100th Alice Springs Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee (ASPIAC) meeting
November 2021 marks the 100th meeting for Alice Springs Pastoral Advisory Committee (ASPIAC). The meeting will be held in Alice Springs with a well-earned celebration to follow. It is definitely an accomplishment for people to come together for 100 meetings spanning nearly 40 years, especially in recent COVID times.
ASPIAC started in the 1980s. During this time, the group has been a vital connection between the Central Australian beef industry, the Minister and government services to the pastoral industry, now through the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (the department). In recent years, ASPIAC has also incorporated the role of Central Australia Beef Research Committee (CABRC), providing industry representation to the North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC), which then liaises with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
ASPIAC was established with a primary role of providing advice to the Territory Government on technical issues and prioritisation of research, project development, extension, education and training aimed at improving the productive efficiency of the beef industry in Central Australia. As well as formalising interaction between producers and departmental staff, ASPIAC’s terms of reference encourage direct communication with the Minister.
ASPIAC have assisted with the development and ongoing evaluation of the department’s major pastoral research projects in the region. When the Territory Government established the Old Man Plains Research Station support and encouragement for the development of the research facility was provided.
ASPIAC reports to NABRC to help verify that research funding from MLA is being prioritised to address issues that will directly benefit producers in Central Australia. ASPIAC ensures accountability by monitoring the progression of relevant research projects and programs conducted in Central Australia.
ASPIAC is a producer led group that represents the broader pastoral industry. Pastoralists are encouraged to contact committee members to find out more about research, extension and other activities that are relevant to Central Australia.
The current members are:
| Chairperson | Mrs Nicole Hayes (Undoolya Station), e: undoolya@westnet.com.au |
| Member | Ms Joanne Bloomfield (Loves Creek Station), e: robjo70@harboursat.com.au |
| Member | Mr Andy Hayes (The Garden Station), e: andythegarden@icloud.com |
| Member | Mr Alistair Bayly (Napperby Station), e: albayly@gmail.com |
| Member | Mr Ross Stanes (Lyndavale Station), e: ross@lyndavale.com.au |
| Member | Mrs Sheri Fogarty (Palmer Valley Station), e: palmervalleystation@bigpond.com |
| Member | Mr Nick Krebs (Ambalindum Station), e: nick@hewittcattle.com.au |
| Member | Mrs Sarah Cook (Aileron Station), e: manager@aileronpastoral.com.au |
| Secretary | Mr Chris Materne (DITT), e: Chris.Materne@nt.gov.au |
| Regional Director | Mr Angus Duguid (DITT), e: Angus.Duguid@nt.gov.au |
Keep an eye out for your invitation to the 100th celebrations! In the meantime, if you, or someone you know, was involved in the very beginnings of ASPIAC and could provide some history, stories or photos please contact Lakota Taber (the department’s Extension Officer) or Nicole Hayes (Chairperson). We would love to hear from you.
