WA STONEFRUIT update
FAREWELL
Life is full of journey’s which enriches your spirit and knowledge, whilst developing meaningful friendships and respect for the people you work with and represent.
Words Ross Anile, Project Officer and Value Chain Facilitator, WA Stonefruit
MY role as the WA Stonefruit VCF for the past 2.5 years will come to an end on the 30th of June 2025 due to the conclusion of my current employment contract.
When I was approached by Danny DiMarco to consider taking up the role, I did hesitate to accept it at first.
The faith and encouragement shown by Danny, convinced me to accept the role with the desire to make a positive contribution and difference to the WA stonefruit industry.
I would also like to thank the WA Stonefruit Committee and APC CEO Catherine O’Keeffe for their support in fulfilling this role.
Special thanks to Perth NRM and their management team for employing me in the role of WA Stonefruit VCF.
Their support, guidance and encouragement over the past few years has been invaluable and appreciated.
Special thanks also to DPIRD Director Rohan Prince and his staff for all their continued support and guidance afforded to me. It made my role so much easier to undertake. The value of DPIRD and the work they undertake to assist growers and industry partners in dealing with the day-to-day issues that impact the WA Horticulture Industry along with planning for the future sustainability and success of the Horticulture industry is greatly appreciated.
To the grower group from the hills above Perth to the pristine valleys of the South-West, a special thanks for welcoming me into this role and your positive feedback.
I enjoyed visiting your farms and listening to your views and concerns on the future of your industry.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and work protocols I was unable to spend as much time as I would have liked in visiting more properties.
The WA stonefruit industry is possible the smallest horticultural group of growers in WA. In saying this it does not diminish the importance of the stonefruit industry. Growing stonefruit is extremely challenging and the dedication and perseverance shown by this grower group should be admired. Stonefruit has a small window of opportunity to be harvested and presented for consumer purchasing, whilst other fruit types can be picked and stored for months on end to take advantage of higher prices and consumer demand.
The WA stonefruit industry does have a future, if returns to growers supports sustainability and future investment.
In all my travels throughout Australia and overseas I can categorically comment that WA stonefruit when picked for peak consumer satisfaction is amongst some of the best stonefruit grown in the world.
Yes, the WA stonefruit industry has its challenges, especially competing against cheaper, lessor quality Eastern States fruit. This should not be a deterrent in continuing to being part of such a specialised horticultural industry. The Western Australian consumer will always prefer WA grown produce, and with the correct marketing programmes and the implementation of higher standards, WA stonefruit will succeed.
My recommendation to you all, is unite and take control of the agenda, embrace the specialised support provided by the APC and DPIRD, whilst supporting the industry partners and retailers that support you.
My final comment is thank you, and I am sure I will cross paths with many of you in the future. It has been a pleasure to serve and support your industry, take care of yourselves and your families.
Fond regards.
WorkSafe Grower Event
Pickering Brook
On the 12th of May, a WorkSafe workshop event was held at the Pickering Brook Sports Club. The event was organised by senior WorkSafe management and WA Stonefruit VCF Ross Anile and Pome Executive Manager Nardia Stacey.
WorkSafe Director of Industrial and Regional Jamie Rebelo and Primary and Industries Manager Nigel Martin where in attendance to support this special event.
The event was deemed a success as approximately 20 growers were in attendance who networked with WorkSafe management and expressed their interest to better understand the new legislative changes and challenges.
The first guest speaker was Geoff Kennedy from WorkSafe who presented an informative viewpoint, on farm machinery safety protocols.
Geoff was able to constructively present a power point presentation on the correct use of quad bikes and side by sides on the farm. Part of the presentation referred to the need to train staff in the correct use of farm machinery and the continued supervision of staff whilst they used any farm machinery. Geoff stated “just because you trained them once does not mean you can forget and leave”. Staff need continuous training and reinforcement, to encourage safe farm machinery practises.
Lee Holland was the second speaker who explained the need for growers to conduct risk assessments for the use of hazardous substances.
Lee comes from a farming background and was able to explain the necessity to better understand labelling on chemicals and then the need for risk assessments.
Chemicals need to be treated with respect and acknowledging the hazardous effects these chemicals can have on farmworkers, family, and the environment, if not used according to the label directions.
The third speaker was Tracey Blaszkow from KidsSafe WA, who highlighted the constant supervision required to keep kids safe on the farm.
As Tracey stated that we all grew up on farms and just enjoyed the freedom and ability to discover all the benefits of living on a farm environment. Sadly, city children do not have the knowledge or skill set to understand farm hazards and most accidents involving children are children who visit farms.
Again, quad bikes, side by sides and horses are linked to the highest incidents of farm injuries to children. Tracey’s slide presentation was extremely thought provoking in bringing home the message that children are our future, and we must ensure their safety on farms.
A healthy Q&A session was held, with growers freely voicing their concerns and appreciation of the WorkSafe event.
A special thanks to WorkSafe for providing light refreshments and finger food during the networking part of the evening which was enjoyed by all present.