Farewell Mike Smith

Mike Smith has been with eastAUSmilk for almost 2 years as government relations manager. This is Mike’s second coming to the dairy industry after previously working as a consultant for QDO. Mike finishes with us in December.

I have known Mike for around 24 years and his professionalism, thoroughness and proactive approach have always impressed me. Mike has impressed many including our board with the way he has immersed himself in the dairy industry. He has demonstrated a real passion for the industry and dairy farmers specifically which has endeared himself to many.

Mike has been invaluable in opening doors in government in Queensland, NSW and Canberra, and has clearly demonstrated a desire to help dairy farmers and ensure their welfare was looked after. Most importantly, Mike was able to achieve key outcomes for eastAUSmilk in a variety of areas including securing funding for eastAUSmilk and the Queensland dairy plan. Also, Mike was able to help our farmers directly with lobbying into both the Queensland and NSW governments in a range of areas, including related to natural disasters.

Mike has been central to pulling together the Queensland dairy plan. His has not been an easy task given the divergent views in the industry. During this process, many have been impressed by Mike’s thoroughness, processes and work ethic to ensure the task is completed before he leaves.

Mike has also been invaluable in assisting with many governance and management issues within eastAUSmilk. I certainly appreciated having someone to help in these areas especially when Mike often had significantly more expertise than I in some areas.

It is sad to see you move on Mike and your expertise and enthusiasm will be missed. Thanks for all your help.  I expect you to keep an eye on the dairy industry even after you leave.  

Eric Danzi

CEO eastAUSmilk