On April 13, 2016 the Australian Forestry Contractors Association (AFCA) officially acknowledged its most valuable members at its Hall of Fame dinner in Traralgon, Victoria. Source: Timberbiz
Around 190 people attended the dinner many bringing family with them underlying the fact that many contractors are family businesses with quite a large number second and third generation contractors.
Stacey Gardiner AFCA General Manager together with AFCA Chairman Ian Reid announced the new inductees.
Hall of Fame members are chosen by their peers and nominated for induction.
To start with seven AFCA members were presented with the Recognition of Service to Industry award. These were:
- Arthur Coleman
- Brenton Yon
- David Quill
- Gary Squires
- Ray Walker
- Geoff Tyers
- David Drane.
Then the 22 new Hall of Fame inductees were announced. These were:
- Mark Blackberry
- Anthony Brown
- Graham & Val Fennell
- Fred Jeliff
- Jeff Loton
- Michael & Sue Manga
- Andrew Mahnken
- Clive Mitchell
- Robert Muskett
- Peter McConachy
- Colin McCullock
- Robin McKinnell
- Andrew Poston
- Bob Slater & Ian Slater
- Colin & Jill Wecombe
- Norm & Wendy Wilton
- Steve Witherow
Inductees into the AFCA Hall of Fame must have worked in the industry for at least 25 years and made a significant contribution to its growth and development. The most noteworthy are recognised as industry icons that have made outstanding contributions above and beyond a lifetime of service to the industry.
Up until this evening 11 people had been recognised as icons among the 169 Hall of Fame members. Now 22 new names have been added to the roll, plus three industry icons.
Fred Jeliff, Neil & Adrian Bennett, Garry Leeson
The three new industry icons inducted on the night were Tony Bennett, Fred Jeliff and Garry Leeson.
Tony Bennett died last year and his sons Adrian and Neil accepted the award on his behalf. They have carried on the family business and were conspicuously proud of their father’s legacy.
Fred Jeliff and Garry Leeson were on hand to accept their awards.
