About

Recognised by the Australian Government as the industry’s peak body, we unite over 1,000 members across Australia, offering tools, support, and advocacy to advance alpaca farming into a thriving commercial sector.

Join our community and shape the future of alpaca farming with us.

what we do

The Australian Alpaca Association offers a range of services and activities designed to support our members and promote the alpaca industry:

Education and Training

Providing workshops, seminars, and resources to help breeders and farmers improve their practices.

Events and Shows

Hosting annual events like the National Alpaca Show, which showcases the best of the alpaca industry.

Advocacy

The AAA advocates for alpaca breeders, ensuring industry growth, policy support, biosecurity, market access, and agricultural recognition.
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Discover Our Passion and Purpose

Our Mission

At the Australian Alpaca Association, our mission is to promote and support the alpaca industry across Australia. We are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of alpaca farming and providing our members with the resources they need to succeed.

Our Vision

To be the leading voice for the Australian alpaca industry, fostering a thriving, innovative, and globally recognised community of breeders and fiber producers. We envision an industry where alpaca farming is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable, with a strong network of knowledgeable and passionate members.

Our History

Founded to unite and support alpaca breeders across Australia, our association has played a pivotal role in the industry’s growth. From the introduction of the first alpacas to the country to the development of national breeding standards and fiber testing programs, we have been at the forefront of industry advancements. Today, we continue to build on this legacy, providing our members with the tools and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic agricultural landscape.

Our Board

The AAA Board is elected by our members and have the overall governance responsibility of the Association. The business of the Association is governed by the Directors, who have defined duties and responsibilities under the Corporations Act 2001 and the AAA Constitution.

Brett Fallon

President

Brett Fallon

President

brett@alpaca.asn.au

0408403910

2020

Brett has been a member of the AAA since 2001 and operates a stud and commercial breeding herd of huacaya and suri alpaca in Western Australia. He is full-time employed as an Agribusiness Finance Manager and enjoys spending his down time managing the farm with help from his young family.

Brett is passionate about the long-term viability of the alpaca industry in Australia and believes that the Association has an important role to play in this.

Mick Williams

Director

Mick Williams

Director

info@alpaca.asn.au

2020

Mick has spent almost all this life surrounded by natural fibre, having spent the majority of his formative years on a third-generation merino sheep station outside Inverell.  Mick is a full-time Australian commercial alpaca farmer.

With his family, their stud run in excess of 1,000 animals, encompassing 360 degrees of alpaca – show ring, animal sales, fleece, meat, youth development, genetic improvement (SP ratio, phenotype and predictability), research, eco-tourism, cafe/retail outlet, paddock/pasture improvement, export, and international alpaca consulting.

Mick brings a wide range of business skills, academic qualifications and enthusiasm to his role on the Board.

Lee Sadler

Vice President

Lee Sadler

Vice President

lee@alpaca.asn.au

0414 585 955

2020

Lee Sadler has been involved in the alpaca industry for over 20 years.  During this time, the Australian alpaca industry has developed from a livestock and breeding focus to a fibre focus.  Lee and her family run their stud on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, where they focus on white huacaya alpaca, with about 300 in their herd.  They also have an olive grove and extensive scrub and biodiversity projects on their property.

Lee is a pharmacist by training.  Her science background has been useful when assessing health and husbandry matters on the farm.  She has been involved in their profession and the alpaca industry in a range of representative roles, contributing on boards, committees and councils across both sectors.

Lee has also participated in the Governors Leadership Foundation Program, run by the Leaders Institute of South Australia.  This has afforded her an intensive and rewarding opportunity to consider the breadth and challenges of leadership on many fronts. Lee’s involvement with the Australia College of Pharmacy and the University of South Australia, have also provided the opportunity to  develop skills and knowledge in the field of adult education.

Andy Bousie

Director

Andy Bousie

Director

Andrew’s Alpaca journey started only 4 years ago when he and his partner relocated from Sydney to the Adelaide Hills. After starting with 4 they have grown their herd to 20 and recently moved to a larger property to support the growth both in numbers and interest. Their Colwood Stud recently won 3 ribbons at the Strathalbyn Show which was an inspiring start.

Andrew’s career spanned 30 years in the Retail / Manufacturing industry where he held CEO roles for some of the most respected Australian and International Brands. Brand Marketing, manufacturing and sourcing of textiles have been at the centre of his career and hopes to bring this experience and knowledge to the Australian Alpaca industry.

Alexandra Maramenides

Director

Alexandra Maramenides

Director

Alexandra is passionate about growing organisations with a powerful purpose. Since graduating from Cambridge University, Alexandra has worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. For the past twelve years she has run global publishing businesses in Australia, and overseas. and she is the founder of a screen and literary agency.

Alexandra is an energetic leader, with experience in diverse areas; from creative vision and concepts, to manufacturing, sales and distribution. She has been a director of boards and is on the Melbourne Executive Committee of YPO (Young President’s Organization). Alexandra brings enthusiasm and commitment to the aims and ambitions of the AAA.

Carolyn Austin

Treasurer

Steve Ridout

Director

Steve Ridout

Director

My main motivation to become a director is to be a part of its growth and development into a more Commercially orientated Industry. There are three key facets of a Commercial Industry – Fleece, Meat and Live Export. My 40 years in International Logistics, a Director of an Australian Government approved Live Export Company, founder of LaViande (Alpaca Meat) and as a previous AAA level 1 Judge provides me with a solid background of relevant information to drive this process.

I am the newly appointed Chair of the MATC of the AAA and working towards a direct access to the UK and EU markets whilst still looking at alternate options for other trade lanes. The MATC will also be driving a Fleece single platform and a project to look into ‘like for like’ funding to set up an Export accredited Abattoir.

My vision for the Australian Industry is one of growth. Growth in the areas previously mentioned will involve change. Change in the way we have previously gone about developing the industry, change in a business sense. If the business succeeds its workers succeed! I aim to be a driving force in its change.

With 40 years in a variety of Senior Management roles my philosophy of open communication at all levels has been the backbone of the success I have enjoyed, this wont change. All members will be provided with regular up to date information as to the industry’s move into a more commercially orientated one and at the same time having the current Showing and Judging system enhanced for all members.

My business approach over the years is one of collaboration, you need like minded people around you to be a part of a journey and growth of an Industry. The rewards are the satisfaction in seeing all members benefit from the direction you take them.