Following the closure of the polls on 19 February the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) counted the votes and advised CBH that Natalie Browning from Kondinin has been elected as a Member Director in District 3.

CBH chairman Wally Newman said the election represents an historic event in the cooperative’s 85-year history, as Browning becomes the first female elected as a Grower Director to the CBH Board.

Ms Browning ran against Lindsay Tuckwell from Kondinin, Stephen Strange from Bruce Rock and Rhys Turton from York.

“We welcome Natalie’s appointment to the Board. Her deep background in farming and her experience on CBH’s Growers’ Advisory Council will bring valuable capabilities and perspectives to our Board,” Mr Newman said.

“I’d like to personally thank all candidates for their involvement. It was a very well-run campaign by all with informed passion and importantly, respect for one another,” he said.

“On behalf of the Board, we are looking forward to working with Natalie and taking our cooperative forward in what is a particularly tough international grain environment that continues to provide serious challenges.”

Brian McAlpine and Simon Stead were re-elected unopposed in District 1 and District 5 respectively at the close of nominations.

The formal appointment of Directors will take place at CBH’s 85th Annual General Meeting (AGM) that be held on Friday, 23 February 2018 at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, and is open to all registered CBH members.