Eight individuals, including two Chittering residents were recognised for their dedication and service towards the Federation and the Western Australian agricultural sector at the annual WAFarmers Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony held on 19 February.
WAFarmers President Tony York said the award recipients had demonstrated outstanding commitment towards the farming advocacy group and towards furthering the development of the state’s agricultural industries.
“Over the course of the last year, the eight individuals acknowledged tonight have continually worked hard to advance Western Australian agriculture and to act on behalf of WAFarmers members on all matters of interest,” Mr York said.
“They are all exceptionally worthy winners for their respective awards and, on behalf of WAFarmers and the wider agricultural sector, I would like to congratulate them on their achievements and thank them for their commitment.
The formalities were preceded by a fashion show by local designer Azulant Akora who debuted her ‘The Dawn of Dusk’ Merino wool garment collection, which included the black evening dress for which she was awarded first prize at the Australian Wool Fashion Awards in 2014.
WAFarmers would like to thank the sponsors: Meat & Livestock Australia, Coles, CBH Group, AWTA Limited, Monsanto, GrainGrowers, GRDC and CropLife Australia (event sponsors), Prime Super, Bailiwick Legal, Australian Reliance and RSM (WAFarmers sponsors), and Rural Focus Radio West and Countryman (media sponsors).
Laurie Bush
Laurie has lived in Lower Chittering all his life where he grew fruit.
He was part of the combined WAFarmers Union and Fruit Growers Association which commenced in 1978 in Lower Chittering by Dale Park’s father. He later joined WAFarmers when he started sheep farming in the late 1960s (our records show 30/11/1953 but Laurie is sure it was only from 1973).
He has been an active member of Mortlock Zone since the 1990s and has represented the Zone on the Meat Council, also for many years.
Phil Surtees
Phil has been part of WAFarmers since the 13 December 1966 and has been a very active member for that time.
Originally from Gabbin, a townsite in the eastern agricultural area about 17kms west of Bencubbin, Phil has been in Chittering for the past 20 years and part of the Mortlock Zone for that time as well.
He has represented the Mortlock Zone on the Wool Council for 20 years, and has also served as President of the Mortlock Zone.
He has also done a lot of campaigning for WAFarmers, especially in the early years, by telephoning members to remind them when the Zone meeting was being held.
He has also served on the fire brigade in Chittering.
