Our Board

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.

Sue Harris Company Secretary

“Sue has been a member of the AAA with her partner, John Harris, since 2006. After running a small herd on agistment at another stud for some years, Sue started breeding alpacas at her farm in the Otway Ranges in southern Victoria in 2012. Onyx Alpacas breeds black alpacas, both huacaya and suri, and focuses on fleece production, selling most of its annual clip to a small local mill.

Sue practised as a lawyer in Victoria for more than 35 years. She was a partner with Madgwicks Lawyers in Melbourne before retiring from legal practice at the end of 2019. Sue also has a PhD in Legal and Political Philosophy from the University of Melbourne.

Sue has a background in not-for-profit organisations having been a director of the Victorian Arts Council in the 1980s and a Director of COTA Victoria in 2017.

Sue is currently the Board representative on the Showing and Judging Committee and is the Director responsible for eAlpaca.”

sue@alpaca.asn.au

0402 032 474

2021

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@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

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 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.

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.