DFMC Board changes

Following 12 years on the DFMC board, including 6 as chair, Andrew Burnett has decided to stand down to devote more time to his family and farm.  At the recent AGM in Toowoomba Andrew was presented with a gift on behalf of all members and a couple of attendees took the opportunity to publicly thank Andrew for his time on the board and as chair.  Des Trevor, a member who drove to Toowoomba for the event from Far North Queensland with his wife Cheryl, rose to address attendees thanking Andrew for his time on the board representing farmers.  Deputy chair Trevor Middlebrook also addressed the AGM, sharing Des’ sentiments and empathising with Andrew’s reasons having stood down himself after an earlier stint on the board with similar motivations.

At a brief board meeting, held immediately after each AGM, Trevor Middlebrook was elected as chair.  As Trevor was deputy chair the directors voted Andrew Wilson from Victoria to fill the role.

As Andrew is no longer a director and no other members nominated for the position of Director for Region 2, South-East Queensland, Ross McInnes has offered to fill the casual vacancy.  Ross has vast experience “beyond the farmgate” with significant stints on the Sub-Tropical Dairy and QDO boards.

Independent director John Maher has unfortunately also had to resign his position.  John sits on several other boards and has been asked to take on some significant extra responsibilities that make it too difficult to contribute to the DFMC board as well.  The board will nominate Michael Scales, who has significant commercial experience including in the agribusiness sector.  Michael attended the AGM as an observer and members will now have information and ballot instructions for return on January 10, 2024.