The announcement of a new Life Member and the election of some of the most qualified board members ever to take up leadership positions in an Australian hunting organisation were highlights of the Australian Deer Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday.

Given that ADA branches span the length and breadth of the continent, the AGM was held via a secure online portal, making it accessible to a larger number of members and stakeholders.

The ADA adopted a new Constitution last year and made a transitionary move to being administered by a skills-based board of management. The 2019 AGM marks the completion of this period of transition – the most significant suite of changes in the organisations proud, fifty-year history.

Three new directors filled casual vacancies on the board in recent months and, as such, were up for formal election at the AGM.

They are:

Aaron Henry - Advocacy portfolio.

Bachelor of Economics.

Aaron has extensive political experience through his former work as a Political Staffer and a Deputy Campaign Director.

Dr Danielle Auldist - Environment and Research Portfolio

Bachelor Ag Science, Master Ag Science, PhD.

Danielle is a lecturer in Veterinary Bioscience at Federation University and a Board Member of Phillip Island Nature Parks.

David McNabb - Secretary.

Associate Diploma Banking and Finance.

David has extensive experience in risk projects in the banking sector and extensive knowledge of ADA’s operating environment courtesy of his former role as the CEO of Field & Game Australia.

All three are already making significant contributions to the ADA as are others who have come on board in assistant’s roles and on new board sub-committees.

The real highlight of the AGM was the announcement of Patrick Ross as the thirteenth Life Member of the Australian Deer Association.

Patrick joined the ADA back in 1981 and has been a significant figure in the association for the intervening thirty-eight years. He was the National President from 1990-1995 and had another stint on the National Executive in recent years to aid with the transition of the association. Patrick has held positions at every level of the association and his no nonsense, articulate and forthright contributions are always offered with the best interests of the deer, deer hunting and the ADA at heart.

Patrick sits amongst the giants of the Australian deer scene.

The ADA are delighted that Patrick accepted our offer of Life Membership.

A suitable function will be organised in due course to celebrate this rare honour.