|
|
AOA Update
Australian Olive Association news and events
|
|
The “AOA Update” is a periodic e-newsletter from the AOA Board to keep AOA members and the wider olive industry up-to-date with the strategic and operational aspects of the Association. Feedback is encouraged via email to secretariat@australianolives.com.au.
|
|
CEO Greg Seymour to Retire
The AOA’s CEO, Greg Seymour, will retire on 31 March after four very positive years at the helm. Greg leaves the AOA in very good shape and the legacy of his strategic approach and business style to industry development, will benefit the AOA and the Australian olive industry for many years to come.
Directors were unanimous in their praise for Greg’s contribution to the Board, the AOA, and the industry as whole. They cited his strong leadership, relationship building with key stakeholders, the AOA’s productivity and quality program, the AOA’s response to COVID and industry risk management, and the financial stability of the organization as some of the hallmarks of his time as CEO.
An interview with Greg about his time at the AOA will be featured in the March edition of Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor magazine.
New CEO Appointed
After an exhaustive search and multiple interviews of some high calibre candidates, the AOA Board has appointed Michael Southan as the AOA’s new CEO - effective 1 April 2021.
Michael has an impressive CV and the Board is confident that the great momentum built-up over the last few years will continue under Michael’s leadership. More on Michael and his thoughts about his new role will appear in the next AOA Update.
|
|
Dear Members,
With the knowledge our current CEO, Greg Seymour, wanted to retire at the end of March 2021, the AOA Board appointed a selection committee in December to advertise, analyse, scrutinise and appoint a suitable person to take over from Greg.
With a large number of highly qualified applicants, the shortlist was impressive. However, one applicant came through and I believe the AOA membership, and the Australian olive industry more widely, will benefit from the decision to appoint Michael Southan as the AOA’s next CEO.
The Board is looking forward to working with Michael when he takes up his position on 1 April following a transition process with Greg and Liz Bouzoudis.
Following on from the excellent achievements Greg was able to make during his time in the position, Michael will ensure that a seamless continuation of the Board's commitment to its strategic mission is maintained.
The AOA will continue its advocacy work on behalf of the industry, and remains committed to facilitating increased grove productivity, premium product quality, and domestic and international market development. The Board will continue doing this by identifying barriers to success and working cooperatively with others to overcome them.
While Michael Southan will bring his own skill set and style to the position, the change of CEO will not deviate the Board's strategic intent that benefits the membership and all industry stakeholders.
A farewell tribute to Greg Seymour will be published in our next edition of Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor magazine; and Michael will introduce himself soon after he gets his feet under the desk.
As Australian olive producers are about to kick off the 2021 harvest in the next months, I’d like to wish you all the very best outcomes and look forward to hearing of voluminous olives and EVOO of the highest quality.
Sincerely,
Mike Thomsett
|
|
Sadly, this will be my last column as CEO of the AOA. I advised the Board some time ago that I wished to retire so they could undertake a thorough and professional approach to finding a new CEO without the pressure of time.
I have enjoyed my time at the AOA, and in the olive industry, immensely. The time has gone so quickly but we’ve able to achieve a fair bit during the past four years. Deciding when it’s the right time to leave is the hardest job for a leader. The AOA is in a strong position with good governance, financial stability, and a clear strategic focus for delivery high quality policy and programs that underpin the ongoing development of the olive industry in Australia. That’s a perfect time for me step aside, hand over the reins and head-off into the sunset to play golf, go fishing, and do some things that aren’t possible when you are working.
I’d like to record my great appreciation to everyone who has worked with me and contributed to the development of the industry during my time as CEO and to those who have given me support to deliver the outcomes the industry needed.
Thank you to the Board for tremendous support, camaraderie, and guidance throughout my tenure. A very special mention to the “Engine Room” [AOA Administrator, Liz Bouzoudis; OG&P Managing Editor, Gerri Nelligan; and OliveCare® Administrator, Peter (The Sheriff) McFarlane] and Trudie Michels (AIOA) and Paul Miller (International Affairs) for their professional contributions, commitment and teamwork day-in day-out. This team is world class and the olive industry is so lucky to have them.
The soils field days held in Tasmania and South Australia have received rave reviews from delegates attending, and even the presenters themselves. If you haven’t registered for Queensland or Western Australia yet, pls do so - you won’t be disappointed [registrations for the New South Wales and Victoria events have closed]. The quality of the information, the professional presenters, and the practical demonstrations in the grove has been greatly appreciated by delegates. Feedback sheets indicate a very high intent to implement the learnings in delegates’ own groves when they return home.
If I don’t see you at one of the remaining field days, all the very best for an enjoyable and profitable future in the olive industry.
Greg Seymour
CEO
|
|
AOA Activities and Initiatives |
|
There is still time to register for the Soils Field Days to be held in Queensland and Western Australia.
These field days highlight the role and management of healthy soils in producing healthy trees and lifting grove productivity. With the latest research and technology showcased, these field days benefit new and seasoned growers alike.
Sunday 14 March 2021
aFthonia Farms (Organic-in conversion), 69 Brennan Rd, Hampton 4352 (via Toowoomba), QLD. REGISTER
Sunday 28 March 2021
Preston Valley Grove, 209 Lowden-Grimwade Rd, Lowden (via Donnybrook) WA 6240. REGISTER
|
|
2021 Processing Webinar Series |
|
Pre-season Considerations for EVOO Processing
March 10, 10am AEDT via Zoom Meetings
Pablo’s webinar last year proved extremely popular with everyone connected with growing and processing olive oil. This first of two processing webinars with Pablo to be held in March this year, will focus on preparation for best quality EVOO production.
The webinar will cover:
- Harvest plan considerations
- Factors that may alter the harvest plan
- Processing plan considerations
- Staff aspects
- Processing documents
The format will be a 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute interactive Q&A session, providing plenty of opportunity for people to clarify particular queries or issues.
Cost: $22 members, $44 non-members
|
|
March 2021 Olivegrower & Processor out soon – do you have a subscription?
|
|
The March 2021 edition of Olivegrower & Processor will be hitting mailboxes in the next couple of weeks.
It covers all facets of the olive growing and processing industry - it’s a cover-to-cover read to support your olive business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
