New HA President, Garry Carpenter, with if Bev on-farm in Tasmania.
Holstein Australia has announced the appointment of new and returning directors to the Holstein Australia Board following a nomination and election process held prior to the Association’s Annual General Meeting on October 8.
New director, Jacqueline Suares OAM, owns Master Breeder herd Calderbrae Holsteins in Victoria’s western district with husband Ross. Returning director, Gino Pacitti, owns and operates Misty Brae Holsteins, a 350-cow dairy farm on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsular, with his wife Mandy and two sons. Both have been elected for three-year terms.
Jacqueline is well known in the dairy industry through her GINFO role with DataGene, work with Dairy Livestock Services and as Deputy Chair of WestVic Dairy. She is the former CEO of Colac Otway Disability Accommodation, receiving the Order of Australia medal in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List in recognition of her advocacy work in the disability sector, and is a consultant to Management Governance Australia.
Commenting on her appointment, Jacqueline says: “I believe we must honour the wisdom and achievements of the past, while embracing the opportunities of scientific advances in genetics and technology to ensure the Holstein of the future continues to be the breed of choice that will underpin the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms in Australia.
“If we do not adapt and embrace the opportunities and requirements of the contemporary Australian dairy farm, we run the risk of becoming obsolete. We must drive value and return on effort and investment for our members, provide a positive and enthusiastic culture and celebrate the dynamic community that is Holstein Australia.”
Returning director, Gino Pacitti, was re-elected on a platform with a focus on the development of youth leadership pathways, investment in Holstein Australia’s Sub-Branch network and ensuring the continual development of Holstein Australia services to best meet the needs of members and the dairy industry.
Well known for his passion, enthusiasm and work over the last twenty years in promoting the Holstein breed and advocating for greater collaboration in the dairy industry to create a stronger sector, Mr Pacitti says: “I would like to thank the Holstein Australia members that entrusted their vote to myself allowing me to continue in the role of Board Director.
“As I have previously mentioned Holstein Australia faces many external challenges which will directly impact upon Association finances and its ability to provide relevant, quality member services. Continuity at a Board level along with the introduction of new Board member, Mrs Jacqui Suares, will ensure that the Association is well positioned to meet any challenges ahead.”
Ms Suares replaces outgoing Director and Federal President, Patrick Glass of Kerrick Park Holsteins, Gundowring, Victoria, who has served as a Holstein Australia director for 12 years and President for three years. Prior to this he fulfilled multiple Committee and Sub-Branch roles on behalf of the Association and its members, including as Chair of the Breed Development and Conformation Committee.
-Holstein Australia