New leader for SC rural trust
Fairlie farmer Mark Adams is the new chairman of the South Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Adams, former president of South Canterbury Federated Farmers, has taken over the role from David Hewson who has stepped down after 13 years with the trust.
Hewson intends to remain actively involved in the trust’s work supporting the South Can- terbury rural community and individuals to cope during difficult times.
Adams acknowledged Hewson’s contribution to the trust, most notably in building a professional team of facilitators and their importance had never been more evident than during the response to the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis.
‘‘It is a huge honour for me to step into the chairmanship of the SCRST,’’ Adams said.
The trust said in a statement that ‘‘Hewson has played a significant role in developing the trust’s capability and capacity to respond to adverse events and supporting individual farmers, families and staff, during his tenure as chairman.
‘‘The trust initially focused on helping rural communities following adverse climatic events, now though, the scope of the role has grown well beyond that. The trust is now widely recognised as an effective and trusted support mechanism to assist those having difficulties. ‘‘During Mr Hewson’s tenure as chair, the trust has invested considerable time and effort in widening the scope of activity. Trust facilitators have undergone extensive training in better addressing the mental wellbeing needs of those they respond to. At the same time offering similar opportunities to both the rural community and the rural professionals serving them. Hewson acknowledged the team he has worked with saying ‘‘I am always impressed by the skilled people who have been willing to step into roles in the trust. ‘‘However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels because the rural community is coming under increased scrutiny from the general public and politicians.’’