The 2006 Yearbook of the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME AT THE AGM 2006

I have enjoyed an exhilarating and I hope fruitful three years peppered with the odd long hour. This is my last opportunity to publicly thank members and others who gave me such tremendous support to take on the role of President.

I have been humbled by the generosity of such support a couple of times of late, thank you! I do hope your aspirations have been satisfi ed. Our NTCA dynamics are special and more complete than any other state member organisation. Our relationship with government is unique and favourable. The aspiration to have a good working team I found, was relatively
easy, an excellent team. I believe that your excellent new president, executive and staff will clearly advance the interests of the organisation and each member.

I must thank Peter Corish the outgoing NFF president who complimented the NTCA’s organisation in his departing address.
There are four elements of our NT cattle trade, land, our own improvements, our cattle and government infrastructure. The security of our Land and grade of our Infrastructure assets be it roads, power or communications is the privilege of Governments to demonstrate application in the wont that will ensure industry profitability and GDP security.

Our own improvements must be economical and useful of nature. Our good cattle are our life blood and their excellence is owned by a very special type of person, our client. In this mix must be the social fulfi lment of family life, space for the development of our special children and strong invitation for others to join and contribute to our industry. Our land needs people.

There is more room for pioneers; many are in that stage now, backing their own guts and ability to establish themselves. They are usually stretched financially and will succeed if many factors including careful financial management by the more established entities are catered to.

The provision of services to support our remoteness is also unique, challenging and satisfying to those in the various agencies be it animal health, our health, our kids education, R & D of all aspects, especially toward the health of our prime asset our productive grasslands.

It matters not whether one contributes to this industry as a service mechanic in town or as the Chief Minister, it is worthwhile and rewarding of endeavour.

May I finish with a quote from Tony Blair? “It is time now for all the parties to live up to all their commitments.”

Good Luck.

Read the the complete speech here...

JOHN ARMSTRONG
President (outgoing)
April 2006