General News
8 November, 2023
Local farmer named among Westvic directors
ECKLIN South’s Ella Credlin has been named among two new WestVic Dairy board directors at this year’s Annual General Meeting. WestVic Dairy announced farm owner and agribusiness banker Ella Credlin would take on the role of farm director and...
ECKLIN South’s Ella Credlin has been named among two new WestVic Dairy board directors at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
WestVic Dairy announced farm owner and agribusiness banker Ella Credlin would take on the role of farm director and Zoetis senior sales representative.
She will be joined by Bruce Officer, who was named associate director.
Mrs Credlin and her husband, Jed, own and operate several farms in Ecklin South milking approximately 1500 cows.
A desire to give back to the industry and to continue to see it succeed drove Mrs Credlin to join the WestVic Dairy board.
“It’s important to me to give back to the industry and it’s an opportunity to be a part of the decision making in our region,” she said.
Mrs Credlin is particularly passionate about educating the next generations on career pathways and opportunities for equity growth and ownership.
“I’m excited about the large number of young farmers in the south west who are so engaged,” she said.
“There is a real enthusiasm about dairy and a drive to learn from others and have a career pathway in the industry.”
Mr Officer has significant agricultural business experience with supply companies to the dairy industry.
He grew up on a non-dairy farm in south west Victoria and became involved and passionate about the dairy industry through his work.
“It’s an industry full of opportunity. Dairy farming in the region is interesting, vibrant, and fast-moving with a lot of new technology,” Mr Officer said.
Mr Officer joined the WestVic Dairy board to make a positive contribution to the dairy industry.
“I would like to support farmers in the region to enhance all aspects of their farm business,” he said.
A board meeting was held immediately after the AGM to elect office bearers.
Allansford farmer Brendan Rea was elected as chair and Bessiebelle farmer Will McDonald was elected as vice chair.
Agribusiness banker Rhonda Henry will continue as treasurer after her reappointment to the board.
Brad Collins has retired, and Jacqui Squares has stepped back from her role as chair and remains a director.
Mr Rea thanked Mr Collins and Ms Squares.
“We thank Brad for his positive contributions to the board over his three years as director and we sincerely thank Jacqui for her leadership during her time as chair.”