Toby Haylock reflects on his year as WoolProducers’ Youth Ambassador
"Absolutely do it": my year as WoolProducers Youth Ambassador
I grew up on a wool growing property in the Monaro, and these days I work as a wool broker for Elders in Yass. So I already knew wool. What I didn't know much about was policy and advocacy, and what actually happens behind the scenes before decisions reach the shed.
That's why I put my hand up to be the 2025/26 WoolProducers Australia Youth Ambassador. I wanted to grow my knowledge and my network, and get a proper look at how our industry is represented. I'll admit I sat on it for a while at first, mostly wondering how it would fit around work.
What most growers don't see
Over the year I sat in on every WoolProducers advisory committee meeting, attended AWI's Woolgrower Consultation Group meetings in Sydney and got along to the Bush Summit in Dubbo. I was even afforded the opportunity to attend the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in China. There wasn't one meeting where I didn't learn something new.
The real eye-opener was the advocacy and policy work done with government. I don't think many growers realise how much goes on. A lot of the policies that get passed, and probably even more so the ones that don't, have a lot to do with WoolProducers. It's good to see awareness growing through newsletters, more publicity and the team getting out to more events. Growers really need to lean in more and get involved in advocacy.
The whole supply chain in one room
The standout was travelling to Dalang, China, for the IWTO Congress as part of the Young Professionals program. Being surrounded by influential people from every link in the chain, from the farm right through to fashion brands, was incredible. I'm still connected with a number of them, and those relationships will stay with me for the rest of my career.
My mentor was Fabrizio Botto Poala, who works for Reda in Italy. He showed me how global policy affects his business, and how what we do on the ground in Australia flows right through to the finished garment. Every little thing along the supply chain affects the next person along.
My project: more wool on more shelves
Each Youth Ambassador develops an advocacy strategy, and mine built on what I saw in China. It looked at diversifying how wool is used, particularly through blends with natural fibres, or even synthetics.
Everything is getting more expensive and wool isn't immune. I think a lot of consumers feel priced out of buying it. The aim was to get wool into more products at a price people can afford, without compromising the price that growers receive. I had great discussions with the AWI team and Gaynor Scott from eqwools about their blending work with cotton, which convinced me that there's real scope here. Their eqwools product uses carding-length wool, but I think the same approach could also extend to combing-length fleece wools.
Thinking about applying for 2027?
My advice is simple: do it. Absolutely do it! Here's what I'd tell anyone on the fence:
You don't need a policy background. I had very little understanding of it when I started.
It's open to anyone in wool. Grower, broker or service provider, whatever your role, there's a place for you.
It fits around work. That was my main worry, but it tied in really well and was all relevant to my job.
Go in curious. Every meeting has something to teach you.
The connections last. I've already been using the ones I made.
I'm far better off for the experience and well placed to help take the wool industry forward. I can't thank WoolProducers Australia enough for the opportunity.
Nominations for the 2027 WoolProducers Australia Youth Ambassador Program will open in November 2026. Keep an eye on our social media and newsletters for more details.
