MOUNT Gambier wine producer and Caroline Hills Winery owner Helen Strickland has been appointed president of the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council.
Ms Strickland – who is currently the Mount Gambier Regional Winegrowers Association secretary – said she looked forward to working with a “dynamic group” which achieves results in a wide variety of areas across the industry.
“The Limestone Coast has a strong reputation for its premium wine production and it contributes strongly and sustainably to the region’s economy, providing diverse employment opportunities across all skill levels,” she said.
“I admire the way the council thinks regionally across grape growing, winemaking and viticulture and the fact members work collaboratively in a competitive environment.
“It was wonderful to be asked if I would be interested in this role and I look forward to continuing the amazing work achieved by (outgoing president) Peter Bissell and his team.”
Ms Strickland’s appointment has the full support of Mr Bissell and vice-president James Freckleton.
“It’s great that Helen agreed to take over at the helm of the council after the position was vacant for a short time and we will value her broad experience,” Mr Freckleton said.
“She is a good fit into the business of the council and she has been fully endorsed as president by the management committee.”
Mr Bissell spent five years as president of the council and has been a member of the management committee for more than 15 years.
Significant projects during his tenure include the 2012 Water Allocation Plan review, successful lobbying for a moratorium on fracking and an increase in council levies to improve financial stability.
The continued success of the wine council’s Limestone Coast Wine Show is also part of his legacy, with Mr Balnaves starting as a founding member of the popular event in 2001.
Mr Balnaves served on the show’s committee for 10 years and will continue as public officer to complete the Limestone Coast Mixed Dozen Wine Trails project, which will be officially launched early in the new year.
