High Security Irrigators-Committee

Roger Hoar (Chair)
Roger was grape grower at Stanbridge in the Riverina. He was among the first Group of graduates in 1978 of the Wine Science course at what is now CSU. He ran his own winery at Stanbridge until the mid eighties. He was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 1985 to study winegrape pricing and viticulture in South Africa, Europe and the USA. He has been Chairman of a number of Industry Bodies including the Winegrapes Marketing Board, Winegrape Growers Council of Australia and the MIA Horticultural Council. Roger has also been a member of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, Australian Wine and Grape Research Council and more recently a Director of the Grape and Wine Research Corporation. Roger also serves on a number of Committees at CSU including the Winery Management Committee and The Wine Industry Course Advisory Committee. In his spare time he enjoys wine, cooking, fishing, spending time with his family and golf although not necessarily in that order.

John Violi (Vice Chair)
John is a second-generation horticultural farmer, growing both Citrus and Wine Grapes. John works within a family partnership and is passionate about farming and the future of irrigation within the Murrumbidgee Valley. John joined the former Murrumbidgee Horticultural Council as a Delegate for Griffith & District Citrus Growers in 2007-2008. Held the Executive role up until the constitutional changes in 2009.

Ross Harvie
Ross was appointed to the board of High Security Irrigators in October 2010. Ross and his wife have several horticultural properties including a 16-hectare prune farm and a 20-hectare stone fruit orchard in the Nericon area. Ross produces peaches and nectarines for the fresh produce markets in both Sydney and Melbourne and prunes under contract.

Wayne Andreatta is a local grower of citrus and cherries on his Hanwood farm. He is presently employed by Amaland Agricultural Co. one of the largest producers of rockmelons. He was employed by Yenda Producers as their senior agronomist, a position he has held for over 10 years. Wayne’s extensive experience in agriculture extends to the local, national and international projects. Wayne works a number of the larger horticultural producers within the Murrumbidgee Valley. He has previously held positions with Elders as an agronomist, F.W. Hughes as the company agronomist and more recently he joined the board of High Security Irrigators, in October 2010.

Wayne’s expertise in agronomic practices in both horticultural, field crops and irrigation technology, has brought a new level of understanding to the board of High Security Irrigators. Wayne also has extensive knowledge of pressurised irrigation systems and irrigation developments. He is currently redeveloping his farm from flood to drip and from citrus to cherries.

Peter Cremasco
Is a second generation farmer from the district of Yenda. Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board of High Security Irrigators through his many years as a member of Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council and Yenda Grape Growers Association. He is also a former chairperson of both organisations. Peter was the driving force behind the formation of High Security Irrigators and for the formation and direction of directors been appointed via their skills and the appointment of independent directors to sit on the board of High Security Irrigators.

Peter’s farming enterprises run from growing of wine grapes and prunes, to rice and irrigated cereals and dry land cropping. Peter is extremely enthusiastic for the future of irrigators and irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Valley.

Kaye Dalton
Is one of High Security Irrigators independent directors appointed to the board in March 2010. Kaye has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the Australian National University. Her work background is varied and includes extension of natural resource information and advice, the provision of executive officer services to natural resource boards and committees. Kaye has held several senior management positions within natural resource agencies in NSW. Kaye has worked as the Project Director for “Water for Rivers” program for the past five years, until recently taking up the position of Managing Director – The Risorsa Group. Kaye is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors

Suzanne Davidson
During April 2010, Suzanne was appointed to the committee of High Security Irrigators Murrumbidgee as an independent external delegate for a two year term. Suzanne has extensive finance, treasury and business administration experience and was recently appointed NSW State Manager of a privately owned agricultural company. Suzanne has thirty years knowledge and experience in the agricultural sphere and has studied finance, agriculture, corporate governance at both national and international level and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Suzanne additionally holds a position on the Finance and Audit committee of HSI Murrumbidgee.

Brian Halse - Chief Executive Officer
Brian has an extensive background in agricultural over many years, having worked as a project manager for several  horticultural investment programs, as well as managed a large irrgated cropping operations within the Riverina. His employment with a national pastoral house spanned 10 years from agronomist, to senior management roles within the company. Brian is passionate about irrigated agriculture and future of agriculture. He is a graduate of Hawkesbury Agricultural College and Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture.