The focus for AHA this month is on wrapping up the previous financial year and as well as planning and setting goals for the new year.

I wanted to extend my thanks to those that attended our General Meeting and approved the subscription increase as part of our Annual Operating Plan budget for the next 12 months; the 2023-24 AOP is now available online here.

Planning is now underway for the annual joint AHA/PHA Board Meeting during which the board discusses topics connected to both organisations, such as our joint Farm Biosecurity program and the Deeds, as well as a planned discussion on the proposed biosecurity protection levy and how this may impact on our members and in turn AHA and PHA. We also review and consider progress against our joint MoU. The issue of the biosecurity protection levy was also recently discussed at our recent Industry Forum meeting and was a topic of discussion between our industry members and a recent Animal Health Committee meeting.  We are aiming to have more information made available to members including a presentation from the Department at our upcoming Members Forum.

Next on our radar is the completion of a mid-term review of our 2025 Strategy (as we finish year 3 of 5). This is currently underway, and we have engaged an independent consultant who will be connecting with a cross section of our members in the coming weeks as well as a presentation and discussion with all members at the September Members Forum to test their findings. A report with recommendations will inform us of any changes/adjustments we may need to make to the 2025 Strategy.

Finally, I wanted to extend my congratulations to Malcolm Letts (AHA Board Director) who was awarded a public service medal in this year’s King’s Birthday medal announcements, a fantastic honour and recognition of a stellar career. Also, I can’t go without mentioning Tess and Andrew Herbert, great allies and friends of AHA, were awarded the 2023 Farmers of the Year award at this year’s ceremony in Canberra. Their enterprise is Gundamain Pastoral Co.

It’s great to see such outstanding achievements and leadership from within our own community.

Thanks, and all the best,

Kathleen