GTA life membership to Kelly

Mr Kelly is managing director of grain trader and storage operator KM&WM Kelly & Sons, which operates from the NSW southern Riverina.

He was the first chairman of GTA when it transitioned from National Agricultural Commodities Marketing Association (NACMA) in 2008 and has been extremely active within merchant organisations in NSW and Vic, and at a national level since the late 1990s.

In announcing the award, GTA chairman Peter Reading said the organisation as it is today, was a direct result of the leadership displayed by Mr Kelly.

“He recognised that structural changes within the grain industry and evolving contract alternatives required the NACMA to re-evaluate its strategic direction," he said.

“Chris was instrumental in taking the NACMA from a state-based association to an incorporated national body, and then saw it evolve into the current GTA.

“This wasn’t an easy task, but Chris engaged all the associations in a vigorous round of consultations arguing that the changes needed to be effected to ensure that all sectors of the grain industry are involved in setting the direction of the industry."

Mr Kelly said he was honoured to receive the life membership, and couldn’t have achieved what he has without the support of his family and others in his company.

“The changes had to be made for the industry to mature, given the plethora of standards, rules and contracts being used," he said.

“All those involved in NACMA and GTA have had a hand in the achievements of the organisation, most on a voluntary basis as directors and on committees

“I think most would agree that you get more out of it than what you put in, because there’s a certain amount of satisfaction for all the work.

“I just hope the younger generation coming through will recognise that and participate as well – in whatever organisation they feel would be best served by their skills and enthusiasm."