Brett Smith of Elders was announced as the winner of the 2017 NCWSBA Wool Broker Award at the Wool Week industry dinner last Thursday evening. Brett and the other two Finalist, Russell Macgugan (AWN) and Candice Cordy (Landmark), gave presentations to the NCWSBA members and the three members of the independent Selection Panel at the NCWSBA Forum earlier on Thursday. The independent Selection Panel, Charlie Merriman (WoolProducers Australia); Ian Ashman (General Manager, AWTA); and Annabelle Beale (Fairfax Agricultural Media), then made their deliberated with their decision announced by the new NCWSBA President, John Colley, at the industry dinner on 24th August.

In making their decision, the Selection Panel noted that the panel found the calibre of all three presentations to be excellent. The Panel also found it difficult to separate the finalists and said that all would be very worthy winners. The Panel noted that the Finalists:
• Shared a passion and dedication to the wool industry;
• Demonstrated their commitment to providing outstanding service to their grower clients;
• Are working hard to educate the next generation of growers; and
• Had made high quality written submissions and presentations.

The Panel believed that Brett best met the assessment criteria. In particular, Brett impressed with his innovative approach and his ability to introduce new tools and techniques to assist his clients to get the best possible financial returns. Brett will now go to the International Wool Textile Organisation’s 2018 Congress in Hong Kong Europe in May next year. All travel, Congress and Conference fees and accommodation paid thanks to sponsorship by AWTA and Fairfax Agricultural Media. Visits to mills will also be included.

  From left to right: Award Finalist Russell Macgugan (AWN), Award Winner Brett Smith (Elders) and Award Finalist Candice Cordy (Landmark)