Mrs Georgina Wallace was elected unopposed to the top position of President of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders at the AGM held late last week in Melbourne. Mrs Wallace is the first Tasmanian Council member to hold the position of President. She is well supported by new Vice-President Mr Peter Meyer from South Australia and retiring President Mr Phil Toland from Victoria who was elected to the Treasurer’s role for the next twelve months.

All three stud breeders have a strong background of leadership experience and are eager to promote the benefits of the Merino breed and particularly to emphasise the importance of the Merino ewe for the whole of the Australian sheep wool and meat industry. Mrs Wallace said she was very honoured to accept the role of President of the AASMB and will work hard together with all states to promote the Australian Merino as a profitable and sustainable enterprise. Mrs Wallace is also a member of the 2015 WoolPoll Panel and is currently also President of the Stud Merino Breeders of Tasmania.

The Council farewelled Board members Kevin Keatley from WA who has served on the Council since 2011; John Daniell from SA who has held multiple executive roles on the Council since 2009; and retiring Vice-President, Jock MacRae from Victoria who has contributed to the Association over a period of more than 8 years. An enormous amount of effort is provided in a voluntary capacity by these members and the Association and its members owe them a gratitude for their work that is largely undertaken un-noticed behind the scenes of the industry’s operations.

Photo: Georgina Wallace