The Australian Wool Industry Medal 2020 Recipients

Mr John Grey, Wool Brokering Services

Has served the wool and sheep industries for more than 50 years. John is a perfectionist when it comes to his attention to detail for his wool grower clients and has earned the respect and confidence of exporters for managing a first-class wool rehandle facility. John is community minded and has provided excellent wool and sheep/ram & stud selection services to his client base for many years. He has been a long time Steward at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and was awarded Sydney Royal Agricultural Show Legend in 2015 and is a regular judge at fleece shows including Sydney, Dubbo, Canberra and regional community shows throughout NSW.

Mr Robert (Bob) Couchman, Metrology & Wool Science

Bob’s association with the wool industry is approaching 60 years and during that time he is most strongly and globally recognised for his career in metrology, notably working with the Australian Wool Corporation as National Controller Fibre Specification including overseeing the ASMAP project demonstrating the use of A.M. results to predict processing results. He also Chaired Standards Australia’s TX-12 Committee, was a member of the JWSO committee, and developed numerous training programmes for IWS, AWC & Woolmark and in collaboration created a pricing model for raw wool measurements. More recently, Bob has continued as a consultant to the industry through his company Capronex Services Pty Ltd and has made strong contributions on FAWO/WIA Technical Committee. Bob is also a WIA member and a regular attendee of IWTO.

Mr Andrew Blanch, Exporting & Industry Advocacy

Andrew is a strong and passionate advocate for wool and in particular the Superfine Merino industry Andrew has served as a Director of AWEX, on the Executive Committee of ACWEP, Chaired the FAWO Industry Compliance Working Group, worked on numerous industry committees and has spoken at many grower events advocating the importance of improving wool quality, integrity and growers connecting with their customers. Andrew is the principal architect of SustainaWOOL, the largest grower Sustainable integrity scheme.

Mr Kevin Gellatly, Shearing & Training

Kevin has worked in the wool industry for 50 years. Most of his career has been as a shearer in WA and a shearing contractor/trainer. Kevin worked for Heiniger Australia in a Research & Development role covering WA, Tasmania and the South Island of New Zealand advocating wool shed improvements, grinding and equipment maintenance. For 24 years Kevin offered training and employment opportunities for young indigenous men and has served as a shearer and wool handler trainer for 17 years, introducing hundreds of young people into the wool industry. Kevin’s greatest strength is his ability to successfully communicate with all people and improve their self-esteem for which he is respected.

Mr Richard Halliday,  Wool Growing & Services to Industry

Richard’s skills are many: he is a left-handed shearer (blade & machine), Principal of the Callowie Poll Merino Stud, served as WoolProducers President from 2014 to 2018 and as a Director of both AWEX and AWTA. As Inaugural President of Livestock SA, Richard was key in Livestock SA receiving funding from the SA Government for water infrastructure and wild dog control. Richard is active within his regional community being a member of his local football & cricket clubs and is Chair of Rotary. Richard is a respected sheep judge, judging at shows across Australia.