NEWLY appointed GippsDairy executive officer Laurie Jeremiah knows Gippsland better than most.
Growing up on a South Gippsland dairy farm, Laurie later moved to a family orchard in Pakenham and has spent his recent life in the Macalister Irrigation District working as a business manager with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
Excited to be starting his new role, Laurie said dairy was a stimulating industry to be involved with.
“It’s very appealing to be working with people who are really motivated within an industry that is both vibrant and strong and has great future potential,” he said.
“It’s the passion and the energy to take dairy to a different place that is my motivator and driver.”
Laurie believes the skills he has developed through a life-time working in different spheres of the agricultural sector will stand him in good stead as he deals with the challenges of the dairy industry.
His first task, however, is to listen to farmers and work out how GippsDairy can help them improve production and profitability.
“Do the networking, listen to all the ideas, find the ones with the most potential and find the mechanism we need to try and carry that through,” he said.
“Farmers are contributing the dairy service levy money and they want to see where it is going.
“I see myself as a broker between the farmers who are providing the funds and the people who are using them in research or extension so we can provide a return back to the farmer.”
GippsDairy chair Matt Gleeson said Laurie’s appointment would bring a new set of skills to the organisation, which will help further strengthen the Gippsland dairy industry.
“I am excited to welcome Laurie Jeremiah to GippsDairy,” Matt said.
“Laurie brings strong experience in business and people management through his previous roles as well as the ability to connect local and state government with community, both rural and urban.”
According to Matt, the new executive officer has strong networks throughout Victoria, a connection with the agricultural sector through his rural property in Myrtlebank and a further understanding of farmers’ needs through his hands-on role with the Sale and District Agricultural Society.
“I sincerely look forward to welcoming Laurie in the role of executive officer where he will continue GippsDairy and Dairy Australia’s priorities in enhancing dairying in Gippsland,” he said.
The recent GippsDairy annual general meeting saw two new directors appointed to the board.
Dairy farmers Lauren Finger from Yanathan and Edwin Vandenberg from Inverloch have been appointed for two year terms, replacing Aubrey Pellett and Mik Harford who both stood down from the board.
“I’d like to thank Mik and Aubrey for their hard work and innovative thinking during their time on the board,” Matt Gleeson said.
“With Lauren and Edwin we have two fine replacements who I’m sure will bring the same level of energy and commitment that Mik and Aubrey brought to GippsDairy,”
