ANDY Madigan was looking for a change.
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It came knocking with an advertisement in The Land for the chief executive officer for the Stock and Station Agents Association (SSAA).
"I'd been at Elders for 20 years and at the time was the coordinator for Elders livestock online," Mr Madigan said.
That job was in Brisbane, so taking the position with the stock and station agents meant a move to Sydney.
"The idea was for the state association to come together as a national body," he said.
"There had certainly been a lot of work done by ACLA and SSAA towards ALPA before I took on the job of CEO.
"People such as Andrew McCarron had been working in the background, while others such as Dick Cameron, Peter Druitt, Peter Homann, Harriett Keatley, Don Wright, Paddy Dillon, Tony White and Leo Foster all worked towards the transition to a national agent body."
He started as Stock and Station Agents Association CEO in April 2004. By July 2004, Queensland was on board (due to the work by Noel Grant and Earl Pratt) and by September, Landmark and Elders joined.
"By having Qld agents on board it gave our industry a stronger voice within the agri-political environment, while the addition of Elders and Landmark ensured we had membership in every state and territory," he said.
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) was officially formed in September 2004 and Mr Madigan appointed CEO.
"By becoming ALPA, agents were finally taken seriously and we were a recognisable national peak body," he said.
"That was one of the highlights for me. We were now included in discussions rather than being told what we as agents will do."
Another highlight for Mr Madigan was reviewing and developing the National ALPA Auction Terms and Conditions for the sale of livestock. This meant all livestock was bought and sold under the same legal obligations across the country.
"I've also been humbled by the response from so many people upon the announcement of my retirement," he said.
"I am grateful for the many great people I have worked with, from the original Stock and Station Agents Association board who appointed me, all the boards, ALPA members and staff. I owe them my sincere thanks. I have been most fortunate to have had the support from all of these people, others in industry and government that has made ALPA thrive."
Fifteen years on, Mr Madigan is once again looking for a change. This time the answer wasn't in The Land's positions vacant section. He's off to enjoy retirement - and there's no better reason to seek a change than that.
