The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Ashley Manicaros, is leaving the organisation.
The NTCA Board has appointed Romy Carey as Acting CEO.
NTCA President Chris Nott thanked Ashley Manicaros for his time with the organisation and said members and the executive team were looking forward to working with Mrs Carey.
The Darwin-born mother-of-three has worked for the NTCA as Executive Officer for nearly two years and brings with her a wealth of industry experience.
Mrs Carey, a finalist in the 2020 NT Young Achiever’s Agriculture Awards, has had a passion for agriculture and has worked closely with the NT cattle industry in previous roles, before joining the NTCA.
Mrs Carey said she was humbled to be appointed Acting CEO for an industry she loves and respects.
“The cattle industry is a pillar of the NT economy and it was our industry that tirelessly kept going when so many other industries crumbled due to Covid-19,” she said.
“But despite their drive, courage and passion, those working on the land face adversity and challenges on a day-to-day basis. It is our mission at the NTCA to advance, protect and support our Territory pastoralists, and I am proud of our team in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs that works determinedly for the industry.”
Mr Nott said the NTCA had a major win in the 2020 Live Export Ban court decision, and the industry would continue to be a leader in driving positive change while also defending the position and integrity of the cattle sector into 2021.
“Life on the land here in the NT isn’t made any easier when we don’t get enough rain in the southern parts, stumble over red tape, have to cart cattle on hundreds of kilometres of a detour due to poor road conditions, or worry about our children and grandchildren at boarding school when sudden border closures hit,” he said.
“But we will continue to fight the good fight and tackle those challenges in 2021 with a new CEO at the helm of our organisation.”