Five new directors named for Jondaryan Woolshed Board

Five new directors have been named to serve on the Jondaryan Woolshed Board.

Jondaryan Woolshed Board chair Cr Mike Williams said he was pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Gregory, Amanda Kenafake, Anthony McWatters, Joy Mingay and John Pearson to the Board.

The positions were approved by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) at the April Ordinary meeting.

Council also approved the re-appointment of sitting directors Cr Williams, Cr Geoff McDonald, Nick Hauser (TRC Environment and Community Services General Manager) and Ann-Marie Ryan (TRC Financial Services manager) to the Board. Cr Williams was re-appointed as the Board’s chairman until a new chair is appointed and endorsed by Council before December 31, 2019.

Cr Williams said the existing Interim Board would continue its ongoing strategic planning for the heritage-listed facility.

He said the Interim Board also would progress work on a transition for the new incoming Board members, with a full transition scheduled to occur by December 31 this year.

“Council is pleased to welcome the new Board members and wishes them every success in their efforts to build a prosperous future for this remarkable attraction,” Cr Williams said.

“The new Board members bring a wealth of experience and a range of skills to guide the immediate future direction and development of the Jondaryan Woolshed facility, which is the largest and oldest operating woolshed of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

“The site is a fabulous working museum which brings the rich traditions and daily working tasks of our pioneers to life for visitors, many of whom have little direct connection to life on the land today.

“It is important to retain these links to our region’s history for future generations to experience.

“As the owner of the facility, Council’s duty of care is to represent the interests of the ratepayers who primarily fund the operation of the historical tourist attraction.”