WASIA is delighted to announce that on August 22 at the AWIS Wool Industry Dinner in Melbourne, Mr David Michell, FAWO Chairman awarded WASIA President Mr Darren Spencer a 2019 Australian Wool Industry Medal for Shearing and Industry Services.

The Australian Wool Industry Medal seeks to recognize men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry. We think that Darren’s passion for, and selfless ongoing voluntary work to increase the profile and best practice of this wonderful industry makes him a very worthy recipient of the Australian Wool Industry Medal.

Darren has been involved in the Shearing Industry since 1982 as a shearer, contractor, grower, woolclasser, wool broker, transporter and industry leader and advocate.

As President of WASIA, a voluntary role, Darren spends many hours a week addressing industry matters, representing the industry in various working groups, being interviewed by media, assisting people in the industry whether they be other contractors, shearers, people looking to join the industry, growers, training organisations, other industry bodies or government agencies.

Every time he is required for a meeting, Darren has a 7 hour return journey from Lake Grace to Perth which he does without reimbursement or charge – having to leave the running of his various businesses to attend to industry wide matters.

Most importantly Darren is highly respected across the board for his ethics, integrity and honesty and for leading by example. He gives his time, experience and knowledge generously and freely to anyone who seeks it.

The respect for Darren across industry was demonstrated by the range of industry stakeholders who were referees for the nomination and provided letters of support for his award.