Presidential Ponderings
P1 (Gerry McGann) made the unfortunate mistake of asking members to raise a hand if the felt "they lived up to the 4 Way Test?" and obviously got a few he didn't expect! But at least we learned all about Peace Poles in WA and the goal to reach 100 poles in schools by the end of 2025, currently there are 68 Peace Poles in WA with 7 of them 'planted' by Mill Point.
This day in history...
- 1942 Christopher Columbus colonized Haiti
- 1933 first drive-in movie opened and the US abolished prohibition
- 1952 worst fog in the UK (the year Mike Collett came to Australia) killing 12,000 people - the fog not Mike Collett!
Today is International Volunteers Day - the global theme of which is "Every Contribution Matters," recognising that every little bit we do changes the world - so continue wherever you can to change the world bit by bit!
Holly Ludemann – Live Sheep Export Industry
In 2019, Holly founded The Livestock Collective, a not-for-profit organisation focused on rebuilding public trust through real, on-the-ground stories from people working in the livestock export sector
More recently, Holly has stepped into political advocacy as a committee member of the grassroots Keep the Sheep campaign.
In her address, Holly explained the cultural, religious, and food security reasons for live exports to countries in the Middle East and Asia. She detailed the economic benefits for Australia—particularly Western Australia—and outlined the industry’s evolution, including significant improvements in animal welfare following a 2017 crisis.
Despite these improvements, a well-funded activist campaign led to a political decision by the Labor government to phase out live sheep exports by May 2028.
Holly discussed the severe negative impacts this policy is already having on the industry, the efforts of advocacy groups like The Livestock Collective and the Keep the Sheep campaign, and the broader lessons for Australian agriculture regarding social license and political engagement.
Reasons for Live Export
International Demand: Strong cultural and religious preferences for live animals in importing countries, particularly driven by the Muslim faith.
Food Security: Live animals provide a critical source of protein and food security for importing nations, especially during crises like the Iraq war or COVID-19 when other supply chains were disrupted.
Nutritional Needs: Australian protein is vital for countries with low birth weights and nutrient deficiencies. Red meat provides all essential amino acids, crucial for child and maternal health, impacting birth weights and reducing malnutrition. Genetics: Australia acts as a “genetic supermarket,” providing high-quality genetics to the world for over 40 years.
Economic Impact
In 2023, the export of over 600,000 sheep was valued at around $74 million (for the sheep alone), with further economic benefits for rural communities, including shearing teams, truck drivers, and local businesses. Historically, Australia exported 2–3 million sheep annually. In 2023, over 600,000 sheep were exported. The industry is primarily centred in Western Australia, with 99% of sheep historically exported from Fremantle due to its proximity to the Middle East. Kuwait has been a major importer of sheep for over 40 years, investing significantly in Australian infrastructure like feedlots. Shipments to the Middle East often follow a “milk run,” stopping in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Indonesia is the largest trading partner for cattle
The 2017 Awassi Express Incident
A crisis event where footage of 2,400 sheep deaths (3% of the consignment) was released, causing significant negative media attention. In response to the 2017 incident, massive corrective actions were implemented. Measures included pausing exports during certain times of the year, reducing stocking density to give sheep more space and conducting extensive research. Animal welfare standards improved significantly, with current mortality rates on voyages consistently between 0.1% and 0.2%, lower than the on-farm average of 2–3%.
Role of Activist Organizations and Public Perception
Activist groups like Animals Australia, described as powerful, coordinated, and well-funded (e.g., a $20 million budget with $5 million spent on advertising in one year), filled the information void with emotive footage. This led to a “trial by media” and shaped public and political opinion against the industry.
Advocacy and Public Engagement Efforts
The Livestock Collective was founded in 2019 to share the real story of the industry through real footage, social media (including TikTok), and public events like the Perth Royal Show. They use tools like animations and virtual reality tours to educate the public about regulations and life on a vessel. The “Keep the Sheep” campaign was a grassroots political advocacy movement that included truck rallies and lobbying in Canberra to fight the ban.
Political Decision to Ban the Trade
The Labor government pursued a policy to phase out live sheep exports, part of their 2019 election platform, involving preference deals. The decision was based on “recognition of community concern” rather than science or the industry’s improvements. The ban is set to take effect by May 2028. The announcement has already caused significant uncertainty and negative impacts. Truck drivers have sold their crates, shearing contractors have down-sized, and producers have de-stocked or sold sheep. Western Australia’s sheep flock has reduced from 12.5 million to around 8 million.
Market Dynamics and Alternatives
Chilled/frozen meat is not a simple substitute for live exports as they are different products for different market demands. Some sheep exported live are not suitable for domestic processing. Importing countries may not switch to Australian chilled meat; for example, Saudi Arabia stopped buying Australian chilled products. International demand for live animals will be filled by other countries like South Africa, Argentina, and Chile, which may have lower animal welfare standards.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Matt: Cyber security expert - much like renting a burglar to ransack your home and find out your vulnerabilities - then putting them right.
Garrick: Introduced Makinli Fitzgerald, our outgoing RYE student whose placement is in France and presented her with a Mill Point banner for her host club there. Garrick also announced our sponsorship of a RYLA delegate and invited members to the RYLA dinner 14 Jan (see events page).
Brian: Still some guest speaker spots to fill in January so please let Brian know if you have heard/know of someone who would suit. Also Club Service meeting after breakfast.
Gorby: successful Vocational visit to Bicycles for Humanity, thank you to all who attended. Suggested a walk to the Camfield and back in February instead of our weekly breakfast. Board to consider.
Lorrie: Lemons on the table for anyone to take home. Lorrie's brother has successful organised 800 feminine hygiene kits in Cambodia.
Wayne M: Como RC having a 'clean up' day on Como foreshore this Sunday 7 December. If you can help be at Como Reserve from 9.30am -10.30am. All bottles and cans to Lorrie please.
Rick: Next week is the last run of meals to PICYS before Christmas break. Please let Rick know if you are attending the Pizza night at his place on Wednesday night.
Gerry: The linen has now been dispatched via Melbourne and 16 Rotary Clubs to grateful recipients including PNG, Sudan and Tanzania.
It's Fine(s) by me!
Finesmaster Wayne took to the podium and ...
- WA Fish Lovers - eat now before it runs out.
- Jim Walker's suggestion of the Fang Farrier - not being fined since he retired as such so pay up Owen!
- Visitor Graham Nixon after bumper crop yield to pay a bag of wheat in kind - that means cash.
- Gerry not knowing his poles apart.
- Lorrie not knowing the difference between a question and a plea for cans.
- Ian K - after car swap with Rhonda, lost car keys (again!) finding them in the other pocket he forgot to search!
- ACDC fans who attended concert last night.
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance
43 attendees in all, including guest speaker Holly Ludemann, and guests/visitors Makynli Fitzgerald and dad Paul, PHF Graham Nixon, PHF Charlie Burnett and Matt Breuillac.
