I AM earnestly proud to introduce myself as the new chief executive and company secretary of Australian Livestock and Property Agents replacing my long-time agency colleague Andy Madigan who is retiring.
On behalf of the board and ALPA members I thank Mr Madigan for his phenomenal contribution to the Association and the stock and property industry in a wonderful career.
ALPA represents more than 1200 agency businesses and our members account for 97 per cent of rural agency business Australia wide.
It is an honour to advocate for our members.
I was born into the stock and station industry and this profession runs through my blood.
My career began in Inverell in my parent's stock and station agency, Brian Baldwin & Co.
Here I was fortunate to have met and worked alongside the best in the business.
After 30 years as a director and chief auctioneer of Richardson and Wrench in Sydney I have returned full circle to the saleyards and paddocks.
Our industry participants are to be commended for their dedication, innovation, professionalism and willingness to be at the vanguard in addressing key issues in our industry.
The intelligent and responsive approach our people from stockpersons, drovers, livestock salespeople, auctioneers and administrative staff unstintingly adopt in ensuring that animal welfare is paramount is to be acknowledged and cemented within our mantra.
Moreover, it is satisfying that we have such an outstanding calibre of female participants in the livestock and property industry.
The multifaceted contribution that women make in our industry is to be applauded and we are constantly evolving to ensure that we continually encourage this development.
ALPA has always sought to recognise the intellect, acumen and foresight of its agents through the prestigious ALPA Agency Award.
Congratulations to this year's winner, Luke Scales, Landmark Russell, Cobar.
One of our highlights of the year is the ALPA NSW Auctioneers School to be held at the William Inglis Complex at Warwick Farm Racecourse on December 3 and 4.
This school will be the forum to select the NSW finalists for the 2020 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition to be held at Sydney Royal Show.
If ever you wanted to take positive steps in the field of auctioneering then this is the best way forward.
We have a superb group of trainers who are giving of their valuable time to put back into the industry and offer wonderful advice, moulding and leadership. We thank them for being so supportive in such challenging seasonal and economic times.
- To register for the NSW Auctioneers School, visit www.alpa.net.au