Gollan wool classer Rob Yeo has was recognised for his 50 years of service to the industry during a very special event on Wednesday.
Mr Yeo, of ‘Mindawanda’, was presented with a stencil to mark his services at Macdonald & Co Woolbrokers in Dubbo with Australian Wool Exhange (AWEX) CEO Mark Grave in attendance.
AWEX started recognising the 50 year wool classer registration in 2013.
The morning was a “shock” to Mr Yeo, who didn’t expect
“I knew I was getting a stencil but wasn’t expecting to get it here,” Mr Yeo said.
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The experienced wool classer used to work out west, including Brewarrina, Tilpa, Louth and up to Cunnamulla, but now works locally.
The best thing about his job has been the people, Mr Yeo said.
“It gets me off the farm. Otherwise I’d just stay at home and work all the time,” he laughed.
“I’d probably never see anyone expect the neighbor so it gets me out and seeing other people.”
Mr Grave described speaking and meeting with Mr Yeo as an “absolute thrill”.
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Everyone he’s spoken to is proud of what they do and are passionate about the industry.
“All you need to do is speak to any of the 50 year classers and it just comes through in spades,” Mr Graves said.
“They’re obviously very modest. And it’s been an absolute privilege for me to be a part of that,” Mr Grave said.
This year Mr Grave was approached by the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors (ACWEP) who wanted to be involved with recognising what the classers have done.
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Mr Grave read out a letter, addressed to Mr Yeo, from the national Council.
“The role of the wool classer is a key role in the industry and is highly valued by wool buyers and exporters as they appraise the wool that you’ve prepared for sale,” he read.
“On behalf of the ACWEP and members I’d like to congratulate you on achieving 50 years of wool classing.
“To reach 50 years, as you have done, is a very special achievement. The entire export industry sincerely thanks you for your commitment towards preparing Australian wool to the high standards expected by the global textile community.”
Macdonald & Co Woolbrokers managing director Don Macdonald said Mr Yeo has been a client of theirs for 21 years.
“It’s quite an achievement,” Mr Macdonald said.