After seven years with the organisation, Chair of the Local Land Services (LLS) Board Rick Bull has retired from the role.
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Mr Bull said while he will miss being a part of LLS, he is delighted to see how the organisation has evolved into a dependable and versatile resource for landholders.
"Looking back to day one, it's been a remarkable journey with LLS," Mr Bull said.
"While life in agriculture isn't always smooth sailing, I'm proud to know that LLS will be there when it matters to support thousands of landholders through good times and bad, every year.
"I've made a lot of great friends over the years and will sorely miss catching up and working with the dedicated staff right across the state."
First joining the organisation as an inaugural member of the Murray LLS Board in 2013, he acted as Murray Chair for two years, before being appointed Chair of the LLS board in 2017.
LLS Chief Executive Officer, David Witherdin said Rick has been an absolute asset to the organisation, leading with dedication and a clear passion for rural NSW and its communities.
"His commitment and drive to improve agricultural production and natural resource management has helped LLS to become the trusted organisation we have today," Mr Witherdin said.
"Rick worked hard to get to know everyone at LLS, so it is with incredible gratitude that we wish him goodbye and wish him well in his retirement."
Rick has been instrumental in shaping LLS into the organisation it is today, and during his time with LLS, has been involved in the funding of many projects, and overseeing a number of key initiatives, including:
- Presiding over LLS through testing times for customers and staff, including devastating drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic
- Overseeing a new LLS State Strategic Plan
- Chairing the LLS/Landcare Joint Management Committee
- Improving the LLS election process
South East LLS Board Chair Allison Harker has been appointed Acting Chair of the LLS Board until a permanent Chair is appointed.
A sheep producer at Holbrook and agricultural consultant, Rick has lived his entire life on the land and has been committed to advancing the state's agricultural sector throughout his entire career.
Rick conducted reviews of the Rural Lands Protection Board structure and rating system which involved extensive stakeholder engagement and resulted in significant changes to the organisation.
He also conducted the review and post review of the Ovine Johne's Disease policy in NSW.
As Chairman of Water for Rivers, a public company formed to fund infrastructure projects to return water savings to the Snowy and Murray rivers, Rick was involved in the funding of projects totalling $450 million over 10 years.
For Meat and Livestock Australia he was the inaugural Chairman of Sheep Genetics Australia, Beef Genetics Review and Lamb Lot-feeding Review.
Rick was also a Member of the NSW Legislative Council for over 16 years and held senior positions including Shadow Minister for Agriculture.