BCG service recognised
Foundation BCG Board members Ian McClelland, Rodney Mitchell and John Ferrier were formally thanked for a stellar contribution to local agricultural research at Birchip last Wednesday night.
At the annual BCG Expo dinner, newly elected Board chairman Caroline Welsh presented the trio with awards recognising 20 years of service to BCG and chief executive officer David Chamberlin praised them for their continued passion and dedication.
Mr McClelland, Mr Mitchell and Mr Ferrier were among a group of ten farmers who in 1993 initiated the Birchip Cropping Demonstration Sites, which in 1997 evolved to become BCG.
Mr McClelland was the Board’s first chairman – a position he only relinquished last month – while Mr Ferrier was a long serving treasurer and has been public officer since BCG became an incorporated association.
All three continue to serve on the BCG Board and remain actively and enthusiastically involved in the organisation.
During the evening a number of other board and staff members were presented with long service awards.
Rupanyup farmer Andrew Weidemann received a ten year service award.
Mr Weidemann started with the Wimmera Farming Systems Group in 2001 which merged with BCG in 2002. He is currently BCG Board vice chairman.
Five year service awards were presented to current BCG Board chairman Caroline Welsh and treasurer Noel Meney who has been a board member for six years.
Mr Chamberlin also acknowledged and thanked retired board members David Smith (14 years), Warrick McClelland, Gus Barber and Stuart Warne (10 years), Peter Taylor (seven years) and Chris Kelly (six years).
“These awards have been introduced to recognise the service and commitment that people have made to BCG over the 20 years so far,” he said.
“As this is the first time for the awards, we have a few to catch up on.”
BCG staff members to receive five and ten year service awards included membership officer Angela Liston (11 years), finance manager Janice Kelly (nine years), research agronomist Simon Craig (eight years), corporate relations and events manager Margaret O’Keefe (seven years) and trials coordinator Claire Browne (five years).
Mr Chamberlin thanked the staff for their efforts over the years and the many people who continue to contribute to the success of the organisation and its annual Expo including GRDC, sponsors, exhibitors and staff, students and parents at Birchip P-12 school.
