry’s reputation and ensure clear, accurate messaging.

 In this webinar, AMGA CEO Leah Bramich and Porter Novelli’s Agribusiness Lead Patrick McClelland will take us behind the scenes of the industry’s crisis response. They will share how they, along with the AMSAFE Committee, managed intense media scrutiny, stayed calm under pressure, and kept communication professional, consistent and on-message.

Speakers

Leah Bramich - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Mushroom Growers Association

Leah Bramich has led the AMGA since 2019 and is a strong advocate and passionate voice for Australian mushroom growers. 

 Leah is committed to delivering meaningful results for the mushroom industry, always keeping members’ needs at the centre of the AMGA’s work. She leads, or is  directly involved in, several levy-funded RD&E projects, including the Mushroom Industry crisis and reputation risk management project (MU20006), which plays a vital role in supporting the industry’s preparedness, resilience and long-term sustainability.

Patrick McClelland - Managing Partner & Agribusiness Lead, Porter Novelli Australia

 Patrick brings more than two decades of agribusiness consulting experience with Porter Novelli Australia, a public relations firm that connects corporations, governments and communities nationwide.As Managing Partner and Agribusiness Lead, he guides a team that helps agribusinesses manage reputational challenges through media and government relations, corporate communications, public affairs and advocacy.

 Patrick and his team at Porter Novelli worked tirelessly with the AMGA throughout the death cap mushroom

Date: Thursday 9 October 2025

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm AEST