New Board appointments at Holstein Australia

Holstein Australia has announced the appointment of new and returning directors to the Holstein Australia Board following a nomination and election process held prior to the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8^th October 2020.

New director, Jacqueline Suares OAM, owns Master Breeder herd Calderbrae Holsteins in Victoria’s western district with husband Ross. Returning director, Gino Pacitti, owns and operates Misty Brae Holsteins, a 350-cow dairy farm on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsular, with his wife Mandy and two sons. Both have been elected for three-year terms.

Jacqueline is well known in the dairy industry through her GINFO role with DataGene, work with Dairy Livestock Services and as Deputy Chair of WestVic Dairy. She is the former CEO of Colac Otway Disability Accommodation, receiving the Order of Australia medal in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List in recognition of her advocacy work in the disability sector, and is a consultant to Management Governance Australia.

Commenting on her appointment, Jacqueline says: “I believe we must honour the wisdom and achievements of the past, while embracing the opportunities of scientific advances in genetics and technology to ensure the Holstein of the future continues to be the breed of choice that will underpin the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms in Australia.

“If we do not adapt and embrace the opportunities and requirements of the contemporary Australian dairy farm, we run the risk of becoming obsolete. We must drive value and return on effort and investment for our members, provide a positive and enthusiastic culture and celebrate the dynamic community that is Holstein Australia.”

Returning director, Gino Pacitti, was re-elected on a platform with a focus on the development of youth leadership pathways, investment in Holstein Australia’s Sub-Branch network and ensuring the continual development of Holstein Australia services to best meet the needs of members and the dairy industry.

Well known for his passion, enthusiasm and work over the last twenty years in promoting the Holstein breed and advocating for greater collaboration in the dairy industry to create a stronger sector, Mr Pacitti says: “I would like to thank the Holstein Australia members that entrusted their vote to myself allowing me to continue in the role of Board Director.

“As I have previously mentioned Holstein Australia faces many external challenges which will directly impact upon Association finances and its ability to provide relevant, quality member services. Continuity at a Board level along with the introduction of new Board member, Mrs Jacqui Suares, will ensure that the Association is well positioned to meet any challenges ahead.”

Ms Suares replaces outgoing Director and Federal President, Patrick Glass of Kerrick Park Holsteins, Gundowring, Victoria, who has served as a Holstein Australia director for 12 years and President for three years. Prior to this he fulfilled multiple Committee and Sub-Branch roles on behalf of the Association and its members, including as Chair of the Breed Development and Conformation Committee.

At a Board meeting immediately following the AGM Vice President, Garry Carpenter of  Garerley Holsteins, Gunns Plains, Tasmania was appointed Federal President, with Jenny Grey of The Pines, Kiama, NSW, replacing him as Vice President.

Commenting on the appointments, new Federal President, Garry Carpenter, says: “Both Gino and Jacqui are long term Holstein enthusiasts and advocates for both the breed and the Association. Gino’s business acumen has and will continue to be of great benefit to Holstein Australia, as well his knowledge and understanding of the needs of members with a commercial focus as well as those whose passion revolves around the show ring.

“Jacqui is a very welcome addition to the Board, with an extensive track record that touches on almost every element of the dairy industry, from which the Association can only benefit.

“I think it is particularly healthy that we had four strong candidates for the two available Board positions in Gino, Jacqui, Chole Goodfellow and Justin Johnston. Both Chloe and Justin have contributed to the Association and their local Sub-Branches over the years, and I look forward to their continued involvement with Holstein Australia,” says Garry.

Appointments to Holstein Australia’s Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC) were also announced at the Annual General Meeting.

Strategic Directions Committee member and Northern Victorian Sub-Branch President, Phil Daniel of Cleveland Holsteins, Nathalia, Victoria joins the BDCC, replacing Lynette Greenwood, who did not renominate. Brett Cirillo, Ambrewlea Holsteins, Bungador, Victoria, was re-elected for a further three year term.

Wishing outgoing President Patrick Glass well on his departure, Garry Carpenter says his passion for members and the Holstein cow have had a significant impact on the evolution of the Association.

“Through his time on the BDCC, Board and as President, Pat has been a real champion for Holstein Australia. He played a pivotal role during our restructure which has ensured the Association continues to meet changing member needs. If something needed sorting out, he was always there, and he put a lot of time in away from the farm during his term as President to the benefit of Holstein Australia and its members. He was always a believer in strength through unity, a believer in the importance of breed associations, and worked tirelessly to improve collaboration between the breeds. I wish Pat and his family all the best for the future,” says Garry.