Jo Hall is the current CEO of WoolProducers Australia
Wool Industries Australia Inc. (WIA) and it’s members congratulate the four recipients of the 2023 Australian Wool Industry Medal.
Now in its seventh year, the presentations were made at the Wool Week industry dinner held at the MCG in Melbourne on 24 August 2023. The four recipients are Malcolm Nicholls (VIC), Jo Hall (ACT), Martin Moses (NSW) and Donald McGauchie (VIC).
The Australian Wool Industry Medal recognises men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.
Mr Michell said it is timely we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of outstanding people to this iconic Australian industry.
“The industry has faced many difficult times over the past three decades and the contributions that people like our recipients have made has ensured that many in the industry can enjoy and prosper in the future.”
The four recipients were recognized in the following fields:
Mr Malcom Nicholls
Contribution: Wool Brokering
Mal Nicholls has been involved in multiple sections along the Australian wool industry supply chain including as a farmer, shearing contractor, worked in regulation and wool brokering. Mal was Shearing Contracting, Owner Manager – 12 years and also spent time with the Australian Wool Corporation 1990 – 1993 as Wool Preparation Advisor.
Mal worked with Elders from June 1993 to 2023 – 30 years in total as Branch Manager (Sale), Showfloor Manager (National Wool Selling Centre, Melbourne) and District Wool Manager (Gippsland). He has also been a mentor for three recipients of the NCWSBA Broker of the year award.
Ms Jo Hall
Contribution: Wool Grower Policy Advocacy
Jo Hall is the current CEO of WoolProducers Australia and has served in that position for the past 9 years. Jo grew up on a wool growing property, worked in wool sheds and commenced her wool advocacy career with with Agforce, the QLD State Farming Organisation.
Amongst her many achievements, Jo was involved in the development and execution of the National OJD program and also instigated the “Trust in Australian Wool” program and is a Board member of the “Sheep Sustainability Framework”. She is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to get involved in the wool industry, such as the Leadership in Agriculture (Raising the Baa) program and a mentoring program supported by the WPA Board.
Jo was also recently appointed as Chair for the IWTO Grower Group.
Mr. Donald McGauchie AO
Contribution: Former AWTA Chair
Donald McGauchie has held a variety of senior agriculture industry positions including Chairman of Woolstock (1999-2002), President of the National Farmers Federation and a number of advisory agricultural positions to government including The Foreign Affairs Council and The Trade Policy Advisory Council.
Donald joined the board of Australian Wool Testing Authority Limited in 1999 as an Independent Director and was appointed Chairman in 2005, retiring in 2022.
In 2004, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Medallist: Mr Marty Moses
Contribution: Industry Advocate
Summary:
Marty Moses is a passionate wool grower and his passion extends to his interests in adopting technology and his brokering advisory business. Marty was an inaugural Director of Inland Wool Brokers Association and remains a current Director today. In 2000 Marty was appointed Director of the Australian Wool Exchange and remains a current Director today and is also a Director of Yennora Wool Brokers.
Marty was a founding Committee member of the Peter West Blade Scholarship and he continues to contribute to this highly regarded Scholarship. He was also a founding Director of Merino Link.
Marty is community minded and raises funds for various community competitions, wether trials etc..
Wool Industries Australia is the peak body for the Australian wool industry. Members include: Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, Australian Wool Exchange, AWH Pty Ltd, Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Wool Testing Authority, The National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia, and WoolProducers Australia.
Further information on events can be found on the website www.woolindustries.au