Call to nominate for Sheep Producers Australia

Allan-Piggott

Current directors Allan Pigott (pictured) and Ian McColl will retire from the Board.

Sheep Producers Australia is calling for applications to fill two member-based Board Director positions.

Current directors Allan Piggott and Ian McColl will retire from the Board at the AGM, to be held on Tuesday 20 November. Both directors are eligible to stand for re-election.

SPA Chief Executive Officer Graham Smith says the organisation is seeking candidates who are passionate about the success of SPA and the Australian sheep industry and who are looking for further professional development experiences.

“SPA has come through an exciting 12 months, having transitioned to a company limited by guarantee and inducted a new Board and developed its policy committee structure,” Mr Smith said.

“SPA has also launched a new leadership program and implemented a number of policy changes including changes to lamb definition and national OJD management, while having input on behalf of producers to many more industry issues.

“There have been many achievements, and many challenges ahead, which is why SPA needs a diversity of strategic thinkers who bring high-level knowledge and experience to the Board.”

Mr Smith says while individual Board Directors need a range of qualifications, knowledge and experiences, SPA is seeking high-level capabilities in the following skills-based criteria:

  • An extremely good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian agricultural sector, particularly the sheep industry.
  • Practical knowledge of best practice sheep farming, including precision agriculture.
  • Strong relationships with and knowledge of local and national farming organisations.
  • Current networks within government, agribusiness and industry at a local and, ideally, national level.

“In addition, candidates must outline their capacity as a strategic thinker and their ability to challenge and suggest alternatives in a collaborative manner as well as their experience and ability to work effectively and in pressure environments within a close team,” he said.

The term for a member-elected Director is three years commencing from the annual general meeting at which they were appointed. Directors are paid a day rate and reimbursed for travel expenses.

Applications must be supported by a SPA state member, namely Agforce, NSWFarmers, Victorian Farmers Federation, Tasmania Farmer’s and Grazier’s Association, Livestock SA, WA Farmers Federation or Pastoralist and Graziers of WA.

Applications are due by COB on Friday 26 October 2018. Visit www.sheepproducers.com.au to download an information pack outlining the application process.

The SPA AGM will be held on Tuesday 20 November at 4pm (AEDST) at NFF House, 14-16 Brisbane Ave, Barton ACT.