Dear Members and Friends
Our 2011 Annual General Meeting and Industry Dinner was another great success.
At the AGM the Membership voted unanimously in favour of the three motions proposed. These were:
- That NT Agricultural Association amalgamate with NT Horticultural Association
- That the proposed representative structure (based on regional and commodity representation) be adopte d,
- That the new Association be called the NT Farmers Association
 The NT Horticultural Association will vote on these resolutions in the next few weeks. If these resolutions are passed by NTHA, the legal and financial process of winding up each Association and the formation of the new body will commence in the New Year.
A new Committee was elected with some members staying on and new people coming on board. The committee is: Kane Younghusband, Ewan Crook, Matt Denniss, Dave Gray, Randall Crozier, Ian Symes, Andrew Symes, Phil Howie, Executive positions will be voted on at the next Committee Meeting prior to Christmas.
I sincerely thank the membership for their attendance, interest and vigorous discussion into these critical issues and for providing the Association with a clear mandate to proceed with the formation of a new and more effective industry association. I welcome the new Committee and wish them well for the term of their office.
The afternoon was a highly informative and entertaining session with four great presentations from Barry Gerschwitz of Rabo Bank, Stu Cruden from AACo, Ian Curtis from King Producers in Katherine and Ian McBean from Bonalbo in the Douglas Daly. The 70 odd guests who travelled from all over the Territory to attend were enthralled by Ian McBean’s life story in the Pastoral Industry, and Ian Curtis’ tenacity, enterprise development and success in the Horticultural Industry.
I thank Barry, Stu, and both Ian McBean and Ian Curtis for donating their time and making the day really special.
The dinner, which was attended by over 100 guests, was the culmination of a great day, which turned into an even better evening. The sumptuous three course meal was only equaled by the joviality and friendly atmosphere. Andy Gray did an excellent job as MC and Terry Underwood gave a moving account of her early life at Riveren and the challenges she and John endured. Music was provided by the Farrell Family, (aka The Camp Dogs) one of the nicest and most talented families I have ever met. I thank Andy Gray, Terry for being our very special Dinner Speaker, and the Farrell Family for their great music.
Ian McBean again added to the entertainment with a great yarn about his foray into the donkey trade, to make a quick dollar. This had everyone in stitches and must surely go into the next edition of Ripper Yarns.
Kat and the team at Kotts Crossing must also be congratulated on their excellent service and a beautiful menu.
The dinner and day would not have been possible without the supreme organizational talents of Marie Muldoon , the exceptional generosity of our sponsors and involvement and contribution provided by our speakers.
I thank everyone who attended and contributed to the day. Please take a moment to look at this year's sponsors, who made our 2011 AGM and Dinner such a success.
Fergal O'Gara
Principal Project Officer
Northern Territory Agricultural Association
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