Australian Wool Industry honours medal recipien
Wool Industries Australia Inc. (WIA) congratulates the four recipients of the 2022 Australian Wool Industry Medal. Now in its sixth year, the presentations were made at the Wool Week industry dinner held at the RACV Club in Melbourne. The four recipients are Judy Turk (SA), Barry White (VIC), Adrian Hook (VIC) and Allan Casey (NSW).
The Australian Wool Industry Medal recognises men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.
Mr David Michell, Chairman WIA, congratulated the recipients 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 to this iconic Australian industry. It has been a tough two years for all. The industry has faced many difficult times over the past 3 decades and the contributions that people like our recipients today have made has ensured that many in the industry can enjoy and prosper in the future.”
The four recipients were recognized in the following fields:
Ms Judy Turk Wool Metrology
Judy’s professional career was as Laboratory Technician and Manager working for Michell Wool for 42 years but her ongoing contribution to industry through the various FAWO/WIA/IWTO Technical Committees and Standards Australia extended well beyond 2004. Judy’s expertise and input is highly sought after particularly her consideration of how complex technical innovations may impact the commercial sector. Judy’s commercial perspective is valued by all wool processors globally and not just her employer. In addition, Judy gave lectures in relevant wool courses at tertiary level at UNE, delivered training across Australia and developed learning resources for tertiary-level wool courses.
Mr Barry White International Trade Relations
Barry forged an extensive career representing and promoting Australian wool interests internationally. Barry was General Manager of International Market Development of AWC/AWRAP for 20 years forging close ties with customers and notably emerging markets, including China. Barry was instrumental in China’s decision to join IWTO, was a Board Member of Australia China Chamber of Commerce, past President of Australia China Business Council (Victoria Branch) and successfully established the China-Australia-New Zealand Wool Contract, based on the IWTO Blue Book, the foundation for today’s Green Book. Barry further became the CEO of the International Fibre Centre (2004-2010).
Mr. Adrian Hooke Administrative Support Services
Adrian has had a long and distinguished career in the wool industry since 1972, the past 18 years as AWH Wool Exchange Administrator – Southern Region. Adrian joined Dalgety as a member of their IT team and later joined Port Philip Wool Trading, prior to commencing with AWH. Adrian managed AWH’s WoolEx systems which facilitate nearly 50% of all wool traded in Australia. Adrian is respected by both buyers and sellers for the contribution he has made, particularly during the recent COVID years.
Mr Allan Casey Genetic Research and Extension
Allan is well-known and respected advisor to the sheep industry particularly for his involvement and leadership in researching and implementing advancements in Merino genetics. Allan was a member of the NSW DPI (Merino Breeding Group), and foundation member of Advanced Breeding Services. He provided valued and sought after advice to projects including Merino Lifetime Productivity Project, Rampower and SheepCRC. Allan was also lead author of the published Merino Bloodline Performance (1982) and Merino Superior Sires (1994).
Allan’s skill is to take genetic research and implement it on-farm in a practical way.
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.
Further information on events can be found on the website www.fawo.org.au
Source: fawo