WIA presents Australian Wool Industry Medal to 5 worthy recipients

Wool Industries Australia Inc. (WIA) congratulates the first recipients of the 2020 Australian Wool Industry Medal. The presentations were planned for Wool Week in August 2020 but due to the COVID lockdowns, WIA was not able to make the presentations. Five recipients have been chosen to receive the 2020 Australian Wool Industry Medal. The presentations will be made State by State. The first presentation to Mr Richard Halliday was held in Adelaide and the second to Kevin Gellatly in Perth.

The Medal recognises men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.

“Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19 with restrictions in all states and regions, WIA made the decision to cancel the presentation in August. It was hoped that we could gather as an industry to celebrate with all the five recipients. This hasn’t been the case and the decision was made to recognize the recipients in their home state”.

Mr David Michell, Chairman WIA, congratulated both Richard Halliday and Kevin Gellatly on their award and thanked them for their contribution to the Australian wool industry.

Mr Michell said “It is very timely that we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of outstanding people such as Richard and Kevin, to this iconic Australian industry. 2020 was a tough year for all. The industry has faced many difficult times over the past 3 decades and the contributions that people like Richard and Kevin have made has ensured that many in the industry can enjoy and prosper in the future.”

Richard’s skills are many: he is a left-handed shearer (blade & machine), Principal of the Callowie Poll Merino Stud, served as WoolProducers President from 2014 to 2018 and held the position of Director of both AWEX and AWTA. As Inaugural President of Livestock SA, Richard was key in Livestock SA receiving funding from the SA Government for water infrastructure and wild dog control. Richard is active within his regional community being a member of his local football & cricket clubs. Richard is a respected sheep judge, judging at shows across Australia.

Kevin has worked in the wool industry for 50 years. Most of his career has been as a shearer in WA and a shearing contractor/trainer. Kevin worked for Heiniger Australia in a Research & Development role covering WA, Tasmania and the South Island of New Zealand advocating wool shed improvements, grinding and equipment maintenance. For 24 years Kevin offered training and employment opportunities for young indigenous men and has served as a shearer and wool handler trainer for 17 years, introducing hundreds of young people into the wool industry. Kevin’s greatest strength is his ability to successfully communicate with all people and improve their self-esteem for which he is respected.

The remaining recipients will be recognized and announced early in 2021.

Wool Industries Australia is the peak body for the Australian wool industry. Members include: Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, Australian Wool Exchange, AWH Pty Ltd, Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Wool Testing Authority, The National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia, and WoolProducers Australia.

Applications for the 2021 Australian Wool Industry Medal will open early in 2021.

Source: WIA