After dedicating six years of presidency to the organisation, former AgForce general president Georgie Somerset has stepped down from her position.
Ms Somerset is a rural industry leader and strategist who has been heavily involved with the AgForce organisation since its inception in 1997.
After growing up on her family property in Winton, Mrs Somerset moved to the South Burnett region in 1989, where she now runs a commercial cross-bred cattle operation.
She has extensive experience across many not-for-profit, government and industry sectors and throughout her time has served on many advisory committees for regional development, tertiary institutions, industry and community groups.
Ms Somerset is also a director of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the RFDS Foundation, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and a chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation in the South Burnett.
Ms Somerset was first elected as vice president of AgForce in 2014 and held the position for four years.
At this stage in her career, Ms Somerset felt she could contribute more to the rural community by being president, hence began her AgForce presidency in August 2018.
Being the first female AgForce president, Ms Somerset said it was a privilege.
“It has been such an insight into so many opportunities and challenges across the different sectors of agriculture,” she said.
“I appreciate all of the support from the board and members of AgForce who have helped my leadership skills along the way.
“I’m really proud of all the work we have established and I am positive our organisation will continue to serve its members with both short-term responses and long-term solutions, understanding the importance of long-form policy work that benefits those growing food and fibre.”
Taking over Ms Somerset’s former role is AgForce deputy chair and north regional director Shane McCarthy, who was officially appointed on Tuesday, 12 November.
“I’m humbled to take on the reins as general president, handed to me by our outgoing GP Georgie Somerset after her incredibly successful six-year stint,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be your general president for the next period.
“Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at any time, whether you are a member or non-member, and I will do my best to ensure our organisation continues to grow in strength.”
Although she is still a board member of the organisation, Ms Somerset said she already misses her presidency role but has high faith in the future of the organisation.
“Agriculture continues to have enormous scope for growth in, Queensland and this must be capitalised upon,“ she said.
“Let’s use the opportunity of a more geographically diverse cabinet to seriously invest in rural areas to help those communities thrive, to give refreshed hope to the next generation, and give confidence to future generations to invest, so we can watch what we know the regions are capable of come to fruition.
“The past six years while I was at the helm, there have been some green shoots breaking through, which is so encouraging.
“There’s now a real opportunity for a major breakthrough, with many MPs in the new Queensland Cabinet living outside the south-east corner to connect and collaborate with. It is a welcome change.”
In between managing her other board roles and her family property, Ms Somerset strives to continue adding value to regional Australians from her member position with AgForce.
“Now I’m asking myself how I can continue contributing to rural Queenslanders and how I can help bring people together as one,“ she said.
