| DOUG CHANT ELECTED TO GARDINER FOUNDATION BOARD |
| 11-11-2008 |
Mr Chant replaces long serving director, Max Fehring, who has retired from the position without seeking re-election. The other vacancy by rotation on the Foundation's board was filled by Professor Paul Moughan who was also re-elected unanimously by Members. Announcing the results of the election, Foundation Chairman Mr Chris Nixon said he was delighted to have both Professor Moughan and Mr Chant as fellow directors. "Between them, they bring enormous expertise to the Board, both in dairy industry leadership and science," Mr Nixon said. Doug Chant is a dairy farmer from Colac who has served as president of the UDV for the past four years. Paul Moughan is a distinguished New Zealand scientist with an extensive record of achievement for the dairy industry. Chris Nixon paid special tribute to Max Fehring who he said had helped to guide the Foundation since its inception. "Max is one of those rare people who was able to alert the Board to the real conditions facing dairy farmers. Max communicated their aspirations and concerns very effectively and was an invaluable director. I wish him and Denise every good fortune in the future as committed members of the dairying community," Mr Nixon said. Members attending the meeting received copies of the Foundation’s Annual Review for 2007-2008. The Review notes that at 30 June the Foundation's capital base stood at over $88 million despite the world economic downturn. Foundation funds invested in projects during the year totalled $6 million. The meeting accepted the Foundation's financial and operating reports for the past year. Members of the Foundation are the Victorian Farmers Federation Property Trust on behalf of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria Commodity Group of the VFF, Milk Processors Association of Victoria Inc. and the Victorian Dairy Products Association Inc. The Foundation's Annual Review 2008 is available on www.gardinerfoundation.com.au. |