Applications open for Dairy Australia board positions
The Dairy Australia board is seeking directors to fill upcoming vacancies and to be appointed at the November 2023 annual general meeting.
Two of the four vacant positions are for farmers with milk producer skills, one is for a director with agribusiness, innovation and adoption skills, and another for a director with dairy supply chain and product promotion skills.
Farmers and those with the relevant skills and experience are encouraged to stand for one of the board director positions and to play a role in the governance and strategic direction of Dairy Australia.
Dairy Australia aims to provide services that benefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry.
These services deliver value by enhancing farm business management, supporting employment and people development, driving herd and feed innovation, managing climate and environment, promoting Australian dairy and the commitment to sustainability, supporting international dairy markets, contributing to policy development, and responding to critical issues and events.
Dairy Australia’s board comprises eight non-executive directors and the managing director.
At least four directors must be farmers or those with milk producer skills.
A board skills matrix specifies the mix of skills required by directors and is aligned with Dairy Australia’s funding agreement with the Commonwealth Government.
Farmer candidates interested in applying should refer to the director elections section of the Dairy Australia website and submit their applications by 5pm on June 16, 2023.
Those interested in the agribusiness, innovation and adoption and dairy supply chain and product promotion director roles should contact Rimfire Resources, a specialist recruiter, on Rimfireresources
Source: McPherson Media Group, Country News, 18 May 2023
Paul van Heerwaarden appointed to Dairy Australia board
The outgoing chief executive officer of Bega Group Paul van Heerwaarden has been appointed to the Dairy Australia board.
Dairy Australia said he was appointed after a thorough search and interview process.
Mr van Heerwaarden joining the skills-based board as a non-executive director with dairy supply chain and product promotion experience.
Mr van Heerwaarden has been with Bega Group for more than a decade and has been in the CEO role for nearly six years.
His retirement from Bega was announced in October.
Dairy Australia's board selection committee chair Tania Luckin said: "Paul will bring significant business expertise including sales, marketing and a deep understanding of future trends and issues that could impact on the sustainability and profitability of the dairy industry.
"Along with a strategic mindset he has a breadth and depth of experience in dairy and across agriculture more broadly having held a number of executive roles. This experience will assist Dairy Australia to continue to deliver for farmers and the dairy industry."
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A board vacancy became available due to the resignation of Russell Abotomey.
Mr van Heerwaarden is appointed until November 2023 with the opportunity to seek a further three-year term at the 2023 AGM.
More information on the director election process is available on the Dairy Australia website.
Source: Carlene Dowie, Farmonline National, 19 December 2022