Before she officially opened the South East Livestock Exchange at Yass, Yass Valley Council mayor Rowena Abbey (pictured with Nick Burton Taylor, chairman Country Education Foundation) acknowledged the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the land upon which the latest livestock selling complex in NSW is situated.
“I would also like to pay respect to the elders past and present,” Mrs Abbey said.
Mrs Abbey recounted a conversation she had recently with Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.
How brave it is to take on and develop a project like this
- Michael McCormack MP
“How brave it is to take on and develop a project like this,” Mrs Abbey recalled Mr McCormack said.
Paying tribute to the agents with longstanding association with the Yass district, Geoff Darmody and Dal Hanrahan were invited to share the auctioning of the first pen.
Donated by each of the six investors in SELX, the first pen of six heifers sold at the opening of the South East Livestock Exchange at Yass were knocked down to the Country Education Foundation and the local Yass branch of the Foundation, raising $29,500 for the worthy organisation.
In response Country Education Foundation, chairman Nick Burton Taylor lauded the efforts of the Yass community in creating an investment and facility of such benefit to the region and local community in particular.
Mr Burton Taylor reflected on the investment and faith shown by country people in building and creating their own infrastructure was similar to the endeavours of the Country Education Foundation in investing in country youth who were challenged by a combination of distance and lack of services that their city counterparts did not experience.
“Country Education Foundation was now supporting over 650 young Australians annually in starting their career in either university or trade or indeed any pursuit of learning that advanced their career and employment opportunities,” he said.
“The enterprise and commitment shown by the Yass community in establishing the South East Livestock Exchange is replicated by the commitment that they have shown in enabling their young school leavers to thrive.”
Vendor thrilled by SELX opening
Matt Crozier, manager, Cavan Station, Wee Jasper, was impressed with the setup of the bull pens as they were individually penned.
“I think the entire SELX is a good design,” Mr Crozier said.
“The way the roof is designed allows greater ventilation and lets the noise out, better than some other saleyards I have seen.”
Mr Crozier, said the soft floor is an advantage for cattle, and the pens are designed for ease of cleaning.
“It is a positive business for the whole region, not just Yass,” he said.
“Outlying areas will also benefit from the new complex because agents and stock transport businesses from places like Crookwell and Cootamundra will still be able to operate here.”
Mr Crozier said he will be selling his sheep and cattle through SELX in the future as it “will save us a considerable amount in freight.”
