LIFE membership has that ring of service about it, but when just two couples can contribute a combined 128 years to a single organisation, you get the feeling they deserve some sort of recognition.
In the case of Birchip Cropping Group, few people have matched the dedication and determination of Ian and Anne McClelland and John and Robyn Ferrier, who last week were recognised.
Their life memberships were presented at the group’s Trials Review Day as a significant thank you for the combined leadership, vision, passion and hard work each has provided BCG the past four decades.
In making the announcement, vice-chair Greg Kuchel said the Birchip-based not-for-profit organisation may “never have materialised” without the contribution of these community leaders.
“Ian, Anne, John and Robyn’s unwavering passion, dedication and perseverance have helped propel BCG into the renowned science-led organisation it is today,” Mr Kuchel said.
“Each one of them have helped BCG overcome profound challenges, such as the millennium drought, while at the same time expanding local research, development and extension to offset the loss of resources being pulled from state government bodies.”
The couples join the only two other BCG life members, David Smith and Rodney Mitchell, who received their honours in 2016.
David Smith, who served as BCG board member alongside all the latest recipients, said he believed each individual had been the very “heart and soul of the organisation, born from a love of farming and community”.
“Every person who comes to BCG has been made welcome by the McClellands and Ferriers and over the years they have hosted hundreds of people in their homes,” Mr Smith said.
“Ian and Anne are very similar in that they are inquisitive and inclusive, making each person feel equally important. Wherever he goes Ian will ask people ‘and what do you think about that’.
“John and Robyn are equally welcoming and thoughtful, ensuring those visiting the organisation or speaking at an event feel comfortable and are made to feel part of the bigger picture.
“The four did this while continuing to farm and raise their families as well as dealing with all life’s day-to-day challenges. Anne worked off-farm and Robyn was mayor of Buloke Shire.
“I remember they would come home, where they would then host board meetings, or look after those staying with them, and finally go to bed and get up and do it all again because they could see the value in it.”
Rodney Mitchell said it simply: “They were the kingpins right from the very start and stuck with it. Sometimes, when it was crucial, they would put BCG before their farm. I remember on the bus trip back from the Hart Field Day where the BCG idea was born.
“Ian suggested it yet the idea didn’t stick straight away. But by the time we go off that bus he’d convinced us and it’s that passion from all four individuals that has driven the success of the now 32-year-old organisation.”
In presenting the award Mr Kuchel thanked each individual for their passion, resourcefulness and grit in seeing the organisation through from inception to 26 staff and 150-plus trials.
“Those who have known John, Robyn, Ian and Anne for either the past 30 years or only in recent times, will all understand and know the influence these four have had on the success of BCG, their impact on Australian agriculture and the Birchip community,” he said.
“I speak on behalf of all BCG members when I say you are all very deserving recipients of life membership.”
On accepting their awards, each one of them spoke of their love for BCG and the enjoyment they received through their involvement with the organisation – as well as witnessing the positive ripple effects it has created in communities across the region and beyond.
“We originally started BCG for our community,” Mr McClelland said.
“We used to have conversations within the community: ‘will my kids come home’, ‘will we have shops in town’. Our communities are at the heart of what we do at BCG and our mission is to help them prosper.”
