SINCE being elected to the board of Murray Irrigation, I have met many shareholders to help improve my understanding of what they want from their company and directors.
Over recent weeks I have spent a considerable amount of time in the community and the message that I have listened to is loud and clear.
You told me you want a board and a company that is stable, that is safe both psychologically and physically, that is sensible and diverse, professional and respectful, and is experienced in running a company.
Shareholders and the community have also made it crystal clear to me that behaviours of the past will not be tolerated by shareholders; it is time for a cultural change.
I know the majority of people in this community are really good people and you look after each other, with many of you telling me we need to look after our staff.
On April 10 you, as a community, will have the power to put this sentiment into action and ensure our staff are being looked after with an emphatic “no” vote.
Last week I also had the privilege of meeting a number of young farmers, and these young women and men are so impressive.
When I was their age, I did everything in my power to move from Gippsland to Canberra, but these young farmers are the opposite, they want to stay and make their home in the area, that was very inspiring.
These young farmers are educated, they are family orientated and they are innovative. However, they also don’t want to be in the midst of such a toxic culture, hence why so many of them have spent little to no time engaging in this space.
We must make a cultural change that provides these young people with a safe environment in which to speak and be vulnerable. They can provide innovation and creativity, but if we do not see change in the culture we will miss out the amazing opportunities these young people can offer.
We have an obligation to make this change in culture and allow our emerging leaders a space to grow which is why we must vote “no”.
Trisha Gorman
MIL non-member director
