The Australian Wool Industry Medal 2018 Recipients

Jim Marler, Wool Metrology and Standards

Jim’s nomination was supported by Australian and international referees.

• 49 years of service to the wool industry
• Expertise in metrology and standards is recognised globally
• Former CSIRO (1968-86) and National Technical Manager, AWTA (1986-2008)
• Architect of IWTO-0 which is the test method for developing test methods
• Actively involved in Interwool Labs (1993-2016) as President (2005-16). Jim’s involvement continued in retirement
• IWTO Raw Wool Group Deputy Chair and Chair (1990-98)
• A significant author and co-author of reports and submissions to IWTO
• Jim is recognised for his ability to translate highly technical documents into layman language
• Jim’s opinion and advice is respected by his peers

Trevor James, Wool Broking and Services

• Trevor has 50+ years of service in the wool industry
• Landmark South Australian Wool Manager (1985-2010)
• Landmark Victorian Wool Manager (2007-08)
• Interim Landmark National Wool Manager (2008)
• South Australian Director of NCWSBA (1992-98 and 2007)
• Contribution to judging at regional, metro and national shows for over 40+ years
• Contribution and mentoring junior judges for 30+ years
• Recognised as an acute judge of wool and highly talented auctioneer
• Recognised for his unwavering, ‘never say no’ service to clients

Stephanie Brooker-Jones, Broking, Shearing and Wool Handler Services

• Actively and enthusiastically involved in the industry for 40 years
• Wool Classer through SA/VIC/NSW/QLD (1979-1994)
• Wool Buyer (1999-2004)
• District Wool Manager, Elders (2004-current)
• One of the first female district wool managers in South Australia
• Voluntary contribution to training and encouraging young people into the wool industry
• Executive Member and Chair of Sports Shear Australia Association (2013-16)
• Recognised for her involvement in shearing and wool handling competitions at a state and national level
• Mentor to young women entering the wool industry

Thomas Ashby, Merino Sheep Breeding and Services

• The Ashby name is well recognised and respected in the merino sheep industry
• Co-principal of North Ashrose Merino and Poll Merino Stud
• President of the World Federation of Merino Breeders (2014-18)
• President of the South Australian Merino Sheep Breeders Association (2005-06) and Committee Member (1994-2006), Life Member (2013)
• President of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (2006-12)
• Respected sheep judge in Australia and internationally
• Supporter, contributor and successful exhibitor at Australian regional/national shows
• Implemented the Breeding Leadership Program (2002)
• WoolPoll Panel Member (2009 and 2012)
• Inaugural President of the South Australian Young Merino Breeders (1986-88)

David Rowbottom, Ultrafine Wool Breeding and Conservation

• A leader in the ultrafine wool and sheep industry
• An influential breeder of ultrafine genetics to the industry
• Made a commitment to stop mulesing on his property nearly 4 decades ago (1979)
• Conservationist:
  • As a contribution to the Basalt to Bay Landcare Group, land has been set aside on his property to support and protect the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot
  • A member of the local Landcare Committee, VFF, CFA and ASWGA
• International Ermenegildo Zegna, Vellus Aureum fleece awards:
  • 1st – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 – the 2016 winning fleece a record breaking 9.9 micron
  • 2nd – 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2018
  • 3rd – 2016
• Holder of several Australian seasonal records for prices of wool sold by auction
• Nominated for 2015 Glenelg Hopkins Environmental Achievers award
• Nominated for 2018 Moyne Shire Environmental Sustainability award