WoolProducers Australia Seeks Directors for National Leadership Roles

WoolProducers Australia (WoolProducers) is calling for nominations for three independent director positions on its National Executive. The nation's peak body for woolgrowers is seeking passionate and experienced woolgrowers from across Australia who are keen to contribute to national and international policy development and advocacy.

WoolProducers is uniquely structured to ensure direct grower representation. While the Executive is primarily comprised of delegates from state farming organisation members, it also includes three independent members who are directly elected by woolgrowers. This democratic process gives anyone actively involved in wool growing in Australia the opportunity to join the leadership team. The successful candidates will serve a two-year term as directors of WoolProducers Australia Ltd.

The current Independent Directors are Angus Hobson, NSW, and Simon Riddle, Vic, who have both indicated their intention to re-nominate, while Skye Ward, NSW, will not be seeking re-election.

WoolProducers President Mr Steve Harrison highlighted the organisation's unique position in the industry. “WoolProducers is the only representative group in the Australian Wool Industry that proudly represents all woolgrowers, unlike other groups who may only represent certain sectors or single-issue agendas."

"We are dedicated to acting without fear or favour, calling for transparency and accountability from all service provider companies that are financed by grower funds.”

Mr Harrison also pointed to the organisation’s key achievements. “As a leader in the industry, WoolProducers has delivered many positive outcomes on behalf of growers in recent times. We are currently driving a number of leading initiatives, including the Trust in Australian Wool campaign, expanded trade and market access, the Sheep Sustainability Framework, industry reform and the Raising the Baa Youth Ambassador programme.”

To be eligible for election, candidates must:

• Be eligible to act as a company director.

• Have skills and experience that align with the objects of the company; being:

- to represent all Australian wool growers by providing them with a unified policy forum on national wool issues;

- to promote and carry on those activities necessary or advisable for the benefit and advancement of Australian wool growers’ social and economic wellbeing; and,

- to maintain WoolProducers Australia Ltd as the recognised peak national body for Australian wool growers.

Nominations must be received before 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday, 19 September. Should an election be contested, ballot papers will be distributed in October, with voting closing on Friday, 7 November. The results will be declared at the 2025 WoolProducers Annual General Meeting on 13 November.

For further information and to submit a nomination, please visit the nomination page on the WoolProducers Website

ENDS

Jo Hall, CEO: 0488 554 811

Steve Harrison, President: 0427 468 303

About WoolProducers’ Australia

WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.

Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.

The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.

WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders.  It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.

WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.

As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.

WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.