Council
7 October, 2023
Kilpatrick to lead Board
FOOD and Fibre Great South Coast (FFGSC) has announced the appointment of five new Board Members and a new chairperson.
Former deputy chair Oonagh Kilpatrick takes on the chair role after five years as a valued and active member of the board.
Born in Northern Ireland, she boasts a 20-year international career in taxation and trusts planning.
Ms Kilpatrick and her husband, Harper, relocated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Koroit, in 2011 to run a large dairy farm.
She also serves as the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (VFF) policy councillor for Wannon and as the Australian manager for Ireland Genetics.
Outgoing chair Georgina Gubbins welcomed Ms Kilpatrick to the role.
“Ms Kilpatrick’s dedication and contribution to the FFGSC board as deputy has been invaluable,” she said.
“I am confident that under her leadership, the organisation will continue on the current pathway towards growing the prosperity and wellbeing of the Great South Coast region.”
Ms Kilpatrick thanked Ms Gubbins for her contribution.
“Georgina Gubbins has been a highly respected and outstanding leader for FFGSC over her six years as chair,” she said.
“We have benefited enormously from her focus on strong governance, her integrity and tenacity.
“We are sorry to see her leave and wish her all the best in the future. I know she will remain a firm friend and powerful advocate for FFGSC.”
Five new directors will also be joining the board with Kirsten Diprose, Jessica Loughland, Ella Credlin, Tristan Monti and Aaron Moyne bringing a diverse range of experience.
Kirsten Diprose brings expertise in journalism and communications as well as livestock, cropping and dairy experience.
Jessica Loughland is HW Greenham and Sons Livestock supply chain manager for the region with experience in agribusiness and policy.
Ella Credlin has extensive experience in both risk and relationship management amongst agribusiness and finance skills.
Tristan Monti also brings strong finance and agribusiness skills as well as experience across wool, livestock and horticulture sectors.
Aaron Moyne, manager of planning and building at Corangamite Shire Council, will brings governance, business administration and economic development experience.
Mr Moyne welcomed his appointment as a means to add value to the sector and region.
“I am extremely pleased to join the FFGSC board and believe that I bring beneficial skills, experience and knowledge to add value. Agricultural growth and future opportunities have developed as a strong interest of mine as we look toward food security, economic growth and sustainability goals,” he said.
“Agriculture will continue to drive economies at a regional, state and National level, being our backbone locally, and it is fundamental that we position south west Victoria to respond to these long-term needs.”
Ms Kilpatrick said the FFGSC was delighted with the high calibre of applicants,
“It is an exciting time as we deliver on the four core pillars of our strategy to maintain our pathway towards organisational sustainability and regional prosperity and wellbeing through food and fibre,” she said.
“On behalf of the board I extend our sincere thanks for the enormous contributions of outgoing Board members Georgina Gubbins, Jonathan Jenkin, Jack Luxford and Dr Anna Carrucan.”
