EMERGING LEADERS MEETING 23RD MARCH 2017
The Goulburn Valley Emerging Leaders group held a breakfast meeting on 23rd March 2017 at the new offices of Madec in Shepparton. The meeting was well attended with numbers of approximately 30 present.
Kristen Elliott from Madec commenced the meeting with a rundown on the new office space and the services offered by Madec. She introduced all staff and outlined the services they provide.
Kristen explained in detail how the service Madec provides is protecting the growers, and the reputation of their businesses, by arranging to provision them with skilled work staff that receive current OHS training specific to the key role of the job. Applicants are fully aware of the job description and must be deemed physically fit for the job of harvesting fruit. Most welcome of all was the information given regarding Madec sourced workers having correct and valid working visa checks that permit work within Australia. This is giving our growers peace of mind after some reports of people looking for work under false circumstances.
The move has been great for the Madec team who were happy to connect a face with the voices they often talk with on the phone and have offered to host the Group again in the future.
Kristen also detailed changes regarding employee requirements when working to obtain a second-year visa. Literature was provided to attendees to enable employers to better advise their workforce.
David Bell, local well known independent agronomist, then presented on his work in colouring of fruit. This presentation was timely information coming into the final stages of Pink Lady growth with all grower’s keen to achieve good even colour. Many questions were asked of David regarding application, long term storage capabilities and skin quality. David was happy to impart his knowledge and the group is grateful he could take time out of his busy schedule to attend as a guest speaker.
Nancy Schellhorn and Laura Jones from CSIRO presented on their work in developing a Fruit Fly trap with the technological capability to notify the user when fruit fly has been caught in the trap. Testing of this trap is in the early stages but is showing some potentially positive results. There was, and will continue to be, a high level of interest in dealing with fruit fly.
After the hesitant start and some doubts within the group as to the consistency and continuation of the group, they have not been let down on the promise of holding a meeting bi-monthly. The attendance is growing and giving positive feedback as to what they are hoping to achieve, learn, and give to the group
The turn out and dedication shown by this new group is uplifting and rewarding for those in the organisation committee
Another event will occur in approximately 6 weeks. If you are not receiving email notification of meetings please contact Fruit Growers Victoria to have your name added to the list.
Fruit Growers Victoria.
