New female president for Australian Wagyu Association

Chantal-WinterThe Australian Wagyu Association Annual General Meeting has appointed Chantal Winter, the first female president of the society in its 30 year history.

The Office Bearers of the AWA Board for the 2018-19 period are:

President Chantal Winter
Senior Vice President Mike Buchanan
Junior Vice President Selwyn Maller
Treasurer Charles Perry

Newly appointed Board Member Sharon Oates

Returning Board Members:
Peter Cabassi
Peter Gilmour
Peter Krause
John Spreadborough
Lorna Tomkinson

Both Lorna Tomkinson and Chantal Winter were both re-appointed to the AWA Board following the 2018 Board election process.

AWA president 2018-19Chantal, with her husband Anthony are the managers of Macquarie Wagyu, located on the Southern Downs region of Queensland south-west of Toowoomba.

A specialist in long-feed feedlot, the couple have been managing the property for more than 10 years. The property joins around 700 fullblood females annually. Previously a cattle care auditor, Chantal is well versed in genetics, breeding, carcase outcomes and care of Wagyu cattle and has served on the AWA Board for more than five years.

“It is an exciting time to be part of the Wagyu industry,” said Chantal. “As we move forward I want to ensure that our members have access to learn and utilise Wagyu breeding tools so that we can see an overall improvement in Wagyu genetics to give our customers the very best eating experience.”

Retiring from the Board is Joanne Christiansen. The matriarch of Pinnacle Wagyu, Joanne is a breeder of Wagyu and Stock Horses in Roma, Queensland, established in 1998 with her late husband Peter.

Joanne has served on the Board for a number of years providing the Association with a great deal of knowledge and advice for the Wagyu industry.

We would like to extend to Joanne our deepest thanks for her services to the industry and the Association.

Sharon Oates was appointed to the AWA Board through the 2018 Board election process. Sharon is well known in Wagyu circles for her work with Oasis Collection Centre, a business that provides embryo collection services, specialising in Wagyu.

With a wealth of experience in breeding, export and processing, Sharon is keen to bring her knowledge to the Board to assist with the improvement of the breed for all Wagyu members.