Three Victorian wool industry representatives have been awarded prestigious Australian Wool Industry Medals during Wool Week.
Michael Blake, a passionate wool growing and farming advocate from Hamilton, Geoff Fisken, the former owner of Lal Lal Estate, and Brian van Rooyen, who's had involvement on the board of Australian Wool Innovation and Australian Country Spinners, were presented with medals at the annual Wool Week dinner in Melbourne on Thursday.
Don Belgre, NSW, and Darren Spencer, WA, also took home medals.
The Federation of Australian Wool Organisations (FAWO) medals recognise men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.
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FAWO chairman David Michell made the presentations and congratulated the recipients on being nominated and for their achievements, and thanked them for their contribution to the wool industry.
"These men have made and continue to make a significant contribution to Australia's wool industry," Mr Michell said.
"The diversity and range of their backgrounds and experience identifies that their contribution goes beyond the wool industry.
"This year's recipients have come from a number of wool industry sectors including farming, shearing, and processing and includes various services such as education, mentoring and breeding sectors.
"They are leaders within their immediate sectors, however, their influence is much greater, impacting regional communities and internationally.
"They are worthy of the recognition of their peers and I congratulate them all on receiving the Australian Wool Industry Medal in recognition of their service and contribution."
He said it was a privilege to be able to present the awards as it was a reminder that a community of support and recognition was a healthy way to ensure that the wool industry created a positive image that was attractive to the next generation.
"Tonight is a celebration of the contributions of these outstanding people to this iconic Australian industry," he said.