Executive Officer

The Grassland Society of Southern Australia’s new Executive Officer Clare de Kok has a natural affinity with the land.

Her great-great uncle put down vines during the gold rush and her family has been involved with vineyards since the 1970s. Today Mrs de Kok lives with her husband Bernhard and 4 of her 7 children on a 130-acre property that includes 3 vineyards and olive grove at Glenhope East in Central Victoria.

Her progression to her new role from being a journalist, restaurateur, grant facilitator and manager in the not-for-profit sector has been as natural as her love for rural life.

“I have a strong interest in farming in general and a background in not-for-profit management roles so this is a great mix for me,” she said.

Mrs de Kok, who was most recently coordinator of the Heathcote Neighbourhood House, replaces Melinda Mann who has been the Society’s Executive Officer for the past 5 years.

She said her main aim in the new role was to increase value for members.

“Farming has been through some tough times lately so it is important that farmers have access to the right information so they can put their best foot forward,” she said.

“Farmers not only have to deal with the natural elements but with the changing political landscape which means it is important that the Society remains proactive and gives them the resources to make good decisions for their future.”

She described the Society as one of the strongest agricultural organisations in Australia, with more than 1000 members, including pastoralists and those from the corporate sector.

“The Society is dedicated to research and supplying information where it is needed back on the land. We are non-political and ensure we get valid information for the current climate to farmers,” Clare said.

“We call on experts but there is also a lot of collected knowledge within our own ranks to help farmers remain productive into the future. It’s great that the society has been going for more than 50 years and is still so strong and active.”

The society’s next major function will be its annual conference in Hamilton on June 2-3, and a series of pastoral updates will be held in July.

Clare welcomes comments and ideas from the farming community and can be contacted by email at the link on the bottom of this page or by Phoning 03 5433 5324 or post Grassland Society of Southern Australia Po box 69 Tooborac 3522 Victoria


- Article by Rick Bayne