NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF A GENERAL ELECTION BY BALLOT

Nominations were called for vacant positions on the Association's national bodies. Since 2017 the pathway for elections to the national bodies has changed. The various aspects of the direct election process are explained below.

Board vacancies

According to Part 5 – Section 3 – Election of Board members and tenure of office of the Association Rules should the number of nominees exceed the number of vacancies on the Board an election shall take place.

Each voting member shall be entitled to vote for any number of candidates not exceeding the number of vacancies. There are two (2) vacancies for the Board.

Nominations have been received and the list of candidates in random order is below:

Justin Johnston

Glomar Holsteins, 198 Montgomery Rd, Bundalaguah VIC 3851

I reside in Sale, East Gippsland Victoria. I, with my parents consist of a family farm operation, Glomar Holsteins.

I have been involved with Holstein Australia for many years starting out at our local sub-branch, to being the local delegate for our area at state level. From there I moved into a Strategic Directions Committee role and also getting involved with organising youth activities.

By obtaining a position on the National Board it is my intention too:

Put youth on the agenda and more involved
Connecting the HA members with the board/activities
Promoting the value of the Registered Holstein animal
Making the association financial for a sustainable future
Being a voice link for the membership direct to the board

Thank you for considering me to fulfill a National Board position.

If anyone would like to get in contact with me please don’t hesitate.

Chloe Goodfellow

Gower Park Holsteins, 68 Shaw Rd, Stanhope VIC 3623

I have been actively involved with Holstein Australia from a young age, participating in numerous services and youth activities, giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Journal and present reports to the Victorian Branch. I have always been actively involved with my sub-branch, including holding executive roles and have been National Treasurer for another breed association.

I come from a family who has contributed to Holstein Australia since its formation. I share their passion for the development of the association and the Holstein breed. I approach ideas with an open mind; I listen to members and their concerns or ideas.

We have a wonderful breed and undoubtedly challenges ahead. Having a life time of farming experience combined with being an accountant, I have the mindset to see how our financial requirements and the legalities of Acts fit with our strategy and drive questions about the future.

Gino Pacitti

Misty Brae Holsteins, 1147 Hindmarsh Tiers Rd, Myponga SA 5202

Together with my family we operate a 350-cow dairy farm 1 hour south of Adelaide, SA.

Since becoming a Holstein Australia member in 2001 I have dedicated a considerable amount of time, passion, and energy into promoting the Holstein breed, our dairy community and to the next generation of dairy farmers.

Dwindling dairy farmer numbers, competition from other sectors within the industry, administrative and regulatory demands and technological changes will all have a direct financial impact on our association.

Some key areas that I have identified that could be addressed include;

Identify, promote, and market the financial benefits of registered and classified Holstein cattle
Provide additional financial and administrative support to Sub-Branches to strengthen community spirit
Improve communication between Members, Sub-Branches, Management and Board of Directors
Ensure that Holstein Australia services are provided and offered competitively
Assist in the development of Youth Leadership pathways
Minimise the financial reliance of Holstein Australia to the export trade by identifying and introducing other revenue streams
Create joint ventures with other Breed Societies to unite the dairy industry and improve efficiencies

Whilst working towards the implementation of these goals, if re-elected I will as part of a dedicated team provide stability and continuity given the recent and impending changes to key personnel at management and at Board level within Holstein Australia.

As always, I am available and willing to discuss any member thoughts or concerns.

Jacqueline Suares, OAM

Calderbrae Holsteins, 115 Middleton’s Rd, Larpent VIC 3249

Together with husband Ross, we have progressed from share farming through to farm ownership, developing a registered herd of 165 Holsteins, milking year-round on our farm at Larpent, in South West Victoria, and have been Holstein Australia members since 1990.

In 2018 we achieved our Master Breeder Award. I have always been an active member of our HA sub-branch; and am Deputy Chair of WestVic Dairy.

My previous employment as CEO of a for-purpose organisation required skills in strategic planning, management of risk, change, financial and human resource. I am a graduate of the Williamson Leadership program in Victoria.

I believe we must honour the wisdom and achievements of the past, while embracing the opportunities of scientific advances in genetics and technology to ensure the Holstein of the future continues to be the breed of choice that will underpin the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms in Australia.

I would be pleased to provide any further information you require.

How to vote by mail

All members eligible to vote who opt to receive their Association communication by mail have been posted the notice of election, ballot paper and candidate resumes. Ballot papers must either be returned in the reply paid envelope, or a photograph / scan of the completed ballot paper emailed to governance@holstein.com.au no later than 5pm AEST Wednesday 30 September 2020.

How to vote online

All members eligible to vote who opt to receive their Association communication via email have been sent the notice of election, link to this page and instructions on how to vote using a secure online voting platform. Votes must be registered online no later than 5pm AEST Wednesday 30 September 2020.

Appointment of Returning Officer

The Board has appointed an independent Returning Officer to oversee the return of ballots and scrutiny of results.

Announcement of Results

According to the rules the results of the ballot will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8 October 2020 and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.