The Tocal College Advisory Council is appointed to provide advice and assistance to the operation of the College. In particular, it provides recommendations on the education policy and direction of the College, the scope and relevance of its programs, and the training needs of industry and the community. The Advisory Council was renewed in 2019 with the appointment of new terms and new members.
David Anthony
Chair
David Anthony is the former Chair of Auscott Limited, the Australian Farm Institute, and Career Harvest Inc. David was also a Director of the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre and a Councillor on the NSW Primary Industries Ministerial Advisory Council. He has also held Director positions with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Australian Cotton Growers Research Association and Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD).
Margo Duncan
Member
Margo Duncan owns and manages a 2,500 acre beef cattle property on the Williams River in the Seaham area of the Lower Hunter. Margo formerly held the role of Chair of the Tocal College Advisory Council and has been a long-term active member of the Tocal Ex-Students Association (now part of the Tocal Alumni community).
After graduating from Tocal College in 1974, Margo worked for a local stock and station agent and managed a property with husband Bruce. They went on to establish successful businesses in irrigation, drilling and blasting (mining and civil works) and in supplying explosive storage facilities. As an experienced Shotfirer, Margo was on the Board of Examiners for Shotfirers with the Department of Mineral Resources for a number of years.
John Fairley
Member
John Fairley is the CEO and owner of Country Valley Milk, which produces, processes and bottles milk, yoghurt and cream with a team of 26 staff. John is a passionate dairy farmer and enjoys working with teams to improve business operations. He has a strong focus on marketing (especially through social media) and often represents the dairy industry in the media.
After graduating from Tocal College in 1976, John worked on the family farms (dairy and beef), before completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Systems Agriculture) at the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury. On completion of his degree, John managed the family dairy farm at Picton before starting Country Valley in 2004.
John is also a Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and is on the Cheese and Dairy Committee.
Duncan Fraser
Member
Duncan is a passionate advocate and a dedicated member of the agricultural community, with over 20 years experience with various state, federal and commodity agri-political organisations.
A former National Farmers' Federation president, in 2015 Duncan was made a Member of the Division (AM) in the Order or Australia for his significant service to primary industry, to professional associations, and to education and training. Duncan holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics from UNE and is a Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program which he completed in 1999.
Duncan is the Chair of the Board of the Skills Service Organisation, Skills Impact. He is also the previous Chair of the Sheep Industry CRC and the Implementation Steering Committee of the National Wild Dog Action Plan.
Duncan owns and manages "Narringa", a 9750-hectare pastoral and irrigation property near Hay, NSW, producing wool, sheep meat, rice and wheat.
Reg Kidd
Member
Reg Kidd is the NSW Farmers nominee on the Tocal Advisory Council. Reg has broad interests in agriculture, horticulture, natural resource management and education. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Education.
Reg is the current Mayor of Orange City Council and has held numerous board and committee memberships including Regional Development Australia - Central West region, Local Land Services, Landcare, Orange Community and Education Committee (OCTEC) and the State Noxious Weeds Advisory Council. Reg is also well known for his long-term ABC radio gardening program.
Sandra Ireson
Member
Together with her husband and three children Sandra owns and operates a beef cattle, sheep and irrigation enterprise near Booligal on the lower Lachlan River region of NSW.
Growing up on a Merino sheep property on the Monaro, Sandra studied Agriculture at University of Western Sydney before working in the veterinary and agricultural animal health industry in sales and marketing.
Sandra has a keen interest in developing pathways for younger generations to gain a start in primary industries. In 2014 she co-developed the Hay Inc. Rural Education Program to address the challenge of reduced numbers of young people entering or staying in agriculturally dependent communities.
Sandra was the winner of the 2017 NSW-ACT Rural Women’s Award and is the Founding Executive Director: Hay Inc. Rural Education Program. She is also a member of the National Rural Women Coalition, Networking the Networks Advisory Group and is the Hay Branch President of the Isolated Children's Parents’ Association.
Cate Hardy
Member
Cate is the Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA) nominee on the Tocal College Advisory Council. She is an active member of the CWA and has held many positions at all levels of the Association. Cate is currently the Sturt Group President and State Executive Committee member. She is also a member of the State Agricultural & Environmental Committee.
Cate has a Bachelor of Medical Science (path) Honours and has worked in public, private and university laboratories in medical and veterinary diagnostic pathology as well as research. She is a full time director of Hardy Irrigation Pty Ltd which is a family operated production company of food, fibre and seed on 3,000 acres in the Murrumbidgee Valley. She is a member of the CICL Environmental Reference Committee and President of the Wagga Wagga Squash Club.
Vicki Tuck
Member
Vicki is a partner in Llanver farming enterprises based at Narromine. She has been involved in the family mixed farming operation for more than 20 years, growing wheat, canola, cotton, chickpeas and lupins, along with cattle and sheep. Vicki has a particular interest in agribusiness and governance, and has held roles supporting both the farming sector and community, including the Macquarie Groundwater Management Committee.
Vicki holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and is passionate about agribusiness and strengthening the business of farming through best management practices, business systems and strong governance.
Jamie Andrews
Member
Jamie Andrews is the owner and manager of a self-replacing Angus enterprise at Gloucester that runs across several properties. Jamie is a founding member of the Gloucester Beef Network which promotes the beef industry in the Manning area. He is passionate about sustainable farming practices and provides opportunities for young people to experience the farm environment, and has hosted a number of field days in conjunction with Local Land Services. Jamie is a high school teacher and has taught PD/H/PE and Agriculture for 15 years in Tamworth, Jervis Bay, Canada and Gloucester. He represents NSW LLS on the Advisory Council.
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