VGA Annual General Meeting
The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria held its 2014 AGM on Friday 10 October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Congratulations are extended to David Wallace, who was re-elected as President for a further term.
We would like to welcome Emma Germano to the Executive Committee, where she will work alongside the existing committee of Peter Cochrane, Vince Doria, Rocky Lamattina, Frank Lamattina, Paul Gazzola, Craig Arnott, Joe Kelly, Anthony Mason and Bill Bulmer …
Luis Gazzola retires
VGA would like to acknowledge Luis Gazzola’s many years of representation of the VGA at all levels and thank him for his work. Luis was President of the Association for seven years, has been a Director on the Board of AUSVEG for nearly as long, and has sat on more committees than he cares to remember.
Luis is still involved in some committees; however, he has retired as a Director of AUSVEG and also from the VGA Executive. We wish Luis and Gloria all the best and thank them for their support of and dedication to VGA Vic.
Alec Berias – Life Membership Award
Sincere congratulations are extended to Alec Berias, who was granted a Life Membership of the VGA at the recent Annual General Meeting. Alec is a past President of VGA Vic, and the Life Membership recognises his contribution to the industry over his many years on both the Executive and other committees.
Alec is a past President of the Association, serving from 2002-2004, as well as being an Executive Committee member for many years. Reading through Alec’s CV, one can appreciate the time he has spent representing growers …
Tony Imeson – Testimonial Dinner
Speaking of his arrival in Australia with his wife Maureen, Tony says, “Little did we envisage, as two young Ten Pound Poms landing in Brisbane Airport in 1964, that 40 of the next 50 years would take us on a journey throughout rural and urban Australia together with people who produce the best fruit and vegetables in the world.” …
Port Phillip & Westernport CMA
The PPWCMA has appointed a Landcare Facilitator, Karen Thomas, to work with industry groups within the region. Karen has worked with six of the seven industry groups in the region so far to manage several small outcome-based projects which have been identified, funded and in some cases completed under the program …
Executive Officer’s report
The relocation of the market to Epping has probably consumed the majority of President David Wallace’s time and efforts, as well as that of the members of the Advisory Committee : Luis Gazzola, Alec Berias, David Kelly and Vince Doria. This effort has now been on-going for 10 years.
Restructure has been the theme for horticulture this year, and the review and subsequent restructure of HAL could have the most significant impact of any of this year’s developments on the industry’s R&D programs into the future.
There have also been numerous reviews, including regarding the harmonisation of chemical regulations across Australia – a battle that Peter Cochrane has fought on behalf of Victorian growers.
I wish all our Members, fellow growers and everyone associated with our wonderful industry a very joyous and blessed Christmas and a very prosperous and healthy 2015.
