PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...

Page created by Julio Wallace
 
CONTINUE READING
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018
                                    PROFIT FROM WOOL INNOVATION
                                                   www.wool.com

                 PROTECTING FLOCKS
                    FROM FLYSTRIKE

          08                 40                           58
LIVE & BREATHE    NATIONAL MERINO           MERINO LIFETIME
     CAMPAIGN          CHALLENGE              PRODUCTIVITY
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
14 H
                                                                   URN & FYFE                                     62 D
                                                                                                                       ROUGHT RESOURCES
                                                                   BACK FIBRE OF FOOTBALL                                 FOR WOOLGROWERS

                                                     OFF-FARM                                             ON-FARM
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Richard Smith
E richard.smith@wool.com
A AWI Marketing and Communications
  L6, 68 Harrington St, The Rocks,
  Sydney NSW 2000                                     4    WoolPoll 2018                                  38 Lifetime Ewe Management case study
  GPO Box 4177, Sydney NSW 2001
                                                      8    AWI’s new ‘live & breathe’ campaign            40 National Merino Challenge 2018
P 02 8295 3100
E info@wool.com W wool.com                            9    Peak performance from Black Diamond            42 Australian Rural Leadership Program
AWI Helpline 1800 070 099
                                                      10 Jenna completes her run for bums                 43 Next generation on the horizon
SUBSCRIPTION
Beyond the Bale is available free.                    12 Leading sportswear brand ashmei                  44 Queensland wild dog coordinators
To subscribe contact AWI
P 02 8295 3100 E info@wool.com                        13 Particle Fever slam dunks with wool              45 My exclusion fence is built, now what?

Beyond the Bale is published by Australian            14 Fibre of Football                                46 SA aerial baiting receives support
Wool Innovation Ltd (AWI), a company
funded by Australian woolgrowers and the              15 Emma Hawkins at home with Jeanswest              47 Wild dogs in the USA
Australian Government. AWI’s goal is to help                                                              48 2018 Flystrike RD&E Technical Update
increase the demand for wool by actively
                                                      16 Wool Week Australia
selling Merino wool and its attributes through        18 Scanlan Collective’s love for Merino wool        50 Performance of blowfly & lice treatments
investments in marketing, innovation and
R&D – from farm to fashion and interiors.             19 SABA: Sisterhood of the travelling coat           52 Premiums/discounts for mulesing status

COPYRIGHT                                             20 McIntyre: Knitted in history                      53 LVMH learns about animal welfare
Material in Beyond the Bale is copyright.
Reproduction of the material is encouraged.           21 Waverley Mills remains Australian icon           54 Transitioning to a ceased-mulesing flock
However prior permission must be obtained
                                                      23 International Woolmark Prize                      57 Improving sheep AI programs
from the Executive Editor.
                                                      24 Blair Archibald excels with wool                 58 Merino Lifetime Productivity project
DISCLAIMER
To the extent permitted by law, Australian            24 Dion Lee: SUIT portrait series                   60 Elmore Field Days
Wool Innovation Ltd excludes all liability
for loss or damage arising from the use of,           25 Joe Merino’s classic T-shirt for summer          62 Drought resources for woolgrowers
or reliance on, the information contained in
this publication.                                     25 ODEEH: womenswear push in Germany                63 Beyond Blue ambassador John Sudholz
The Woolmark symbol is a registered
trademark of The Woolmark Company Pty Ltd.            26 Fox & Lillie woolgrower tour to Europe           64 Technologies to shape your future
© 2018 Australian Wool Innovation Ltd. All
rights reserved.                                      28 Lagonda: Electric experience with wool           65 Artificial intelligence R&D to aid selection

ADVERTISING SALES                                     29 MINI helps drive demand for wool                 66 New tool tackles Red Leaf syndrome
Max Hyde, Hyde Media Pty Ltd
P 03 5659 5292                                        30 Top Japan brands inspired by Aussie visit        67 Shearer and wool handler training
E max@hydemedia.com.au
                                                      31 Merino wool takes centre stage Vietnam           68 Robotic shearing revisited in digital age
Advertising is subject to terms and conditions
published on the ratecard, which is available         32 Australia-China relationship strengthened        69 R&D into fully automated wool harvesting
from Hyde Media.
                                                      33 New Wool Education Centre in Shanghai            70 How long can this wool market hold up?
ISSN
1447-9680                                             33 Trade workshop for Chinese partners               72 EMI record run continues
FRONT COVER                                           34 Study backs wool to ameliorate eczema             73 WoolQ: new functionality
Protecting the national flock against flystrike.
At this year’s 2018 Breech Flystrike RD&E             35 Digital ways to learn about wool                  74 Readers’ photos
Technical Update, held in June in Sydney and
attended by 115 industry stakeholders, significant    36 Naturally Inspiring seminars
and incremental progress was reported from
a wide spectrum of research projects and              37 Latest wool fashions showcased locally           AWI INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
trials conducted on farms and in laboratories.
                                                                                                              Marketing         Sheep               Woolgrower
See page 48 for details.
                                                                                                                                Production          Services
                                                      		   feedback@wool.com
                                                                                                              Processing Innovation          Business
                                                                                                              & Education Extension          Services
                                                     WOOL.COM
                                                     To subscribe to the free monthly AWI e-newsletter
                                                     for woolgrowers, and the weekly wool market review
                                                     e-newsletter, visit www.wool.com/subscribe
                                                                                                          WOOLMARK.COM
                                                           instagram/BeyondTheBale
                                                                                                               facebook.com/TheWoolmarkCompany

                                                           twitter.com/woolinnovation
                                                                                                               twitter.com/woolmark

                                                           youtube.com/AWIWoolProduction
                                                                                                               instagram.com/TheWoolmarkCompany

                                                           wool.com/podcast
                                                                                                               youtube.com/TheWoolmarkCompany

                                                           This magazine is printed on PEFC
                                                           (Programme for the Endorsement of                   View Beyond the Bale online with image galleries
                                                                                                          BtB and video at http://beyondthebale.wool.com
                                                           Forest Certification) paper stock.

GD2973
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
UPFRONT           3

GETTING ON WITH
BUSINESS
We are continuing with initiatives to help increase the
demand for wool through investments in marketing
                                                                                                                   Stuart McCullough
and R&D – from farm to fashion.                                                                                    Chief Executive Officer
                                                                                                                   Australian Wool Innovation

DROUGHT                                            WOOLPOLL 2018                                   A NEW LOOK
I am deeply concerned about the effect that        I encourage all eligible wool levy payers
                                                                                                   AT SHEARING
the enduring drought conditions are having         to cast their votes when the poll opens         Wool harvesting is an elaborate labour-
on many woolgrowers. AWI provides a range          on 17 September. It is the opportunity for      intensive process, relying on highly trained
of drought planning and management                 woolgrowers Australia-wide to choose what       shearers and wool handlers who work hard
publications, webinar recordings and other         percentage of their clip proceeds are used      within a busy wool shed workplace. While AWI
resources for woolgrowers going into,              to fund AWI – their research, development       continues to fund shearer and wool handler
enduring or recovering from drought. On            and marketing company – for the next            training aimed at increasing productivity, skills
our website we also provide links to useful        three years. The ballot paper will be posted    development and professionalism, AWI is also
external resources and government agencies         to eligible levy payers in September, along     taking a new look at automated shearing.
that provide drought assistance. View a list       with a Voter Information Kit that outlines      We are spreading the investment risk across
of available resources on the AWI website          information about WoolPoll 2018 and how         a few investments, as well as looking for
at www.wool.com/droughtresources.                  AWI proposes to invest levy funds at each       additional opportunities in safe and soft
                                                   levy rate option. The poll closes at 5pm        robotics. See page 68 for further details.
HEALTHY PRICES                                     (AEST) on 2 November.
CONTINUE                                                                                           PROTECTING
                                                   AWI ANNUAL GENERAL                              AGAINST FLYSTRIKE
During the past few months, the EMI
surpassed the $20 mark for the very first
                                                   MEETING (AGM)                                   At this year’s 2018 Breech Flystrike RD&E
time, and at the time of writing is $21.16.        The AWI 2018 AGM will be held on                Technical Update attended by 115 industry
Prices are in very healthy territory, both in      Friday 23 November at the Swissotel             stakeholders in July, significant and incremental
absolute terms and in comparison to prices         Sydney at 68 Market St, Sydney. Formal          progress was reported from a wide spectrum of
from just 12 months ago. I have always             notice and meeting papers will be sent to AWI   research projects and trials conducted on farms
firmly believed that Merino wool is a $20+         shareholders in October. AWI shareholders       and in laboratories. The presentations from the
fibre. With supply having increased during         who are unable to attend the AGM in person      event are all available on the AWI website at
the past couple of seasons, I consider these       will be able to view the AGM proceedings        www.wool.com/flystrikeRnDupdate
robust prices as fundamentally a result of a       via webcast. Further details are available on
strong and consistent demand for our fibre.        the AWI website at www.wool.com/agm.            LIVE & BREATHE
AWI’s marketing in key northern hemisphere         The AWI 2017/18 Annual Report will also be      MARKETING CAMPAIGN
markets has been successfully cementing            released in October.
                                                                                                   AWI’s marketing arm The Woolmark
Australian wool as a premium natural fibre                                                         Company has launched a new global
for which consumers are willing to pay a           REGISTER NOW                                    consumer campaign – the first in recent
premium price. Although the finer microns          FOR WOOLQ                                       years. The Live & Breathe campaign aims to
have performed particularly well lately,           Most of WoolQ’s functionality is now            educate a lost generation on the technical
the broader microns have also been rising          complete and available on the WoolQ             performance benefits of Australian Merino
during the past 18 months. Meanwhile, other        website. This functionality includes            wool, and to drive purchase through
competitive fibre prices remain relatively flat.   the industry discussion forum and               partners in the performance, athleisure
                                                   ready reckoner, as well as the eSpeci (an       and streetwear categories. The overarching
INDEPENDENT REVIEW                                 alternative to the current paper speci) that    message of the campaign – which comprises
OF PERFORMANCE                                     was made available in March. The final          a short film, hero fashion and sportswear
                                                   piece of WoolQ functionality, the ‘WoolQ        imagery, and additional e-commerce
AWI has published on its website an
                                                   Market’, is scheduled for release towards       extensions – is that wool is breathable,
independent Review of Performance, which
                                                   the end of the year. I strongly encourage       making it perfect for performance. Focusing
is required to be conducted every three years.
                                                   woolgrowers to register with WoolQ today        on breathability allows the campaign to
The report, produced by Ernst & Young, will
                                                   – at www.woolq.com. Not only will you be        talk about a number of wool’s key elements
be of great benefit to AWI in refining its
                                                   able to use all the current functionality,      in the performance category, such as
processes and approach going forward. I am
                                                   but you will be kept updated on the release     temperature regulation, odour resistance
pleased the review included important context
                                                   of the WoolQ Market.                            and its moisture-wicking nature. For more
about the scale of the Australian wool industry
                                                                                                   information, visit www.woolmark.com.
and the scope of AWI’s role.
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
4     UPFRONT

    IT’S YOUR CHOICE
                                                    WILL YOU VOTE THIS
                                                    WOOLPOLL?
                                                    The 2018 WoolPoll levy rate
                                                    options have been announced;                      3%
                                                                                                     2.5%
                                                    voting opens on 17 September;
    Every three years AWI is required to
    conduct a poll asking woolgrowers to
                                                    and AWI recommends growers
    determine what percentage of their              choose to maintain the 2% levy.
    wool income they would like to invest
    in research, development (R&D) and
    marketing undertaken by AWI.
                                                    In the coming weeks, you’ll receive your
                                                     Voter Information Kit, which includes your
                                                    ballot papers to vote in this year’s WoolPoll.

                                                    Whether wool is the primary focus of your
                                                    business, part of your mixed enterprise, or
                                                    just a hobby on the side, your vote counts.
                                                    Don’t leave it to others to decide what
                                                    investment – if any – is made in future
    WoolPoll is your opportunity to directly        R&D and marketing for our industry.
    influence how much funding AWI will
    receive for the next three years to deliver     YOUR LEVY
    R&D and marketing services for the              RATE OPTIONS
    Australian wool industry.                       The WoolPoll Regulations require AWI

                                                                                                     1.5%
                                                    to propose 3 to 5 levy rates for you to
                                                    vote on, including a zero option if you
                                                    think investment in R&D and marketing
                                                    for the industry isn’t necessary.

    If you have paid $100 or more in wool
                                                    WoolPoll 2018 asks you to consider five
                                                    levy rate options:                                0%
    levies over the past three financial years,
    you are eligible to vote in WoolPoll.
    Your voting entitlement is determined           MESSAGE FROM                                        WoolPoll Panel Chair
                                                                                                             Sydney Lawrie.
    from records of your wool sales. If you are
    eligible to vote, you will have been notified   THE WOOLPOLL
    of your voting entitlement in August.
                                                    PANEL CHAIR TO
                                                    WOOLGROWERS
                                                    I’m privileged to be your Panel Chair for
                                                    WoolPoll 2018 and lead such a diverse Panel
                                                    representing woolgrowers from all regions
                                                    across Australia.
    Your Ballot Paper will be sent to you in
                                                    We the Panel have worked closely with
    September. You can vote online, by mail
                                                    AWI to ensure that the Voter Information
    or via fax – as per the instructions that
                                                    Memorandum provides you with the
    will be sent with the Ballot Paper.
                                                    information you need when deciding how to
    For any questions about the voting              place your vote.
    process, call the voter assistance line
                                                    I encourage you to take the time to sit down
    on 1800 990 365.
                                                    as a family or a business unit and discuss the
                                                    future you want for your business and your
                                                    industry.
                                                    This is such a critical vote for the industry,
                                                    and an opportunity we get every 3 years
                                                    that other industries don’t – IT’S YOUR
                                                    WOOL, IT’S YOUR LEVY, IT’S YOUR VOTE!

    Voting opens on 17 September 2018.              Sydney Lawrie
    The poll closes at 5pm (AEDT) on                Chair, 2018 WoolPoll Panel
    2 November 2018.
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
UPFRONT         5

AWI RECOMMENDS:
VOTE 2% THIS WOOLPOLL
• T
   he projects featured in this edition                      future-proof our investments. We believe 2%
  of Beyond the Bale are only a snapshot                      is the optimum level to balance our financial
  of the work AWI does on your behalf.                        responsibility with our capacity to deliver         WHY WE DON’T
  If you see value in the projects we’re                      benefits for growers.
                                                                                                                  RECOMMEND
  funding, then we need your support at
  WoolPoll to continue.
                                                              Choosing 2% means we can continue
                                                              to deliver our core R&D and extension
                                                                                                                  MORE THAN 2%
                                                              programs in areas such as managing flystrike,       While AWI could invest even more
• V
   oting 2% means we can continue to
                                                              improving reproduction and wild dog control,        in R&D and marketing at 3% or 2.5%,
  deliver your core R&D and marketing                         to address your profitability and productivity      we believe 2% is the optimum level to
  priorities – and look at investing in                       priorities. We can also invest in new projects
                                                                                                                  balance our financial responsibility
  new projects that fill important gaps                       as they arise to help lower production costs,
  in the industry.                                                                                                with our capacity to deliver benefits
                                                              such as automated wool harvesting, which we
                                                              couldn’t do with less than 2%.                      for growers.
• 2
   % enables us to build resilience and
  future-proof.                                               With 98% of Australian wool being exported,
                                                              we need all hands on deck across the supply         WHY WE DON’T
D    emand for wool has risen sharply and                     chain because without consumer education
     with it, so has the price. Many of you                   and awareness, people wouldn’t choose to            RECOMMEND 1.5%
are taking advantage of this and investing                    buy Australian wool. With the 2% levy, we can       We could not maintain the level of
back into your business – because we all                      keep marketing Australian wool and building
                                                                                                                  investment in R&D and marketing at
know that choosing to invest when times are                   global demand. Just as moving between
                                                                                                                  1.5% in the long term, nor continue to
good enables us to future-proof and build                     farming enterprises is relatively easy, so too
                                                              is substituting wool for other fibres. If we        deliver R&D and marketing benefits for
resilience. With the drought biting hard
across much of Eastern Australia, it’s even                   take our foot off the pedal, we’ll leave a gap in   woolgrowers. We would have no capacity
more front of mind that we must prepare                       the market that will undoubtedly be filled by       to invest in new opportunities and no
now to manage the challenges of the future.                   another fibre. It's a conscious choice, and we      buffer in our budget against future
                                                              want to ensure wool is the final choice, right      wool price volatility, meaning existing
Since late 2017, the Board has deliberated                    along the supply chain through to consumers.
                                                                                                                  programs may have to be discontinued.
on the levy rate options and what its
recommended rate should be, with extensive                    Choosing 2% allows us to secure wool’s
                                                              place in the apparel and textile market of
modelling of investment and forecasting of
production and income at the various rates.                   the future, by investing in product and             WHY WE DON’T
We know some parts of the industry say that
                                                              processing innovations that revolutionise
                                                              how wool is thought of and used – no longer
                                                                                                                  RECOMMEND 0%
cutting the levy won’t hurt R&D or marketing                  the itchy, bulky school jumper of days gone         0% makes it impossible to address
investments, because the higher wool price                    by, but a luxurious, high performance,              key woolgrower priorities that support
will counteract any losses to AWI’s funding.                  technical fibre for the modern consumer.            profitability, sustainability or increased
But a cut to the levy leaves no room in the
                                                              WoolPoll is your choice to invest in your           demand. We would have to abandon
budget to protect your investments against
any future price volatility or unpredictable                  industry. Your future profitability, the            R&D that helps in your fight against
seasonal conditions that affect production                    industry’s sustainability, and the global           flies, wild dogs or any future industry
volumes – factors which heavily impact the                    demand for your product rests on this               threats. We would stop marketing your
amount of income AWI receives.                                choice. AWI takes seriously its role in             wool, and walk away from all the
                                                              delivering R&D and marketing outcomes
                                                                                                                  ground we have gained in growing
That’s why we’re recommending you vote to                     that benefit Australian woolgrowers
maintain the 2% levy – so we can invest now                   – and it can only do this if you vote to            demand for Australian wool.
when prices are good and build resilience to                  maintain the 2% levy rate.

 IT’S YOUR CHOICE
                      VOTER
                      INFORMATION
                      MEMORANDUM

                                                              WOOL IS
                                                              YOUR CHOICE

  VOTING OPENS
  17 SEPTEMBER 2018
  VOTING CLOSES                           Australian farmers investing
  2 NOVEMBER 2018                         in wool innovation since 1936

The WoolPoll Voter Information Memorandum (left) and AWI’s summary of investments ‘Wool is Your Choice’ (middle) will be sent with ballot papers in
September to those woolgrowers eligible to vote at WoolPoll 2018. You can view them both documents online now at www.woolpoll.com.au (right).
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
6     UPFRONT

    MESSAGE FROM YOUR
    WOOLPOLL PANEL

    Sydney Lawrie, SA                                    Richard Keniry, NSW                          Rob Ingram, NSW
    “People are showing a lot more interest in           “Treat (the) WoolPoll vote like an           “Not voting in WoolPoll impacts directly
    WoolPoll 2018, especially the mixed farmers          investor…There are plenty of people now      on the bottom line of what is spent on
    I’ve spoken to, because wool prices and              investing in new sheepyards and sheds,       the industry and the quality of the work.
    sheep prices are so good…and that’s making           and so my question to them is - how          Will you criticise the industry and what
    them think about how their WoolPoll money            much do they want to invest in the           it does and where it’s going, or will you
    will be spent to improve the industry.”              industry for the future?”                    vote to have a say?”

    Brenton Lush, SA                                     Candice Roberts, Qld                         John Hassell, WA
    “We’re working with AWI to ensure                    “Even if it’s your parents who vote, start   “The voting period comes as some growers
    WoolPoll isn’t Merino-centric and that               the conversation with your family and get    turn their attention to cropping and harvest
    there’s a voice for growers of 25-30                 involved and contribute to the future of     time – it’s easy to jump on your phone when
    micron wools.”                                       your industry.”                              you’re out and about and vote.”

                                                                                                      IT’S YOUR CHOICE

    Steve Harrison, Vic                                  Ed Storey, NSW
    “It’s taken a long time to get to the point where    “Vote but don’t get caught up in politics…
    we’re looking to increase flock numbers and          Ours is one of the only rural industries
    employ a worker, but it’s been a tremendous          where we get to vote every three years on
    12-18 months for wool prices…There’s no better       how much of our wool income is spent on
    time for us to decide the future of our industry.”   R&D and marketing.”
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
UPFRONT           7

INDEPENDENT
THREE-YEAR REVIEW
OF PERFORMANCE
AWI’s latest three-year review of performance has stated that: AWI has performed well in many
regards, but, as with most organisations, many opportunities exist for its improved performance
in the future. AWI is looking to implement the review’s recommendations that will help the
company deliver better results for woolgrowers.

BACKGROUND                                        on how we can improve the business, and
                                                  that's exactly what they've done.
                                                                                                     consultation and communication initiatives
                                                                                                     since the last strategic planning period,
AWI has an obligation through its Statutory                                                          and that the addition of these methods has
Funding Agreement (SFA) with the Federal          “AWI acknowledges there are areas where            strengthened AWI’s ability to connect with
Government to undergo an independent re-          we can enhance the way we operate and              wool industry stakeholders.
view of performance (ROP) every three years       we look forward to improving delivery of
– and report the ROP to wool levy payers and      our services to Australian woolgrowers.            “However, the report also said that more
the Government prior to each WoolPoll.            The report provides a detailed roadmap to          needs to be done by AWI to ensure more
                                                  assist that process.”                              effective consultation is undertaken with
This year, the Government took the lead                                                              industry representative organisations and
in contracting and managing the independent       Mr McCullough noted that AWI’s review of           other stakeholders,” Mr McCullough said.
consultant undertaking the review (Ernst          performance process is unique in many ways.
& Young). The review also considered some
                                                  “For woolgrowers, the report means that their      PROGRESS OF
additional matters that were raised by
industry and government.
                                                  company, AWI, is being well scrutinised every      IMPLEMENTING
                                                  three years and they get to see those results      RECOMMENDATIONS
AWI welcomed this expanded review and             and they get to judge us on our worth,” he said.   Mr McCullough said that, from an operational
fully cooperated at every stage to ensure the                                                        and Board perspective, AWI intends to
consultants had access to all the informa-        “So I think that it evidences to woolgrowers
                                                  that the company is been well looked at.           expeditiously adopt key recommendations
tion required to make their recommenda-                                                              that will help to enhance transparency and
tions. Ernst & Young’s thorough review of         There are many things that we've done
                                                  right, and things that we can do better            accountability and consultation mechanisms
AWI’s performance and governance for                                                                 with its shareholders and stakeholders.
the period 2015-2018 resulted in a 500-page       have been identified and will be addressed
report that was released on 9 July.               in due course.”                                    “Ernst and Young did a good job with this
                                                  The report highlighted that AWI’s employees        report and they have provided us with
In summary, 82 recommendations were
                                                  are of a high calibre, with a strong               the timings that they'd like to see the
suggested, with the areas of monitoring
                                                  commitment in delivering high quality              recommendations implemented,” he explained.
and evaluation, consultation and gover-
nance being the focus. The recommenda-            innovations and experience that spans the          “We can simply accept many of the
tions range in levels of importance from          entirety of the wool industry value chain.         recommendations outright, but there were
'mandatory', 'critical' and 'recommended'                                                            some that warrant some more thought and
and provide the company with timing               OPERATIONAL                                        potentially might require constitutional
suggestions for completion helping to             RECOMMENDATIONS                                    change which we've got to put to a vote of all
pave the way for greater consultation,            The report’s recommendations can be broken         shareholders, so there's a bit of road to go yet.
transparency and accountability.                  into two main parts: the operations of the         But certainly the ones that we can tick off
                                                  company and the Board. From an operational         quickly we will, and we'll work on the others to
REPORT WILL                                       point of view, Ernst & Young identified two        get them delivered in due course.”

BENEFIT AWI AND                                   key areas that could be improved: one is
                                                                                                     AWI is creating a dedicated spot on its
                                                  measurement and evaluation, and the other
WOOLGROWERS                                       one is consultation.
                                                                                                     website at www.wool.com/ROP that
In response to the report, AWI CEO Stuart                                                            will inform woolgrowers on the
McCullough said the assessment of how AWI         “We acknowledged at the beginning of the           progress/status of implementing the
was performing against its responsibilities       review that measurement and evaluation             report’s recommendations.
will be of great benefit to AWI in refining its   was a bit of an issue for us,” Mr McCullough
processes and approach going forward.             explained. “Because we don't sell anything,        MORE INFORMATION
                                                  it’s often hard to give to woolgrowers tangible    • Woolgrowers will receive a summary of
“A review of performance is a normal part of      figures of return on investment, so that's           the ROP report with their WoolPoll Voter
the WoolPoll cycle that AWI goes through          where we've got to spend some more energy            Information Kit.
every three years to inform woolgrowers           and time. We need people collecting data in        • You can download the full report and a
prior to the WoolPoll vote. It’s a very normal    the northern hemisphere on a constant basis          summary report from www.wool.com/ROP
part of our life,” Mr McCullough said.            and analysts back here extrapolating that into     • Hear from AWI’s CEO Stuart
                                                  terms that woolgrowers can understand.”              McCullough speaking about the report’s
“The report is complimentary on many of                                                                recommendations and the
the things that we do, such as our strong         Regarding consultation, the review of                next steps for AWI in Episode
reputation for marketing activities, but Ernst    performance acknowledged that AWI                    49 of AWI’s The Yarn podcast at
& Young’s aim was to identify any problems        has increased its number of engagement,              www.wool.com/podcast
with the business and provide suggestions
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
8     OFF
      FARM

                                                                                                                                   Campaign imagery
                                                                                                                             highlights commercially
                                                                                                                             available apparel, in this
                                                                                                                                case: Facetasm 100%
                                                                                                                                  Merino wool jacket;
                                                                                                                              [sn] super.natural 50%
                                                                                                                           Merino wool crop top; and
                                                                                                                           Wilderness Wear leggings
                                                                                                                            100% Merino wool outer.

LIVE & BREATHE
   CAMPAIGN
    AWI has launched a new global marketing campaign that aims to educate a new generation
    of young consumers about the performance benefits of Australian Merino wool.

    A    WI’s marketing arm The Woolmark
         Company has launched the new global
    consumer campaign – Live & Breathe – the
                                                     The campaign hones in on wool’s inherent
                                                     breathability to ensure the simplicity of the
                                                     campaign’s message has cut-through in the
                                                                                                     layered into the campaign, such as choosing
                                                                                                     quality over quantity (reinforcing the
                                                                                                     Woolmark symbol as a mark of quality),
    first in recent years.                           crowded marketplace. According to a 2017        and of choosing natural fibres to avoid the
                                                     Nielsen Report, ‘breathable’ and ‘comfort’      adverse environmental effects of synthetics.
    The campaign aims to educate a young             are the most important attributes people
    generation of consumers, who might               look for when buying sportswear – and           AWI CEO Stuart McCullough says in a world
    not have grown up with wool, about the           science shows that wool is the one of the       dominated by synthetic fibres, it can be
    technical performance benefits of Australian     most breathable fibres.                         easy for millennials – the world’s largest
    Merino wool – and drive the purchase                                                             consumer group, by volume – to lose sight
    of wool apparel and footwear products,           Focusing on breathability allows the            of the wonders of Mother Nature.
    through brand partners in the performance,       campaign to talk about a number of wool’s
    athleisure and streetwear categories.            key elements in the performance category,       “Wool, once the fibre of choice for athletes
                                                     such as temperature regulation, odour           worldwide, was overthrown by the rise of
    The overarching message of the campaign is       resistance and its moisture-wicking nature.     man-made fibres, but in recent years we have
    that wool is breathable, making it the perfect                                                   seen the re-emergence of Merino wool in the
    fibre for performance and athleisure.            However, secondary messages are also            activewear industry,” Mr McCullough said.
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
OFF    9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FARM

                                                                                                                                                 LIVE & BREATHE CAMPAIGN FILM

 B R E AT H E
 MORE
                                                                        DO
                                                                      MORE
  Gabriela Hearst cap
  Aclima crop top
  Devold jacket
  XTM leggings
  3.1 Phillip Lim trousers

                                       The Woolmark Company proudly supports the Woolmark Certification Program. See woolmark.com for details.

Example of campaign collateral being rolled out
across the world. The advert features commercially
available apparel: Devold 100% Merino wool jacket;                                                                                               Clips from the campaign film highlighting the natural and breathable aspects of wool.
Aclima 65% Merino wool crop top; XTM 100%
Merino wool leggings; 3.1 Phillip Lim 50% Merino
wool trousers.

“The fibre's inherent performance properties
and eco-credentials have seen the fibre
become prominent once again and is
reaching a new generation of consumers.”

CAMPAIGN ROLLOUT
Working with award-winning global creative
agency TBWA and media buying agency OMD,
the campaign – which includes a short film,
and hero fashion and sportswear imagery
– began at the start of this month.

While the film (distributed through social
media and Woolmark.com) and the out-
of-home campaign (billboards, bus shelter
advertising etc) serve as two hero aspects of
the campaign, events, e-commerce extensions
and collaborative partnerships will help to
drive home the message in an impactful way.

“The campaign features a carefully curated
                                                                                                                                                 The three-minute campaign film                  Home alone, she puts it on and sets off
selection of some of the most technically
                                                                                                                                                 begins in a dystopian, industrial and           running, breaking free of the city walls, and
advanced and innovative wool and wool-rich
                                                                                                                                                 gloomy city – where nature is absent,           heads towards the natural horizon.
garments commercially available on the
                                                                                                                                                 pollution hangs in the air and people
market today,” Mr McCullough said.                                                                                                                                                               When she arrives she is breathing freely,
                                                                                                                                                 have long forgotten what natural
                                                                                                                                                                                                 surrounded and connected to the source
A layered influencer campaign of some of the                                                                                                     means. Clothing is no longer made
                                                                                                                                                                                                 of the natural fibres she wears. It is this
world’s leading fitness stars will help connect                                                                                                  from wool, but from restrictive and
                                                                                                                                                                                                 natural, better world that the campaign’s
product to consumers in an approachable,                                                                                                         unbreathable plastics.
                                                                                                                                                                                                 protagonist is escaping to and leading a
authentic way, while custom landing pages and                                                                                                    But there is hope. On the horizon just          path for the rest of the world to follow.
product hubs of wool products will be available                                                                                                  beyond the city lies the promise of a more
to shop on Amazon USA and Farfetch.com.                                                                                                                                                          “Set against an environment that is both
                                                                                                                                                 positive, natural world – a world where
                                                                                                                                                                                                 artificial and natural, our global campaign
Product launches and interactive events in                                                                                                       Mother Nature hasn’t been replaced
                                                                                                                                                                                                 reminds consumers of wool's natural
the US (PE Nation workout and Erin Snow ski                                                                                                      but rather, embraced. Here, lush, green
                                                                                                                                                                                                 benefits which cannot be matched by any
launches), China (Elle Fit Club events), Japan                                                                                                   pasture spills across the mountainside
                                                                                                                                                                                                 other fibre,” Mr McCullough added.
(Vogue Fashion's Night Out and National Sports                                                                                                   – and Merino sheep graze.
Day), and UK (Nagnata yoga launch) will localise                                                                                                                                                 “Unrivalled by any man-made fibre,
                                                                                                                                                 Amongst the despair of the city, the
and personalise the wool messaging.                                                                                                                                                             Merino wool’s naturally inherent qualities
                                                                                                                                                 campaign’s central character – an
                                                                                                                                                                                                 – breathability, odour control, moisture
                                                                                                                                                 athletic young woman who works in
                                                                                                                                                                                                 management – reconnects the wearer
                                        MORE INFORMATION                                                                                         a giant industrial factory – magically
                                                                                                                                                                                                 to a forgotten experience.”
                             www.woolmark.com/liveandbreathe                                                                                     discovers a wool running outfit.
PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
10   OFF
     FARM

                                                                                                                            The new Rhythm Tee from
                                                                                                                           Black Diamond is perfectly
                                                                                                                       suited for pursuits such as trail
                                                                                                                           running and rock climbing.
                                                                                                                               PHOTO: Black Diamond

 PEAK PERFORMANCE FROM

 BLACK
 DIAMOND
 Leading mountaineering and outdoor brand Black Diamond
 is making its first foray into using wool, with its millions of
 customers in 40+ countries across the world set to be showcased
 products made from the fibre, thanks to a collaboration with AWI.                                  Black Diamond’s Rhythm Tee.

 B   lack Diamond is a global leader in
     mountaineering/climbing gear and
 apparel, with additional product lines
                                                  ultralight Rhythm Tee will solidify Black
                                                  Diamond’s dedication in this regard.
                                                                                                    active users allows us to showcase the
                                                                                                    natural benefits of Merino wool including
                                                                                                    thermo-regulation, odour management and
                                                  It features a breakthrough co-developed
 including skiing and hiking gear/apparel.                                                          movement in the context of cutting edge
                                                  Nuyarn Merino wool fabric technology at a
 Based in Utah, USA, the company’s products                                                         design and innovation,” he stated. “The very
                                                  superlight 95gsm – making it significantly
 are available in more than 40 countries across                                                     nature of our relationship demonstrates the
                                                  lighter than other tee shirts, while increasing
 the world, but with a primary focus in USA,                                                        versatility of Merino wool and the vision of
                                                  durability and performance. The fabric is also
 Canada, Europe, UK, Asia and Australia.                                                            Black Diamond’s apparel design team.”
                                                  engineered for incredible stretch and much
 The company is strategically focused on          faster drying times making it the ultimate        The tee has been launched to a good reception
 growing its apparel category and has been        breathable climbing or trail running shirt.       at trade shows including July’s Outdoor
 working with AWI’s marketing arm The             It is also machine washable.                      Retailer summer market in Denver, with the
 Woolmark Company to introduce wool apparel                                                         consumer launch to be early next year.
                                                  The Woolmark Company has taken an active
 into its product range for the first time.
                                                  role in educating the internal Black Diamond      The collaboration between the two companies
 For the northern hemisphere Spring/              development team about Merino wool,               will expand for Autumn/Winter 2019/20 into
 Summer 2019, Black Diamond will introduce        connecting the brand with the wool supply         further Merino wool product.
 its customers to the technical advantages of     chain and supporting business units on
                                                                                                    As well as Black Diamond stores and
 Merino wool apparel, with a highly innovative    product innovation.
                                                                                                    distributors in key markets, the company
 95gsm ultralight tee, for men and women. The
                                                  AWI CEO Stuart McCullough said AWI’s aim          reaches a global audience on its website
 product has incredible stretch and recovery
                                                  with the collaboration is to increase wool        www.blackdiamondequipment.com and
 and is perfectly suited for pursuits such as
                                                  consumption in the mountaineering/climbing        their products are distributed online on the
 rock climbing and trail running.
                                                  and outdoor category.                             websites of more than 100 global retailers. It
 This iconic brand continuously focuses                                                             also has a huge social media reach with more
                                                  “Collaborating with such an iconic brand
 on high performance and innovation in                                                              than a million followers on its channels.
                                                  as Black Diamond and its core group of
 every product that it develops, and the new
OFF         11
                                                                                                                                             FARM

                                                   JENNA COMPLETES HER

                                                   RUN FOR
                                                   BUMS
                                                   On 14 June, Jenna Brook finished her epic four month run
                                                   up the entire length of Australia from southern Tasmania to
                                                   the northern tip of Queensland – all while wearing Australian
                                                   Merino wool apparel from Merino Country.

                                                   4   529km, 117 days and eight pairs of shoes
                                                       after starting her journey on the South
                                                   East Cape of Tasmania, Jenna finished her
                                                                                                    integrate the supply and production chain
                                                                                                    from the raw fleece through to the end
                                                                                                    product. The business was originally based on
                                                   extraordinary journey at Cape York.              ‘Clareborough Station’, outside of Richmond
                                                                                                    in North West Queensland but is now based
                                                   Jenna began in Tasmania on 17 February,          between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
                                                   running 400km before transferring to the
                                                   mainland, then 510km through Victoria            “I often got asked on my run how I could be
                                                   and just over 1,000km through the heart          wearing long sleeves every day, and the answer
                                                    of NSW, before the 2,700km trek up the          is simple: Merino wool. The truth is simply
                                                   length of Queensland. Finishing on 14            because Merino is pure gold,” Jenna said.
                                                   June, she averaged more than 38km each
                                                   day, not far off a full marathon distance        “I was so proud to wear Merino Country
                                                   every day for four months.                       clothing throughout the run, which is not
                                                                                                    only made in Australia, but also made from
                                                   However the run was not just a personal          Australian-grown wool.
                                                   challenge for Jenna, there was also an
                                                   important reason for the run, and one that       “Merino wool allows your skin to breathe,
                                                   is close to her heart. Along the way Jenna       wicks away sweat, provides excellent UV
                                                   raised awareness of bowel cancer in the          protection and helps maintain a comfortable
                                                   communities that she passed through,             body temperature in the heat and the cool,
                                                   as well as online through social media           making it far superior than any synthetic
                                                   platforms. She called her run ‘Running for       option. Also, it doesn't stink – so that's a bonus.
                                                   Bums’ and she raised more than $65,000 for       “The Merino gear fit the bill perfectly. Do
                                                   Bowel Cancer Australia.                          yourself a favour and get some – there isn’t
                                                   “Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer       any place for synthetics when you're out and
                                                   killer in Australia, and not enough people       about getting life done!”
                                                   are talking about it”, Jenna said. With early    Merino Country uses 100% Australian grown
                                                   detection, more than 90% of bowel cancers        Merino wool and its fabrics are knitted and
                                                   can be successfully treated, yet less than 40%   dyed in Australia. All garments are sewn in its
                                                   are found early enough.                          own factory in Queensland, employing local
                                                   “Not enough people have the conversation         people and supporting its community.
Jenna completed her 4,529km ‘Running for           about bowel cancer, most likely as a result of   “We're very proud to have supported Jenna
Bums’ charity run at Cape York.                    embarrassment and stigma, and this must          with our beautiful, practical and colourful
                                                   change. Hopefully my run has started some        Australian Merino products from 12 months
                                                   conversations, as well as raising money.”        out before she started the run, then from the
                                                                                                    bottom of Tasmania to the tip of Cape York,”
                                                   UP THE COUNTRY WITH                              added founder and managing director of
                                                   MERINO COUNTRY                                   Merino Country, Kerrie Richards.
                                                   Jenna, who is from Birdsville in far west
                                                   Queensland, was delighted to be sponsored                               MORE INFORMATION
                                                   in her running challenge by activewear and             www.facebook.com/runningforbums
                                                   underwear company Merino Country, whose                             www.merinocountry.com
                                                   origins are also in outback Queensland and       You can donate to Bowel Cancer Australia at
                                                   is this year celebrating its 25th birthday.                     www.runningforbums.com.au
Jenna taking the opportunity on her run to visit
                                                                                                                    For information about bowel
                                                   An extension of the family Merino                             cancer, phone the Bowel Cancer
a shearing shed in NSW to see how the wool is
harvested for her running gear – and to have a     wool enterprise, Merino Country was                     Australia helpline on1800 555 494 or
chat with the shearing team about bowel cancer.    established 25 years ago to vertically                   visit www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
12     OFF
       FARM

EASY
RIDER
 BE COOL IN WOOL
                                                                                                                   Filmed on Matthew and Cherie
                                                                                                                  Coddington’s property ‘Roseville
                                                                                                                          Park’ near Dubbo NSW,
                                                                                                                   a new campaign from UK brand
                                                                                                               ashmei showcases the performance
                                                                                                                          benefits of Merino wool.

     A new video and promotional campaign by leading sportswear brand ashmei – titled
     ‘Be Cool In Wool’ – champions the performance benefits of Australian Merino wool and
     highlights it as a fibre for all seasons.

 S       ince launching back in 2012, UK-based
         brand ashmei has established itself as
     producing some of the world’s best activewear,
                                                      the help of Australian Merino wool.

                                                      ashmei is no stranger to Australia’s wool-
                                                                                                   transport their customers to the fibre’s
                                                                                                   origins, and ashmei designer Lucy Reeve
                                                                                                   Smith has visited and worked on a wool-
     known not only for its stylish designs but       growing industry. Previous marketing         growing property in South Australia to
     also for its innovative fabrics and technical    initiatives have seen the brand use the      better understand how wool is produced.
     performance. It has built this reputation with   AWI-produced virtual reality headset to
                                                                                                   This year, ashmei founder Stuart Brooke
                                                                                                   visited Australia and, with the help of the
 The film features Merino wool gear being                                                          in-house videography and marketing teams
 tested for running as well as cycling.                                                            of AWI’s marketing arm The Woolmark
                                                                                                   Company, has produced a stunning video and
                                                                                                   series of images championing the benefits
                                                                                                   of the fibre for cycling and running apparel
                                                                                                   in a campaign called ‘Be Cool In Wool’.

                                                                                                   Filmed on Matthew and Cherie Coddington’s
                                                                                                   property ‘Roseville Park’ near Dubbo NSW,
                                                                                                   the film features Perth-born adventure
                                                                                                   cyclist Jack Thompson testing Merino wool
                                                                                                   gear for its breathability, odour resistance
                                                                                                   and thermoregulation properties for long
                                                                                                   distance cycling and running, particularly for
                                                                                                   the summer months. In the film, Jack plays
                                                                                                   Gareth, a fictional Australian woolgrower who
                                                                                                   is also a keen cyclist. Visiting his neighbour
                                                                                                   (played by Sam Tourle of ‘Naroo’/‘The Springs’)
                                                                                                   60 miles away, Gareth compares the latest
                                                                                                   Merino wool cycling and running gear with
                                                                                                   apparel made from man-made fibres. The film
                                                                                                   draws on science to showcase the performance
                                                                                                   benefits of wool and how it outperforms its
                                                                                                   synthetic counterparts.
OFF        13
                                                                                                                                         FARM

Taking advantage of the explosive growth
in demand for sportswear and activewear,
wool’s position as a technical fibre allows it
to meet increasingly demanding consumer
needs for comfort and performance. Wool
is recognised by leading sportswear brands
– such as ashmei – and manufacturers for
its technical benefits.

“You could say that Merino wool was the
principal driver for me launching ashmei
in the first place,” said Mr Brooke. “I found
myself running in Merino ski base-layers
that I’d had for years because they were
keeping me more comfortable than the
synthetic alternatives available at that time.
At this point I identified there was a gap
in the market for a sportswear brand that
focused on a no-compromise approach to
performance. Unsurprisingly, Merino wool
was a major feature in our debut collection.

“Our recent collaboration with The
Woolmark Company will help to shine a light
on the benefits of using Merino wool for
high aerobic exercise in warm conditions.”

                                                    PARTICLE
The film was released in time for the
northern hemisphere’s summer months and
has been shown on ashmei’s social media
channels, via 60 stores across North America,
Europe and Asia and has been picked up by

                                                    FEVER
numerous online media outlets.

                      MORE INFORMATION
  To view the apparel and to watch the short
  film, visit www.ashmei.com/becoolinwool
                                                    SLAM DUNKS WITH WOOL
                                                    Chinese sportswear label Particle Fever has designed a
                                                    series of wool-rich garments inspired by basketball, blurring
                                                    the lines between fashion and function and championing the
                                                    performance benefits of Merino wool.

                                                    F   ollowing the success of AWI’s
                                                        collaboration with Chinese luxury
                                                    sportswear label Particle Fever last year, the
                                                                                                     Director Lin Hai. “It’s an interesting and
                                                                                                     unique combination, and even though
                                                                                                     basketball is a strenuous game, we are
                                                    two brands have collaborated once again,         showing our customers that you can still feel
                                                    this time unveiling a wool-rich athleisure       cool whilst wearing wool.”
                                                    capsule collection inspired by basketball.
ashmei founder Stuart Brooke with                                                                    Particle Fever’s fantasy basketball team of
Matthew Coddington at ‘Roseville Park’ in May.      To promote the ‘Team Wool’ collection,           creative and sporty individuals showcases
                                                    Particle Fever launched a pop-up                 the benefits of wool by highlighting its
                                                    basketball event in its Beijing store,           beauty and how the natural fibre can be
                                                    featuring a hand-picked team outfitted in        adapted to sportswear.
                                                    wool basketball jerseys and accessories
                                                    with a strong visual identity.                   The sportswear collection highlights a
                                                                                                     variety of innovative techniques, patterns
                                                    The commercially available collection further    and textures – from contoured wool fabrics
                                                    reinforces the position of Merino wool as        and a moisture-wicking metallic weave
                                                    the ideal performance fibre as well as in the    paneling, through to a custom houndstooth
                                                    growing market of athleisure, which blurs        camouflage pattern. Each example reinforces
                                                    the line between fitness and fashion.            the versatility and benefits of wool in the
                                                                                                     sportswear category.
                                                    “Ever since the first athleisure
                                                    collaboration with Woolmark and                  “Our collaboration with Particle Fever offers
                                                    Lane Crawford, we kept exploring the             our millennial customers a contemporary
                                                    possibilities of wool as a functional fibre,     sportswear brand choice,” states AWI Country
                                                    and this time we’re very excited to bring        Manager for China, Jeff Ma. “This collection
Matthew Coddington took the opportunity to visit
the ashmei showrooms in England during a visit to   wool into basketball uniform-inspired            demonstrates the unique benefits and
the country in June.                                garments,” said Particle Fever Creative          features of Merino wool.”
14     OFF
       FARM

 AFL CAPTAINS’ WOOLLY

     WESTERN
     DERBY
 West Coast Eagles captain Shannon Hurn has joined AWI’s Fibre of Football campaign – and
 on the eve of the Western Derby at the start of August, he caught up with Fremantle Dockers
 captain and fellow campaign supporter Nat Fyfe in a photoshoot to promote Australian wool.

     WOOL SHOWCASE                                 P   hotographed in retro woollen footy
                                                       jumpers, with some prize-winning
                                                                                                    To have wool recognised as the fibre of
                                                                                                    Australian football is only fitting given the

     AT THE MCG                                    WA Merino rams, the pair joined forces
                                                   to champion Australia’s wool industry –
                                                                                                    strong social and economic ties the wool
                                                                                                    industry has had with the game from its
                                                   supporting the farmers, shearers, transport      very inception in the mid-19th century in
     During a big weekend of footy at the          operators, fashion designers and retailers       country Victoria.
     MCG last month, a pop-up shop was             behind the natural product.
     installed selling woollen supporter gear.                                                      The latest footy star to join the campaign,
                                                   Since 2014, the Fibre of Football campaign       Shannon Hurn, comes from a sheep property
     Round 20 at the MCG was always                has highlighted the strong and enduring          in the Barossa region of South Australia and
     going to be big – with top of the table       connections between Australian football          returns to the farm outside the footy season
     Richmond battling Geelong on Friday           and the wool industry. Fremantle’s Nat           to help at shearing time and to turn off lambs.
     night, Hawthorn taking on Essendon on         Fyfe, Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, Hawthorn’s          He told AWI’s podcast The Yarn that he is
     Saturday, and Melbourne clashing with         Luke Breust, Melbourne’s Bernie Vince and        proud to back the wool industry.
     Gold Coast on Sunday.                         Channel 7 commentator Hamish McLachlan
                                                   have all shared their deep connection to the     “Growing up in the country, it’s great to
     Nearly 160,000 footy fans went through
                                                   fibre through a series of campaign videos.       support the wool industry and the quality
     the turnstiles with many stopping in at
     a special pop-up shop installed at the
     ground selling Fibre of Football woollen
     supporter gear.
     With temperatures barely scraping into
     double figures, the high quality woollen
     products – jumpers, scarves, beanies
     and gloves – were not only perfect as
     a momento of the supporters’ favourite
     teams, but they were also ideal for
     keeping the fans warm at the match and
     onwards during the winter months.

     The Hawthorn Hawks’ mascots at the pop-up
     shop showing off the woollen supporter gear
     in front of the cameras.

                                                      West Coast Eagles captain Shannon Hurn
                                                      and Fremantle Dockers captain Nat Fyfe
                                                      in a Fibre of Football photoshoot promoting
                                                      Australian wool.
OFF       15
                                                                                                                                        FARM

                                                   EMMA
products it creates. It’s great to see the
industry going well at the moment.

“We had champion Shannon Warnest shear
at home for many years and when my footy

                                                   HAWKINS
career is over I’d love to return to the farm,
it’s a family farm and it would be great to
continue it,” Shannon added.

Nat’s parents own a trucking company,
based at Lake Grace in Western Australia,
transporting sheep for a living.

“But nowadays I get to see more of the
                                                   AT HOME WITH JEANSWEST
finished products, after the fibre gets turned
into high-class garments and sporting
                                                   Fashion and lifestyle ambassador Emma Hawkins, the wife of
apparel,” Nat told AWI’s The Yarn.                 AFL star and Fibre of Football supporter Tom Hawkins, recently
                                                   helped promote the latest Woolmark-certified knitwear from
“I've worn Australian Merino wool every
year for the past five years at the Brownlow
                                                   Australian fashion brand Jeanswest.
Medal. Merino wool is a world-class
premium product, and so we're grateful for
all the work that our woolgrowers do across
the country.”
                                                   E   mma Hawkins has a long history
                                                       with wool. She is the grand-daughter
                                                   of legendary Boonoke studmaster Basil
Nat attended a shearing school before he was       Clapham and she was brought up at
drafted to the Dockers and says he would have      Deniliquin in the Riverina district of NSW.
a go at shearing if asked, but noted it would      Her husband, Geelong Cats footballing
take him well over an hour to shear one sheep.     star Tom Hawkins, is also from the
                                                   Riverina, coming from a wool, cropping
Posters of Shannon and Nat wearing                 and rice property in Finley.
their woollen footy jumpers with the
Merino rams were distributed by the Farm           Today they live on a small farm outside
Weekly newspaper in the week prior to              of Melbourne that contains sheep and
the Western Derby.                                 Angus cattle – and it was against this
                                                   beautiful backdrop that Emma was
                                                   photographed, along with daughter
WOOLLEN FOOTY                                      Arabella, for a Mothers’ Day shoot,
SUPPORTER GEAR                                     showcasing her favourite pieces from
AWI’s Fibre of Football campaign is not only       Jeanswest’s Woolmark Australian Wool
promoting the rich heritage of the Australian      Collection. The photos were promoted on
wool industry and Australian Football, it is       the Australian fashion brand’s website
also placing Merino wool back into football        and social media channels.
jumpers and supporter apparel.
                                                   “I feel very lucky that Jeanswest
The 100% Merino wool retro footy jumpers           approached me for this very relaxed and
worn by Shannon and Nat in the photoshoot          candid Mothers’ Day shoot to promote
were signed and then later that week               my favourite Woolmark knitwear from
auctioned at the Lambex conference dinner          Jeanswest,” Emma said. “Now it should
in Perth with proceeds going to beyondblue.        be very clear that I am not a model and
The Dockers guernsey went to Rachel Browne         would never attempt to be one, I am
of Chirniminup Dohnes, Nyabing, for $2,700         actually very awkward in front of the
and the Eagles guernsey went to WAMMCO             camera! What I am, however, is a big
CEO Coll MacRury for an astounding $7,000.         supporter of our local farmers and the
Well done to both.                                 Australian Merino wool they produce.”
                                                                                                 Emma with daughter Arabella on her and
The same Eagles and Dockers footy jumpers,         The Jeanswest Woolmark Australian Wool        her husband’s property. Emma is wearing
along with footy jumpers for the other AFL         Collection is crafted each year from pure     (top) Jeanswest’s Theresa Pullover and
teams, are available to purchase from the          new wool and wool blends. The premium         (bottom) Jeanswest’s Nishka Crossover
                                                                                                 Pullover and Anabel Wool Blend Jacket.
official AFL online shop at www.shop.afl.com.      knits not only look great, but are also
au. Other woollen supporter gear available         super warm and machine washable.
                                                                                                 “My Grandfather was a very well-known
from the website includes scarves, beanies
                                                   As a busy working Mum, Emma believes          Merino Studmaster and my father always
and gloves, kids beanie knitting kits, V-neck
                                                   that with the right staple items you can      taught me the value in wearing wool from a
jumpers, and ‘my first footy jumper’ for babies.
                                                   mix and match for most occasions. “I love     very young age,” she said. “However, now we
The woollen footy supporter gear is also
                                                   black skinny leg jeans and boots worn         have our own sheep I love seeing the process
available on the AFL clubs’ own e-stores.
                                                   with a delicious comfy wool jumper for        from start to finish, and I have definitely
                                                   ultimate winter styling – and if I am         understood the range in quality and fabrics,
                    MORE INFORMATION               heading into work, I will add a boot with     and I just can’t help but love home grown
   Hear more from Shannon Hurn and Nat             the heel and a leather jacket or long         wool. It’s a beautiful fibre and as Australians
      Fyfe in Episode 53 of AWI’s The Yarn         jacket over to dress up an outfit.”           we should be very very proud of it.
podcast at www.wool.com/podcast
      www.fibreoffootball.com.au                   Emma says that living on the farm has
    Shop at www.shop.afl.com.au                    certainly influenced what she looks for                             MORE INFORMATION
                                                   in a garment.                                                      www.jeanswest.com.au
                                                                                                                     www.emmahawkins.com
16     OFF
       FARM

     WOOL WEEK
     AUSTRALIA
 Retailers, shopping centres, artisans and consumers threw their support behind Australia’s
 eighth annual Wool Week, held from 24 May to 3 June to coincide with the start of the winter
 retail season, with many retailers having window installations and online promotions.

                                                         A   n initiative of AWI and its subsidiary The
                                                             Woolmark Company, Wool Week arose
                                                         from the global Campaign for Wool that aims to
                                                                                                          wool at the forefront of shoppers’ minds.

                                                                                                          “Thanks to the support of leading brands and
                                                         educate consumers about the natural benefits     retailers, along with educational activities,
                                                         of wool and increase sales of wool product.      Wool Week aims to reconnect consumers
                                                                                                          with the versatility and natural benefits of
                                                         This year’s campaign was joined for the          Australian wool and encourages conscious
                                                         third year running by shopping centre giant      purchasing decisions,” Mr McCullough said.
                                                         Westfield which aligned its own Winter
                                                         2018 fashion campaign with Wool Week to          “I applaud all retailers, brands, woolgrowers
                                                         champion the natural fibre.                      and consumers who have once again
                                                                                                          thrown their support behind our annual
                                                         AWI CEO Stuart McCullough says Wool              campaign and are ultimately increasing
                                                         Week is an annual celebration which puts         demand for this premium fibre.”

     A video shot at Dave and Skye Ward’s wool-growing                                                    Sportscraft store window created live during
     property near Goulburn was played on a giant TV                                                      Wool Week by extreme knitter Jacqueline Fink.
     billboard by Westfield in the atrium of its Bondi
     Junction store.

                                                         Wool Week marketing collateral on garments
                                                         at Westfield Fountain Gate, Victoria.

     Digital marketing from retailer KOOKAI              M.J. Bale window display promoting the           The spectacular window of Parlour X in Paddington
     sent to its online news subscribers.                ‘rebirth of wool’.                               (Sydney) showcasing Australian wool fleece.
OFF         17
                                                                                                                                             FARM

RETAILERS PROMOTE
OUR NATIONAL FIBRE
Westfield returned as a major partner, with
39 centres across Australia and New Zealand
promoting the fibre, the woolgrowers who
produce it and the retailers that sell it.

Wool Week advertising was promoted via
smart screens in Westfield centres, playing
short video content a total of 12.85 million
times. The campaign took customers back
to the source of the fibre, showcasing
woolgrowers Dave and Skye Ward and
family who farm near Goulburn, NSW.

Westfield’s website and e-newsletters
also had a wool takeover, with six articles
published highlighting the Woolmark               The knitting installation by Natalie Miller at Westfield Sydney.
brand and designers such as Dion Lee’s
innovative uses of Australian Merino wool.

Fashion retailers utilising Wool Week to
help them sell more wool products included
CUE, David Lawrence, Helen Kaminski,
Icebreaker, KOOKAI, MARCS, Otto & Spike,
Oxford, Parlour X, R.M. Williams, SAAKI,
SABA. These and other major retailers cre-
ated window installations highlighting their
latest wool products available for winter.

WOOL WEEK EVENTS
AND ACTIVITIES
Westfields across Australia and New
Zealand also hosted exclusive wool-focused
activities to generate retailer and consumer
interest in Wool Week.                            Wool Week activities drew a crowd at Westfield Carindale, Brisbane.
For example, Westfield Sydney hosted
esteemed artist Natalie Miller who created
a live knitting installation, whilst Westfield
Doncaster (Melbourne) showcased a
collection of International Woolmark Prize
garments, in a celebration of the world’s best
emerging fashion designers.

Australia’s most-loved extreme knitter,
Jacqueline Fink, partnered with Sportscraft
to create an extreme knitting masterpiece in
the main window of its Pitt St store in Sydney.
Starting with one ball of wool, she spent five
days displaying her craft, with passers-by
treated to a unique view of extreme knitting.

In partnership with the Art Gallery of
NSW, she also hosted a series of workshops
in The Woolmark Company Making Space
                                                  Interior design workshop with Nicole Vastelias of LuMu at Westfield Bondi Junction.
which was set up near The Lady and the
Unicorn exhibition – a collection of rare
French medieval masterpieces mostly
made from wool and silk highlights. The
exhibition was supported by The Woolmark
Company and attracted more than 86,000
viewers whilst on display.

Amongst many other events across the
country, St Ives Shopping Centre on Sydney’s
North Shore hosted knitting workshops for
all ages, through which visitors could help
knit scarves to do be donated with its yearly
coat drive to those in need. 

                     MORE INFORMATION
     Hear more about Wool Week in
     Episode 44 or The Yarn podcast
                                                  At the Art Gallery of NSW, participants were treated to an extreme knitting masterclass by Jacqueline
available at www.wool.com/podcast                 Fink using Australian Merino wool.
You can also read