2022 Australian Wool Industry Medal winners, from left, Barry White, Judy Turk and Adrian Hooke.

FOUR respected Australian wool industry veterans were honoured with industry medals at the Wool Week dinner at the RACV Club in Melbourne last night.

Peak body Wool Industries Australia Inc. awarded the 2022 Australian Wool Industry Medal to metrologist Judy Turk, long-time industry specialist Barry White, administrator Adrian Hooke and researcher Allan Casey.

The Australian Wool Industry Medal is in its sixth year of recognising men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.

WIA chairman David Michell congratulated the winners and thanked them for their contribution to the Australian wool industry.

“It is very timely that we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of outstanding people to this iconic Australian industry.

“It has been a tough two years for all,” Mr Michell said.

“The industry has faced many difficult times over the past 3 decades and the contributions that people like our recipients today have made has ensured that many in the industry can enjoy and prosper in the future.”

Ms Turk, Mr White and Mr Hooke were presented with their medals last night. Mr Casey’s will be presented at a later date.

Wool metrologist is valued by clients globally

Judy Turk’s professional career spanned 42 years as laboratory technician and manager working for Michell Wool, but her ongoing contribution to industry through the various FAWO/WIA/IWTO Technical Committees and Standards Australia extended well beyond 2004. Judy’s expertise and input is highly sought after particularly her consideration of how complex technical innovations may impact the commercial sector. Her commercial perspective is valued by all wool processors globally and not just by her employer. In addition, Judy gave lectures in relevant wool courses at tertiary level at the University of New England, delivered training across Australia and developed learning resources for tertiary-level wool courses.

Barry White excelled in international trade relations

Barry White forged an extensive career representing and promoting Australian wool interests internationally.

He was general manager of International Market Development of AWC/AWRAP for 20 years, forging close ties with customers and notably emerging markets, including China. Barry was instrumental in China’s decision to join the International Wool Textile Organisation. He was a board member of Australia China Chamber of Commerce, past president of Australia China Business Council (Victoria Branch). Barry also successfully established the China-Australia-New Zealand Wool Contract, based on the IWTO Blue Book, the foundation for today’s Green Book. Barry also served as the chief executive officer of the International Fibre Centre from 2004-2010.

Administrator was respected by buyers and sellers

Retired administrator Adrian Hooke has had a long and distinguished career in the wool industry since 1972, the past 18 years as AWH wool exchange administrator – southern region. He joined Dalgety as a member of their IT team and later joined Port Philip Wool Trading, prior to commencing with AWH. Adrian managed AWH’s WoolEx systems which facilitates nearly 50 percent of all wool traded in Australia. Adrian is a trusted and conscientious source of services, respected by buyers and sellers for the contribution he has made, particularly during the recent COVID years.

Allan Casey implemented genetic research on farms

Allan Casey has been a well-known and respected advisor to the sheep industry particularly for his involvement and leadership in researching and implementing advancements in Merino genetics. He was a member of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Merino Breeding Group and a foundation member of Advanced Breeding Services. He provided valued and sought after advice to projects including Merino Lifetime Productivity Project, Rampower and the Sheep CRC. Allan was also lead author of the published Merino Bloodline Performance (1982) and Merino Superior Sires (1994). Allan’s skill has been to take genetic research and implement it on-farm in a practical way.