Western Dairy Board
Western Dairy - Board
Western Dairy is overseen by a skills-based Board of Directors which comprises a dairy farmer majority, including the Chair, and a maximum of two directors with complementary business skills.
Up to two additional directors can be seconded occasionally to provide additional support based on the operational and strategic requirements of Western Dairy. Board appointments are for a three-year term, with an option for a second term. The Annual General Meeting is held between September and December each year.
If you are a Western Dairy farmer or industry member and would like to attend the next AGM, contact executive officer Jenelle Bowles, admin@westerndairy.com.au.
Governance FY2019/20
Several changes occurred to the Western Dairy Board composition during FY19/20. Farmer Scott Hamilton was co-opted in July 2019, while the November 2019 AGM saw chair Vicki Fitzpatrick retire from her position and Peter Evans elected for a three-year term and appointed chair. At the same time, Robin Lammie was elected for a three-year term and appointed vice chair, and long-serving director Brian Piesse was appointed for a third term, this time for one year to fill the gap created by Grant Evans’ resignation.
In January 2020, The Board hosted a dinner with 22 farmers and 12 service providers in Denmark to learn more about the conditions and issues in the sub-region. The Board continues to invite farmer guests to its meetings held in various sub-regions to help shape its priorities and give farmers greater insight into Western Dairy operations.
|
Record of Director Attendance FY19/20 |
|||||||||
|
Dates |
13/8 |
31/10 |
21/11 AGM |
6/1 |
10/3 |
9/4 |
8/5 |
12/6 |
Total |
|
Vicki Fitzpatrick |
1 (C ) |
X (C ) |
X (C ) |
|
|
|
|
|
1/3 |
|
Grant Evans |
X |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2/3 |
|
Peter Evans |
N/A |
N/A |
1 |
1 (C ) |
1 (C ) |
1 (C ) |
1 (C ) |
1 (C ) |
6/6 |
|
Robin Lammie |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 (VC) |
1 (VC) |
1 (VC) |
1 (VC) |
1 (VC) |
8/8 |
|
Brian Piesse |
1 |
1 (VC) |
1 (VC) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8/8 |
|
Andrew Jenkins |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8/8 |
|
Scott Hamilton |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8/8 |
|
Nick Brasher |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8/8 |
Peter farms at Jindong with son Grant, milking 850 cows in a split-calving herd on 488 hectares. He is a passionate dairy industry advocate, having been Western Dairy Chair from 2005 to 2007, WAFarmers Dairy Section President from 2007 to 2012 and Australian Dairy Farmers vice-chair from 2011–2012.
Peter aims to maintain Western Dairy’s effectiveness during this challenging period for the Western Australian dairy industry. He intends to increase industry awareness of the Board and its role and help instill a culture of continuous improvement in WA dairy.
Robin Lammie
Vice Chair
Appointed 2019
Robin runs a 650-cow dairy in Busselton in partnership with his son Wesley. Aside from his long family history of dairying, Robin and his wife Betty have several business interests including previously owning and operating Bunbury Freight Service for 17 years.
Robin believes that industry best practice will lead to the best returns and considers Dairy Australia leadership and extension in grass-driven production systems vitally important to the WA industry.
Brian Piesse
Appointed 2013
A Muresk graduate, Brian brings a wealth of corporate governance, strategic planning, risk management and business development experience to the Western Dairy Board. He is a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Management and has held senior executive roles in international chemical, fertiliser and agribusiness companies, as well as directorships across local government, regional development and educational sectors.
Brian is currently President of the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, Deputy Chair of the South West Catchments Council, Deputy Chair of the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils and a member of the Edith Cowan University Council.
Andrew Jenkins
Andrew farms with wife Claire at Denmark. He was co-opted to the board of Western Dairy in 2017 and moved to an appointed position in 2018. Andrew has a keen interest in business management, pasture production and genetics, and contributes a valuable combination of skills and experience to the Western Dairy Board.
Nick Brasher
Nick is a director and owner of Bunbury-based FarmWest, WA’s only herd improvement data processing and distribution centre. He has a life-long passion for the dairy industry and through his role at FarmWest is focused on helping WA dairy farmers to become more profitable via astute use of genetics, data and new technologies.
As a specialist director, Nick makes valuable technical and strategic contributions to the Western Dairy board.
As a specialist director, Nick makes valuable technical and strategic contributions to the Western Dairy board.
Scott Hamilton
Scott and wife Sharon share-farm at Hithergreen milking a split calving herd of about 235 cows. Born in New Zealand, Scott came to Western Australia in 1986 and has farmed on the current property of O’Neill Partners since 2003.
Scott has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University and a Master of Science Degree from Murdoch University. He aims to advocate for business sustainability and promote education within the WA dairy industry.
Scott has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University and a Master of Science Degree from Murdoch University. He aims to advocate for business sustainability and promote education within the WA dairy industry.
Appointment of Directors
Want to apply?
The Western Dairy Board recommends prospective directors explore and engage in projects and committees to help prepare for the role.
This includes taking up professional development training opportunities and taking time to research the role ahead of nominating and presenting for interview.
Nominees are interviewed by a four-person selection panel chaired by the WAFarmers Dairy Section president.
Western Dairy is committed to meaningful succession planning and aims to develop both new and future leaders in the WA dairy industry. As such, the board has a philosophy of nurturing young people who express an interest in Western Dairy director roles.