INDUSTRY veteran Gary Hardwick has been appointed chairman of the peak processing, wholesale, retail and smallgoods body, the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Mr Hardwick’s appointment was announced today, along with the members of the new AMIC board for the 2019-2023 term.
Together with his wife Vicki, Mr Hardwick established and operated Hardwick Meatworks in Kyneton processing beef and lamb for export and domestic markets over many years. The business is now managed by their sons Luke and James. Mr Hardwick has worked in the processing industry for more than 40 years, and has served a previous term as AMIC chairman a decade or so ago. A qualified accountant, he has served on multiple industry boards, sharing his experience in the production, processing and retail sectors of the red meat industry.
Mr Hardwick replaces the outgoing chair, Lachie Hart of Stockyard Beef, who has held the position since 2015, overseeing a period of change and modernisation for the organisation and industry.
Mr Hardwick said Mr Hart’s leadership and vision has ensured he will be taking the reins of an organisation with much already achieved in representing the industry.
“I look forward to building on this and being a strong advocate for our members and our industry.”
Mr Hart welcomed Mr Hardwick to the position, alongside Robert Constable who has been elected AMIC deputy chair.
“Our industry is going through a period of great change, with many challenges and opportunities to be addressed and capitalised on.
“I wish the new board well, and look forward to supporting them in this new chapter of the Australian Meat Industry Council,” Mr Hart said.
Elections were also held for AMIC’s national councils, with the following candidates appointed as chairs: National Smallgoods Council – Franz Knoll (Barossa Fine Foods); National Retail Council – Robert Constable (Roberts Meats), and; National Processor Council –Terry Nolan (Nolan Meats).
AMIC chief executive officer Patrick Hutchinson congratulated the new appointments. He said under the leadership of Mr Hart, AMIC has been able to strengthen and amplify its voice for members, as well as establishing six clear priority areas around access to labour, animal welfare, market access, food regulation, small business management and energy efficiency.
As well as Mr Hardwick and Mr Constable, the full AMIC board also includes treasurer, Trevor Hill of Bruce’s Meat & Poultry Options (Treasurer) NRC; Roger Fletcher – Fletcher International Exports NPC; Rodney Sellers – Sellers Quality Meats NRC; Noel Kelson – Midfield Meat International NPC; Franz Knoll – Barossa Fine Foods NSC; Greg Smith – D’Orsogna Limited NSC; Ray Kelso – Barrow Lane NRC, and; Terry Nolan – Nolan Meats NPC.
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