The Country Caller

Grateful husband & the heroes who rescued his wife

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SUPPLIED | LIFEFLIGHT

A MARANOA beef producer whose wife was airlifted to hospital after being crushed by a 400kg steer has had a touching reunion with some of the helicopter crew members who rushed to her rescue.

Heidi Ross was doing a routine walk through the pens of the couple’s rural property, 75km south-west of Roma, on October 26 when the unexpected happened.

“A steer knocked me down and then landed on top of my back. I literally couldn’t walk out,” said Heidi, whose recovering well four weeks on from the accident.

“I’m down in the pens every day and the animals have become quite acclimatised to noise and people. It just happened to be a freak accident.”

The Lifeflight SGAS tasked to retrieve injured grazier Heidi Ross from a property south of Roma. IMAGE: Supplied

While Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics rushed to the scene to begin treatment, the Roma-based LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopter was tasked into action.

“I could hear the ambulance medicos saying they were calling a helicopter to come out and within five minutes I could hear the rotors coming up the hill,” Ross said.

After pilot David Rockwell landed the aircraft at the property the LifeFlight SGAS medical team, including Critical Care Doctor Gareth Richards, joined the paramedics in treating Ross before she was airlifted to Roma for further medical attention.

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The weight of the 400kg animal had fractured several bones of her lower spine, requiring a week of treatment and intensive rehabilitation in Roma Hospital.

From being unable to walk unaided, Ross is now back at home, crediting a combination of rehabilitation, good health and the swift work of LifeFlight’s SGAS crew for her speedy recovery.

“I was very lucky. It could have been far worse, it’s pretty close to the spinal cord,” she said.

The LifeFlight SGAS retrieving Heidi Ross from south of Roma in October. IMAGE: LifeFlight

Tasked by Queensland Health, the LifeFlight SGAS helicopter and crew performed the mission as part of the SGAS partners’ commitment to assisting in providing the south west region and beyond, with community aeromedical coverage, by donating 150 flying hours each year.

When the opportunity arose for Ms Ross’ husband Chris Skelton to donate three of their bullocks to the Ray White Rural Roma cattle sale for LifeFlight, he did so without hesitation.

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The bullock auction raised roughly $18,000, after the livestock were bought, donated back and re-sold nine times by other generous Roma graziers and industry supporters at the event last Tuesday (November 22nd).

The impressive sum will be donated to contribute to the new LifeFlight Emergency Response Facility project currently under construction in Roma.

Roma grazier Chris Skelton with the LifeFlight crew (L-R) pilot Russell Procter, paramedic Brad Solomon, critical care doctor Gareth Richards pilot David Rockwell. IMAGE: LifeFlight SGAS

Mr Skelton was also able to meet some of the crew members who airlifted his wife.

“Heidi and Chris going out of their way to raise money for LifeFlight is amazing,” said LifeFlight SGAS Pilot David Rockwell.

“I’m impressed that while she is recovering, they are thinking about helping us and the community.

“It’s a great feeling to hear that someone we airlifted is well into her recovery and is helping support LifeFlight’s future.

“The new facility they’re supporting will enable us to respond even faster and allow us to reach people in need even sooner.”

Ms Ross said she and her husband were glad they could give back to such a vital service.

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Construction of the new LifeFlight Emergency Response Facility Roma. IMAGE: LifeFlight SGAS

“I’m very lucky the helicopter was able to come out with just a phone call, and that the crew made me feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible,” she said.

“Aeromedical services in the west are paramount.

“I want to say a big thank you to LifeFlight SGAS for coming to my aid. We’re very grateful for the services and that we’re able to use them when we need to.”

With aircraft based in Roma and Toowoomba, the LifeFlight SGAS helicopter service is fully funded by the four SGAS partners.

Donate to the LifeFlight Emergency Response Facility construction project here: LifeFlight Roma Base Upgrade – LifeFlight

The stunning images which won NFF’s pic competition

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SUPPLIED | NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION

AN IMAGE capturing a dog and dairy cows enjoying a dip and a drink has been awarded first prize in the 2022 National Agriculture Day photo and video competition.

It was the first year the competition opened up to video entries and National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said it was exciting to see a strong field enter from across the country.

“This competition is open to all ages and camera abilities. Some of our best entries have been the unguarded, unplanned pictures from people pulling out the phone at the right moment,” she said.

“It was a tough decision for the judges, but the joy captured in the first and second place images put them at the front of the pack.

“Bravo for the Pickers” won second place in the NFF’s #AgDayAU photography competition. IMAGE: Heather Radevski, VIC

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“We’re Farming” by Harry Williams, WA, was awarded Runner Up in the NFF’s #AgDayAU photography competition

“There are so many moments every day in farming that bring a smile to your face, whether it’s the way an animal looks at you or the satisfaction of getting stuck into harvest, and these photos epitomise why we love what we do.”

The for the competition the NFF partnered with Syngenta, an agricultural company which provided $5,000 to be shared between six winners.

Syngenta Australia & New Zealand managing director Paul Luxton said this year’s entries were exceptional, providing a snapshot into the different faces, locations and produce behind Australian agriculture.

“Australian farming does not fit into one box, it is the industry for everyone with so many different sectors, landscapes and opportunities to explore and these images depict this diversity and how wonderful it is to be part of that.”

National Agriculture Day – or #AgDayAU – is held on the third Friday of November each year.

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“Dinner Call” was award Runner Up in the NFF’s #AgDayAU photography competition. IMAGE: Alisha Reading, QLD

Eric Geldard, from Miles, honoured with OAM award

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By HARRY CLARKE

AFTER more than 80 years of community service, beginning with his deployment to New Guinea during World War II, Miles army veteran Eric Douglas Geldard has been appointed to the prestigious Order of Australia.

Geldard received the honour during a private investiture ceremony in Miles hosted by Her Excellency, Queensland Governor Jeannette Young, who made a special trip out from Brisbane for the occasion.

The Order of Australia is an honours system which confers the country’s highest recognition for outstanding achievement and community service.

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The Order of Australia Medal given to Geldard recognises his decades of service to the Miles community through leadership roles within the Freemasons, Miles Show Society, Dogwood Rural Fire Brigade and former Murilla Shire Council.

Geldard was also the founding chairman of the Toowoomba and Golden West Regional Tourism Association which has helped attract countless visitors to the area since its establishment in the 1980s.

“I am delighted to be hosting this very special private investiture ceremony today in honour of a Queenslander who’s dedicated his entire life to the community of Miles,” the Governor told a gathering of Geldard’s extended family and friends, and Western Downs councillors.

“In making this contribution Mr Geldard has followed the example of his parents, who instilled in him the belief that every person should try to put something back into the community.”

Her Excellency, Governor General Jeanette Young, speaking at Dogwood Crossing in Miles. IMAGE: Country Caller

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Her Excellency told the Caller: “This was very, very special because you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have this number of people take time out travel to Brisbane”.

“Given that Mr Geldard was born here, had his farm here, raised four children here and did all of that community work makes it very special to have this ceremony here,” she said.

“Most ceremonies happen in Brisbane or Townsville or Cairns, but it’s very special to be able to come out here, and it’s a lovely place to visit as well.”

Eric Geldard OAM during his visit to the Australian War Memorial in 2018. IMAGE: Australian War Memorial

Geldard is believed to be one of very few World War II veterans alive today who were carried from the highlands of New Guinea by the local “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” during the Japanese invasion, which began in 1942.

He was 19-years-old when he joined the army, becoming a Commando before deployment.

His remarkable story of being accidentally shot through both legs and almost killed in 1945 was chronicled by the Australian War Memorial during his visit to Canberra in 2018.

After 15 months spent recovering at the Greenslopes Hospital in Brisbane, Geldard returned to Miles for a life on the land as a farmer and grazier, as well as being a devoted community serviceman.

He had four children – Graham, Douglas, Margaret and Jennifer – and has several grandchildren and great grandchildren, many of whom remain in the Miles area.

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He also committed his life to ensuring future generations remembered the sacrifices of those who went to war.

Among his many initiatives in this area were his efforts in compiling portrait photographs of all 100 servicemen and women from the Miles district who served in WWII.

The portraits are on display at the Miles Historical Village Museum. “I’m a bit proud of that,” he told the Australian War Memorial.

Geldard yesterday told the Caller he was initially “a little undecided” about the prestigious honour of the being awarded the OAM.

“I was taken by surprise when I was first told about it, but it is nice to be recognised for whatever we’ve been able to do in the past,” he said.

Eric Geldard OAM and Her Excellency Governor General Jeanette Young with (L-R) Graham and Mearon Geldard and Margaret and Denis Riordan. IMAGE: Country Caller

Bob Katter weighs in on proposed Voice to Parliament

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By HARRY CLARKE

NORTH Queensland MP Bob Katter stopped short of supporting the proposed Voice to Parliament but said he believed there should be a referendum on how Indigenous Australians are represented in Federal Parliament.

Speaking in Canberra the Member for Kennedy, whose electorate encompasses Aboriginal communities from across the Cape York Peninsula to the Northern Territory border, said an alternative to the Voice should be a designated Indigenous senator.

Katter said he believed the Voice would “not come to grips with the problems we’ve got” with regard to low Indigenous employment rates and life expectancy.

“It will make them feel good, and I’m sure they’ll do it with the best of intentions, but will it achieve anything?” Katter said.

“Other people have spoken about tokenism, separatism, paternalism .. I think that’s being unfair.

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“I think the people initiating this have genuine beliefs that they’re doing the right thing, but there is no doubt that there is an awful lot of people, First Australian people in community areas … they’re not saying it, but they’re thinking that it is tokenism, separatism and paternalism.

“Give us separate representation, that’s what we’re asking here – representation for the remote community areas … to give some sort of special representation to these areas.

“We believe absolutely that it should go in the referendum that those areas should be given one senator to represent the remote, clearly delineated areas that are overwhelmingly First Australian.”

In a statement Katter added: “Whilst I’m not advocating people vote against this proposal, I am urging in the strongest possible way against a continuation of tokenism, separatism and paternalism”.

The Albanese Government has promised a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which would create a new body enshrined in the Constitution that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise government on policies and projects which affect them.

A draft of the referendum, which would need a majority of ‘yes’ votes in a majority of states to pass, reads as follows:

There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

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Jacinta Nampijinpa Price announcing the Nationals’ opposition to the Voice on Monday. IMAGE: Sky News

Katter’s announcement follows the National party’s declaration yesterday that it would not be supporting the Voice.

Nationals senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (Warlpiri) said she believed the proposed referendum lacked detail and criticised the notion of Australians being “governed” according to race.

“Why should I, as an Indigenous Australian, be governed under a separate entity than the rest of Australia because of my race?” Price said.

“I’ve spoken to people throughout communities in the Northern Territory, those whose first language is not English, who don’t understand a thing about what this Voice proposal is about, who are living their day to day worrying about how they’re not going to encounter violence in their lives.

“These are the issues that people are concerned with now. They’re not sitting around waiting for a proposal to come up with details as to how its going to improve their lives.”

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Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney speaking in parliament yesterday. IMAGE: ABC News

Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney told parliament yesterday that “decades of failed government policies have not worked” to close the gap of disadvantage for Aboriginal people, and that the Voice was “the best chance we have”.

“This isn’t about more bureaucracy, this is about making sure voices in remote and regional communities are heard,” Burney said.

“The Uluru Statement from the Heart” is the result of 12 regional dialogues … over 1,200 attendees from right across this counrty. This isn’t about dividing people, it’s about uniting Australians, giving First Nations people a say in the matters that affect us – not being told what’s best by beureaucrats.”

“Not everyone can have their voice heard and that’s why we need a Voice – an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is an idea whose time has come.”

Big winter harvest yields met by soaring overheads

By HARRY CLARKE

A COOLER end to a season that was blessed with up to double average rainfall is making for a tremendous winter harvest across Southern Queensland, but strong yields are being met with ballooning input costs and transport challenges.

Wet weather has also meant windows to harvest have been scarce in parts. Western Downs growers worked quickly to get crops off before storms forecast for this week began bearing down.

Further south at Kindon Station, near Goondiwindi, the Cook family had seven headers running in a single paddock at the height of the harvest.

Seven headers running at Kindon Station near Goondiwindi. IMAGE: @get_around_droning

Ross Skerman, whose family runs several blocks around Kupunn outside Dalby, just finished the last of his 500-hectare winter crop but said there were now difficulties in getting the produce to market.

“We’re sitting here with a good crop, storing it all, and getting all of that to Brisbane is the next thing,” Skerman said.

“It’s about supply. All the trucks are busy. They’re just all tied up and you talk to truckies and they can’t get drivers. It’s about supply of labour – everywhere you go there’s a labour shortage and that puts everyone under pressure.”

Yields have been averaging about six tonnes to the hectare for the Skermans but good sections of paddock have produced “exceptional” eights and nines. Generally the quality has been “Hard 2”, comfortably fetching above $400 per tonne.

Strong yields are being put down the fact that the district this year experienced fewer of the notorious dry south westerly winds which usually come through late August and September.

Wheat crops have matured better in the cooler weather but profit margins will be impacted by soaring input costs.

Ross Skerman, crop grower from the Kupunn district outside Dalby. IMAGE: Country Caller

“The season’s been full of challenges and hard to manage,” Skerman said.

“Because of the rain we just haven’t been able to get access into the paddock, so weed control and getting fertiliser has been a bit difficult.

“The only way to get fertiliser on has been by aeroplane – we haven’t been able to get access to this last paddock since we planted in June.

“Although it’s a fantastic yield the costs of growing this crop have just blown way out – the supply of urea and the cost of it all.

“The prices are good but our input costs have more than doubled in one season, just for this one crop. Everywhere we turn the cost of urea, the cost of chemicals, the cost of machinery parts and the availability of supply are up exponentially.”

Macalister crop farmer Stuart Schostakowski said costs of fuel, fertiliser and fungicide had virtually doubled since before the pandemic, adding: “you’ve pretty much got to grow an above average crop to break even, even with these good prices”.

In a strong season overall for Queensland, GrainCorp said it had taken more than 1.3 million tonnes of harvest deliveries across the state by November 21.

Josh Skerman storing wheat at his family’s property “Warringa” west of Dalby. IMAGE: Country Caller

Aussie comedian’s message to Ability Enterprises

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By HARRY CLARKE

AN ORGANISATION which assists vulnerable people across regional Queensland to gain meaningful employment has marked its 10 year anniversary, and an icon of Australian film and comedy was there to help celebrate.

For the past decade Ability Enterprises, a Toowoomba based not-for-profit organisation, has been sourcing consistent work for 480 disadvantaged people such as those living with mental illness, people with disabilities, refugees and Indigenous Australians.

To mark the 10-year milestone award winning actor, director and comedian Shane Jacobson made a surprise guest appearance at Ability Enterprise’s Christmas barbecue, where he shared personal stories of his family life, lockdown and online bullying.

“Let’s try to laugh more, let’s not take life too seriously, make someone smile, sit down and tell them a cracking good joke,” was Jacobson’s main message.

Shane Jacobson chatting with Craig Gooderem and Adam Thomas from Performance Building Group. IMAGE: Supplied

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Ability Enterprises CEO Tracey Scanlan. IMAGE: Supplied

Since 2012 Ability Enterprises has been using its partnerships in the services industry to provide clients with employment in areas such as waste management, specialist cleaning services, manufacturing and recycling.

Over the next few weeks the organisation will formalise a new arrangement with Plastics Recycling to create 45 new jobs while diverting 175,000 tonnes of single use plastics away from landfill.

“Ten years on and Ability Enterprises is going from strength to strength” said Ability Enterprise CEO Tracey Scanlan.

“We currently have 92 staff employed across 11 service provision contracts and we are being recognised, locally and nationally for our commitment to creating a sustainable business model that offers full time employment opportunities to people with a disability.

”The board of directors and management team have been working hard to diversify our Enterprise model, remain relevant and map our future direction.

“An exciting part of that future is Plastics Recycling.”

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SLIDESHOW

The Ability Enterprises Board, CEO Tracey Scanlan and special guest Shane Jacobson
Jo Capp, Claire Torkington & Simon Mills
Cr Nancy Sommerfield and Cr Melissa Taylor
Ability staff member Connagh Peat and Board Member Erin O’Shea

Nationals to oppose Indigenous Voice to Parliament

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By HARRY CLARKE

THE National Party of Australia has announced it will not be supporting the proposed implementation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Speaking in Canberra surrounded by party room colleagues, Nationals leader David Littleproud said the decision to oppose the Voice was made after consulting with regional and remote communities around Australia.

“As the men and women who represent regional, rural and remote Indigenous Australians, it was important that we got comfort with the fact that this (the Voice) would close the gap, and unfortunately we have got to a position where we don’t believe this will genuinely close the gap,” Littleproud said.

“The National Party has made a decision that we will not support a Voice to Parliament.

Nationals leader David Littleproud speaking in Canberra. IMAGE: ABC News

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“We believe in empowering local Indigenous communities, giving them the power at a local level – not creating another layer of bureaucracy here in Canberra, but to give those communities the opportunities that those in metropolitan Australia enjoy every day.

“We just say to Australians this is a respectful conversation, but hear those voices from regional and rural and remote Australia, not just those that might be in Redfern, because this is an important moment in our nation’s history and unfortunately it will be lost.”

A draft of the referendum, which would need a majority of ‘yes’ votes in a majority of states to pass, reads as follows:

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Nationals Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (Warlpiri), an Indigenous parliamentarian from Alice Springs, criticised what she believed was a lack of detail about what the Voice would entail.

She also criticised Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney for taking “a private jet out into a remote community, dripping with Gucci and telling people in the dirt what’s good for them”.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price speaking in Canberra. IMAGE: Sky News

“We are part of a liberal, democratic Australia and one of our fundamental principals is that we are all regarded as equal under the law despite race, despite gender, despite anything else,” Price said.

“Why should I, as an Indigenous Australian, be governed under a separate entity than the rest of Australia because of my race?

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“These are the issues that people are concerned with now. They’re not sitting around waiting for a proposal to come up with details as to how its going to improve their lives.

“We have to stop dividing our nation along the lines of race and recognise our contribution to this nation, from the first people of this country to the migrant people who have come here and made this their home, to the people with convict backgrounds.”

Linda Burney’s office as been contacted for comment.

Linda Burney being sworn in as Minister for Indigenous Australians.. IMAGE: ABC

Wind farm’s $2 billion expansion to create one of world’s largest

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By HARRY CLARKE

THE MacIntyre Wind Precinct will double in size, making it of the largest of its kind in the world, following an announcement by ACCONIA Energía to build the new $2 billion Herries Range Wind Farm west of Warwick.

The 1,000MW Herries Range Wind Farm will be built within the exisiting MacIntyre Wind Precinct, bringing the precinct value to $4 billion and the total amount of renewable energy produced to 2,000MW – enough to power 1.4 million Queensland homes.

The announcement was made during a visit to the Port of Brisbane by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and cabinet ministers Cameron Dick, Steven Miles and Mick de Brenni, who inspected wind turbine components awaiting transport to the MacIntyre Wind Precinct.

The 1,023MW MacIntyre Precinct, already under construction, will be equipped with 180 turbines. The Herries Range project, also 180 turbines, will support up to 600 additional jobs during construction, a government statement said.

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“Today we’re proud to announce that we have commenced development activities for the Herries Range Wind Farm to add an additional thousand megawatts of renewable energy to Queensland’s energy mix,” said ACCIONA Energía’s Managing Director in Australia, Brett Wickham (pictured).

“With this project we expect to dramatically accelerate the decarbonization of Queensland’s electricity grid.“

“Our goal is to roll from construction of MacIntyre straight into the neighboring Herries Range. This means that workers can move from one large scale project to the next whilst staying in the same area.”

As well at the the MacIntyre and Herries Range wind farms, the MacIntyre Wind Precinct also comprises government-owned energy company CleanCo’s proposed Karara Wind Farm.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the new jobs created would be in addition to the 220 jobs needed to build Powerlink’s transmission infrastructure connecting the MacIntyre precinct to the national grid.

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Palaszczuk said the deal showed that Queensland was a “front runner” in attracting international investment in the global energy transformation.

“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is all about bringing more cheaper, cleaner energy into the system, while building the Queensland economy and that’s exactly that this deal does,” she said.

“ACCIONA Energia are one of the world’s leading developers of renewable energy projects and this additional $2 billion commitment is a strong endorsement that Queensland is a renewable energy superpower.

“The $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will unlock even more investment, more economic growth for Queensland, and more good jobs.

“This deal also demonstrates that our bold vision to deliver an energy system that is made up of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032, has boosted investor interest”.

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Artist impression of the MacIntyre Wind Farm. IMAGE: Supplied

WATCH: PBR champion’s $68,000 winning ride

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By HARRY CLARKE

IN A clutch moment of Australian bull riding, the PBR national champion from 2016 clung on to one of the country’s toughest animals for a spectacular 92-point ride that secured him his second title – eight years after his first.

Cody Heffernan, from Singleton NSW, topped of a huge second night at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals by riding last year’s YETI Bull of the Year, “Cattle King Coogie Beach”, to claim not only the event title but also the overall PBR Australian Title for 2022.

After a lackluster opening night of the event, 33-year-old Heffernan put on a bull riding masterclass before a sold out crowd at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre on Saturday, riding all three of his bulls to win by just 2.5 points overall.

In doing so he prevented reigning champion and second place getter Aaron Kleier from taking his fifth consecutive national title.

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“I can’t really remember it, I was just hanging on,” Heffernan said of his ride on “Cattle King Boogers Beach”.

“I knew I had to ride him and do anything after Aaron rode that bull (“Mystery”). I just knew I had to ride him if I wanted to have a shot at winning it.”

As well as the $50,000 in prize money for the national title, Heffernan took home a $12,800 for the event win.

Heffernan’s earnings from the PBR circuit totalled more than $122,000 for 2022.

The Rookie of the Year award went to Koumala’s Qynn Andersen who finished fourth on the national standings with 645 points.

In the bull pen, Dittmann Bucking Bulls capped off a dominant year by taking home the YETI Grand Finals Bulls Team and Contractor of the Year, awards, while the Dittmanns’ star bucker “Roid Rage” took out the YETI Finals High Point Bull of the Event as well as Bucking Bull of the Year.

PBR Australia standings for 2022

“He’s been an outstanding bull. I don’t reckon he’s hit his pins yet. He’s had an outstanding night tonight,” team owner Jason Dittmann said of Roid Rage.

“He’s become pretty special to us. I can’t ask any more of that bull, we love him.

“The whole team’s been good all year. I can’t ask any more of the bulls and even my team here, my family, everyone who helps out, I can’t ask for more. Everyone gives 100 percent, I’m so happy.”

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WATCH: Cody Heffernan rides “Cattle King Coogie Beach” for 92 points. VIDEO: PBR Australia

Toowoomba Turf Club appoints new chairman

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TOOWOOMBA Turf Club has appointed a new chairman following the club’s annual general meeting.

Jason Ward was elected as chairman by the newly-appointed TTC committee and takes the reins from long-serving committee member Kent Woodford, who recently completed his six-year maximum term as chairman.

Ward has been an integral member of the club’s management committee for four years, a statement from the club said, most recently as deputy chairman, but also as treasurer.

“I’m thrilled to lead this club. I’m indebted to Kent Woodford, previous and current committees and the members for their faith in me,” he said.

“The Toowoomba Turf Club has a great future and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the future.

“We have a strong strategic plan and an incredible working relationship with Racing Queensland and our fellow clubs. It’s a very bright future for us.”

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Reflecting on his six years as chairman, Woodford (pictured) said he was was appreciative of the support placed upon him by the club’s management committee and the club’s members over his tenure.

“It has been an absolute honour to be chairman of this historic and progressive club, I am thankful to my fellow committee members for the support they have shown me over the years,” he said.

“I very much look forward to continuing the forward momentum we have as a club.”

Woodford has now taken up the role of vice chairman, while Graham Healy is honorary treasurer.

Newly-elected other management committee members include Allen Volz (re-elected), Paul Reedy, Paul Nolan Jr and Ken Waller.

Ward said the TTC had ambitious racing and business diversification strategies, and he is delighted to work alongside a board with such a diverse skillset and love for racing.