THE October 2 monthly store cattle provided the perfect backdrop for Yea Saleyards Coordinator, Lisa Elward’s last sale. There was a large yarding with good lines of cattle, along with four livestock agents operating, a great crowd and high prices. Action in the selling lanes was matched by the presence of the Murrindindi Mobile Health Clinic with Yea and District Memorial Hospital staff focusing on farmer mental heath and another round of mouth mapping to screen for early detection of oral cancer. If that wasn’t enough, two national saleyards accreditation audits were taking place at the same time. As ever, everything proceeded smoothly. Any issues were dealt with professionally and as much as possible behind the scenes. The success of the October sale is testimony to the commitment, resilience and professionalism with which Lisa Elwood has managed Yea Saleyards operations for more than two decades. Lisa has been central to the development of Yea Saleyards. During her 21 years as Saleyards Coordinator, Lisa has worked with numerous council officers, Saleyards Committee of Management members and successive generations of livestock agents. In large part Lisa has been the point of continuity in an ever-changing world. The Yea Saleyards are now a vital part of the national grid. Increasingly, the saleyards attract vendors from outside neighbouring areas keen to take advantage of Yea’s position as a pivot point between northern, north-eastern and southern districts. Lisa has overseen a major expansion of the Saleyards infrastructure. This has included roofing of the selling pens, construction of large holding yards, and high quality weighing facilities. The closure of the Packenham Livestock Exchange has resulted in additional agents operating at Yea and a steady increase in cattle being offered for sale. Biosecurty, animal welfare and occupational health and safety have become increasingly important considerations. Feature weaner sales attract high numbers of vendors, excellent lines of quality cattle and regularly generate some of the highest prices in Victoria. Collaboration with Yea and District Memorial Hospital has resulted in monthly health clinic targeting farmers in particular. This has been highly innovative and is now well recognised as a best practice model. On top of this, there have been almost regular disruptions to Saleyards business as a result of fires and other natural disasters, Lisa has been a true professional. She has devoted much more time than she should have to making sure every sale is a success. Lisa has always been approachable while maintaining a steely resolve in ensuring difficult issues and dealt with appropriately. When necessary, she has umpired the competing claims of livestock agents with aplomb (no easy feat). She has developed and overseen a committed team of sale day assistants including laneway controllers and scanning and weighing contractors. At the same time Lisa has ensured that saleyards facilities are superbly maintained and that the cost of operations continues to fit within budget. Prudent financial management has enabled the Saleyards Committee to build modest reserves available for capital improvements. Lisa Elward is retiring as Saleyards Coordinator to spend more time on her own property which was significantly impacted by the January 9 bushfires. She is also looking forward to spending more time with family including her two grandchildren. Council is now considering how to fill the Saleyards Coordinator role on a substantive basis. In the meantime the Saleyards Committee is delighted Madeline Hill will act in the role for the foreseeable period. It was indeed fitting that at the very beginning of the October monthly sale, the stock agents publicly acknowledged Lisa’s contribution. Those comments were roundly applauded by the more than 200 people in attendance. Everyone connected with the Yea Saleyards acknowledges Lisa Elward’s sustained contribution and wishes her a fulfilling next chapter in what has already been a remarkable career.
