Robert Ingram

Director AWGA

Mr Robert Ingram has been a Director of the Australian Woolgrowers Association since October 2011.

Robert is a sixth generation woolgrower operating a 2700 ha fine wool merino property with his wife and two sons and includes the original family holding taken up in 1884.

His original qualification is in Animal Husbandry from Sydney University (B Sc Agr) with post graduate qualifications in Resource Management from Canberra University (Grad Dip Res Management). He is heavily committed to e-agriculture and is a Director and major shareholder in a small technology company developing IT for the extensive livestock industries.

Robert is an agricultural and rural development specialist with over 30 years experience in Australia and Asia. He has extensive experience in large regional integrated rural development programs and developing policy, regulatory and R&D frameworks to enhance the sustainability of rural communities. He is recognised for his skills to work effectively with all players (government, private sector, civil society and NGOs) throughout the value chain. His expertise allows him to effectively consult and network and thus develop viable, sustainable strategic options using relevant collaborative and feedback processes to test options.

To this end he has stressed the need for cross cutting assessments of policy to gauge the impact of multiple issues, including environment, gender, governance, innovation and social sustainability on economic viability. He strongly supports the philosophy of government setting and enhancing the policy and regulatory framework that allows the private sector to be productive and efficient, whether it is RD&E or marketing. He is also strongly focused on the importance of ensuring the wool industry maintains its social capital, but more importantly that it is improved with good policy and a strong independent woolgrowers' voice through the AWGA.

He has worked extensively with international and government agencies and continues to be involved in agribusiness programs in the Pacific.

Ph. 0419 870 637

Robert McBride

Director AWGA

Robert McBride is a fifth generation woolgrower operating three properties, Tolarno, Peppora and Wyoming stations, in the western division of New South Wales. Totalling 250,000 hectares, the properties run a combination of sheep, cattle and Australian bush goats.

Robert is a Director in AJ & PA McBride, a family-run rural business in South Australia that holds ten properties throughout the State. The company's assets include sheep and wool, cattle, wines, and orchards. He has held this position since 2006.

Holding a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting) at the University of Adelaide, Robert has gained expertise in this field. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment through the Securities Institute of Australia and is an Associate of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).

He has gained over 12 years' experience in banking and finance in Australia and the UK, before investing the last 20 years working on his own properties, and later on the AJ & PA McBride board. Robert has a wide range of experience working on South Australian and New South Wales properties, in all areas of the business. He is committed to promoting the wool product in Australia and in international markets.

Charles (Chick) Olsson

His business career has been involved in business management and marketing roles in the following fields.

Australian supermarket and retail grocery sectors marketing.

National animal health product R&D and manufacturing.

South East Asian live beef export consultancy.

NSW Egg industry organic marketing.

National pet food industry management.

Large animal pharmaceutical R&D innovative product development.

National drought relief program advisor with Ch 7 and Ch 9 respectively.

Company accounting and auditing functions.

Degree in Economics and Accounting, Macquarie University.

Runs fine wool merinos and prime lambs at 'Royal Oak' Goulburn NSW.

Past Chairman, Australian Wool Growers Association.

Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Past boards member Australia Wool Innovation.

Chair of Finance and Audit Committee.

Chair of Marketing and IP Committee.