CEO report UPFRONT

WITH over 28 years of executive-level experience in some of Australia’s largest operational businesses, I bring extensive knowledge in achieving best practice in health and safety, driving business transformation, and fostering sustainable growth.

In my previous roles within the agribusiness sector, I have successfully navigated significant challenges, including market disruptions, and played a key national role in shaping biosecurity legislation to protect our WA growers. I led the WA representation on the national biosecurity strategic response and planning initiative, which resulted in the successful update of the National Response Plan. A highlight of my career was initiating the development and implementation of a regionalisation national biosecurity plan aimed at safeguarding WA pork growers in the event of a disease or biosecurity outbreak outside of our state. This initiative was recognised and endorsed by our federal government, leading to a revised trade agreement with Singapore, marking it as the first regionalisation trade partnership for our Western Australian growers.

Since taking on this role, I have recognised that while the vegetable industry remains a vibrant sector, it is entering a period of significant change that brings both challenges and opportunities. Over the past year, vegetablesWA has undergone considerable organisational changes, underscoring the need for new strategic leadership and direction to effectively support our growers in navigating these evolving dynamics.

Our key priorities will focus on enhancing advocacy and engagement with broader stakeholders, both within Western Australia and on a national level, ensuring that our growers are fairly represented. We will unify our efforts on Water Resource Management, Labour Resource Management, and Biosecurity. Additionally, we aim to create greater opportunities for our growers by facilitating access to innovation, grant assistance, and developing enhanced domestic and international trade opportunities. We will also prioritise best practice management education and tools for farm safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

Above all, I am committed to representing the needs and interests of vegetable growers in Western Australia.

My goal is to provide robust industry representation and development services that ensure our growers remain internationally competitive and at the forefront of best business practices. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that lie before us. Thank you for your continued support as we work towards a prosperous future for our industry.