WITH members in far-flung corners of our state farming everything from turkeys to trees and cattle to canola, this is the team helping to keep them all up-to-date. In addition to the vital lobbying work of the Association, the member services team oversees a vast range of commercial benefits, savings and exclusive offers.
So just who are the members, and how does the Association work? NSW Farmers members gather in branches across the state to discuss issues affecting their businesses and to learn about agricultural topics. The branch structure creates a framework for agricultural knowledge transfer and for identifying the issues that affect farmers at local, state and federal levels.
NSW Farmers is a lobby group, championing the rights of farmers and rural communities at all levels of government and with industry stakeholders. It is apolitical, independent from government, and policy is driven from the grassroots up. It is not-for-profit and acts proactively, responsively and with integrity.
When members call the NSW Farmers switchboard, they are most likely to be welcomed by EJ Dadios, who not only has her finger on the pulse of who is where, but to whom she should direct a very diverse range of phone calls.
Increasingly, members are seeking information online, and IT manager Tracey Holley, who has a 23-year career with NSW Farmers, manages the website and database. Rounding out the team is Jeff Kennedy, a former nurse and 16-year veteran of NSW Farmers, and Jemma Gandiaga, who has worked in diverse roles across the Association.
Tracey Holley: IT Manager
“We’ve gone from receiving cheques by post to online payments. Our first website, built 20 years ago, was very basic.”
Your biggest achievements?
Changing the way we communicate with members. When I started, all communications were done via post – now virtually all communications are done electronically, using email and SMS to send meeting notices, newsletters, member alerts and updates. Our first website, built 20 years ago, was very basic. Our new website, launched last year, is integrated with our database, which allows members to pay online and update their contact details.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers?
Getting through this drought – and telecommunications issues, which haven’t been fulfilled by any government over the last 23 years. Everyone should have the same coverage, no matter where they live.
What is your background?
I started at NSW Farmers in 1995 as a data entry clerk, then my role expanded to support for the IT manager as well. He sent me on my first database course and showed me how to run a network. It snowballed from there. In 1999, I became systems manager and in 2002 I moved on to IT systems support and in 2012 into my current role as IT manager. Working with such good people has kept me here for 23 years.
Jeff Kennedy: Office administration manager
“Being with NSW Farmers for 16 years shows how passionate I am about working with our members and staff.”
Your biggest achievements?
Being with NSW Farmers for 16 years is an achievement. It shows how passionate I am about working with our members, executive committees, stakeholders and staff. I started in the Member Service Centre in 2002, when it was first established. My current role is very broad, ranging from overseeing stationery and printing to coordinating travel and accommodation for staff attending field days, and organising online member training. I’m also a part of the human resources (HR) committee and manage some of the HR activities, strategy and staff training.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers?
Drought is the main issue for farmers at the moment.
What is your background?
I completed a Bachelor of Nursing and practised as a registered nurse for seven years before shifting to a career in an office environment. I also have a diploma in human resources management. I worked in customer service roles at Centrelink and Mitsubishi Electric Australia and as a call centre supervisor at Comet Satellite and Cable, and as an account manager for Sensis before landing a role with NSW Farmers.
Jemma Gandiaga: Librarian/Administration assistant
“I try to educate my city friends and family about what goes into the wonderful produce many of us take for granted.”
Your biggest achievements?
Working in the Member Service Centre, I take calls and assist with inquiries. There are times – such as when the drought gained public attention – that we have had many non-members calling. These are mostly people wanting information and/or offering help. My biggest achievement recently was helping with the office relocation. Having a great team really counts at times like this.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers?
For many at the moment it’s drought. But talking to members, I’d say isolation is also an issue. Educating people about where their food and fibre comes from is another challenge. I have no farming background and have learnt a lot over the years, and I try to educate my city friends and family about what goes into the wonderful produce many of us take for granted.
What is your background?
I started at NSW Farmers in 2003 as a part-time librarian. I have worked in finance, payroll, IT and now member services, and still look after the Association’s records and archives. I have also been on maternity leave twice to have my two beautiful sons.
Ej Dadios: Receptionist/Administration assistant
“The quad bike scheme offers eligible farmers up to two rebates of $1,000 each to make it safer to use bikes on their farms.”
Your biggest achievements?
I am part of the Member Service Centre team and I am also administrator for the NSW Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program. Working on reception, I take calls from members and the general public, and direct them to the to the relevant department, policy staff, workplace relations or the regional services manager. The NSW Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program is being funded by SafeWork NSW and administered by NSW Farmers. It offers eligible NSW farmers and their workers up to two rebates worth $1,000 each to implement measures to make it safer to use quad bikes on their farms. I answer queries, explain how to claim, process applications, coordinate with the SafeWork NSW team and generate reports.
What are The biggest challenges for farmers?
For quite a long time now, the biggest challenge for farmers has been drought.
What is your background?
Before joining NSW Farmers in April 2014, I worked in a number of different fields, including business administration, human resources, customer service and fine arts and graphic design.