22 November 2022
An election was recently held for two positions on the AWRI Board: one in the large Wine Grapes Levy payer category and one in the Grape Research Levy payer category.
The AWRI is pleased to announce that Wayne Ellis (Duxton Vineyards, SA) was elected in the large Wine Grapes Levy payer category and Andy Clark (The Dirt Dude, Vic) was elected in the Grape Research Levy payer category.
Andy Clarke is a viticultural advisor based in Bendigo Victoria, with 20+ years of experience across multiple regions and states in vineyard management and grape supply, including as chief viticulturist with Yering Station. He has strong connections to the Agtech sector, grower community, research, government and industry bodies, combined with proven governance training and experience. Andy was recently elected President of the ASVO, is a director of the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference and was previously on the Victorian WineMAC and the board of VineHealth Australia. Andy is a Nuffield Scholar, a graduate of both the Wine Australia Future Leaders program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, and a one-time cheese maker.
Wayne Ellis is a highly experienced operations leader with a background in operational and supply chain management spanning 25 years. Currently, Wayne is the General Manager at Duxton Vineyards. In his role, Wayne is responsible for the safe and sustainable management of more than 2,400 hectares of wine- grapes in the Mildura and Sunraysia districts, as well as Duxton’s 80,000 tonne winery (previously Stanley winery). Wayne brings extensive experience across a wide range of industry sectors including wine, project management, supply chain management and operational management in the electronics industry. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Applied Management and a Trade Qualification as a vehicle mechanic.
The two new Directors will commence their elected terms on 1 January 2023.
Wayne Ellis will fill the position held by Courtney Ribbons (Pernod Ricard Winemakers) since 1 September 2021. The AWRI would like to thank Courtney for her contributions to the Board and wish her well with her future endeavours.