New AWI chairman and Collinsville Merino Stud principal George Millington.

NEW Australian Wool Innovation chairman George Millington has identified the need for continued collaboration with other industry bodies to lift grower profitability.

After the 2025 annual general meeting on Friday, Mr Millington said in the 12 months the industry has had a WoolPoll vote and a director election vote.

“And a lot of the politics around that has been evident in the media.

“I think with the conclusion of the AGM today, the company now has two years of clear air to really get on and try to continue to deliver for levy payers.

“I am actually really excited, I know the rest of the board is really excited and I know that (CEO) John (Roberts) and the team are really excited, we can now put a lot of what’s happened behind us and get on and try and really go forward,” he said.

“In terms of what’s really important and what can we do, I think we want to continue to build on the great work that the board has done, and particularly John and the current team.”

He said John Roberts, who is scheduled to leave the position in April next year, will be a massive loss to the company, with his collaborative style and ability to bring together all sectors of the industry in a critical time.

“It’s fantastic and I really want to see that continue.”

He said the he and the board wanted collaboration to continue to try to bring the industry together and find common ground to achieve things. He said the Australian Wool Traceability Hub was an example of this.

“We are going down the path of traceability so we can enable wool growers to sell their story further up the supply chain and try to get a better price because their profitability is a no doubt a key thing for wool growers.

“I and the rest of the board was to make sure we have as many profitable wool growers in Australia as possible.”