WAFarmers has recorded an operating surplus for the second year in a row, after continuing to re-charge their finances and re-connect with members over the past 12 months.
WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer Stephen Brown said the surplus was a significant achievement and had built on the success of the previous financial year.
“Our financial performance this year has been pleasing, considering we added significant costs during 2016 with the appointment of a third full time Policy Executive Officer plus a Membership Coordinator,” he said.
“To have recorded this surplus after taking on two additional staff and increasing costs associated with our operating business plan, Project Re-charge Re-connect, is an excellent achievement.”
Mr Brown said the surplus was complemented by membership growth for the financial year, which ended 30 November 2016.
“After undertaking an audit on our membership data base mid-year and removing a large number of non-active members, we have also recorded the first growth in membership numbers for a very long period of time,” he said.
“This is quite an accomplishment when you consider the loss of members through retirement, leaving the agriculture industry and those who have passed away.
“Of particular significance was the continued growth of AgConnectWA, which recorded a 43.24 per cent increase in membership.”
WAFarmers President Tony York said the upcoming State Election was an important time for industry, and would be high on WAFarmers’ radar.
“There have been numerous successes achieved throughout the year of which WAFarmers, its staff and the members we represent should be proud, and there is absolutely no doubt that WAFarmers is focused and working on what it needs to be, Western Australia’s largest member based advocacy group,” Mr York said.
“To support this position, I encourage non members to join with us so we can continue to service and represent the WA agriculture industry, especially with the State Election in March.
“With the planned employment of a fourth full-time Policy Executive Officer in 2017 plus a very comprehensive calendar of events, now is the time to get behind us and support us as we continue to work for the farmers of today and tomorrow.”
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].