New board focus on development

Lardner’s Park’s new board of directors is focussed on the strategic development of the facility over the next five years whilst continuing to maintain its commitment to agri-business.

Chief executive officer Nicola Pero said while the Lardner Park board was keen to undertake diversification and marketing of Lardner Park, all the extra activities enabled to board to re-invest in its agri-business base.

A new board of directors has been elected for the 2017-18 year with Warragul Regional Newspapers manager Andrew Schreyer appointed board chairman.

Other board of directors continuing in their roles for the next 12 months include abattoir proprietor Rob Radford, beef and pig farmer Ian Bayley, dairy farmer Ian Cougle and property valuer Corey McMahon.

Newly appointed board members for 201718 include newspaper proprietor Brian Hopkins and agricultural contractor Duncan McNeil.

Former chair Angela Betheras and board member Darren Hotchkin both resigned.

Ms Pero said the board was very focussed on the strategic development of Lardner Park over the next five years.

“We are focussed on expanding and consolidating our connection with agri-business,” she said

Some of the initiatives being developed for agri-business include a summer grain trial to complement the existing steer trial and plans for a multi-day all-breed cattle event.

Ms Pero said an exciting development next year was a new event in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival at Lardner Park.

Graze and Raise, to be held in March, will be an opportunity to showcase Gippsland food and wine producers, where visitors can graze and raise their way around Gippsland at one venue.

Ms Pero said the board also was keen to expand conferences and offer packages to market local industry. She said the packages could include up market glamping and optional extras such as learn how to milk a cow, agroforestry walks, a bush dinner and learn how to fly a drone.