Hallora dairy farmer Grant Williams has been elected GippsDairy chair with Yannathan dairy farmer Lauren Finger elected deputy chair at the last GippsDairy board meeting.
The elections came about after the resignation of Graeme Nicoll who leaves GippsDairy to be a director on the Dairy Australia board.
Mr Williams, who has been a GippsDairy director for more than four years and deputy chair for the past year, said he was excited with this opportunity and was looking forward to playing his part in supporting the Gippsland dairy industry.
“Over the past 12 months, GippsDairy has focused on helping dairy farmers during a difficult period. I think we’ve risen to that challenge,” he said.
Mr Williams said he was keen to spread the message of the dairy industry being an integral and responsible part of the wider Gippsland community.
“I am a passionate dairy farmer, proud of our industry, and I will continue to promote dairy farming as a long term, profitable and sustainable way of life” he said.
Graeme Nicoll’s role as chair for the past 16 months was acknowledged by Mr Williams, who said the Fish Creek dairy farmer had provided decisive and intelligent leadership during a time when many farmers were dealing with the effects of low rainfall and milk price.
“Graeme has been a wonderful servant, generously giving his time and energy to GippsDairy and Gippsland dairy farmers,” Mr Williams said.
“I congratulate Graeme on what he has achieved at GippsDairy, and I know he will make a significant contribution as a Dairy Australia director,” Mr Williams said.
GippsDairy regional manager Allan Cameron welcomed Mr Williams and Mrs Finger to their new positions.
“Grant and Lauren are both innovative farmers, committed to the dairy industry and their appointments are an indication of the esteem in which they are both held”.
