About DIDCO

WHAT IS DIDCO?

The Dairy Industry Development Company (NSW) Ltd was established in 1996 to develop and manage a strategic direction for dairy research, development and extension in NSW by setting priorities and seeking submissions for, or commissioning, projects.

DIDCO presently receives some core funding from Dairy Australia and funds research through a combination of funds from Dairy Australia and cash and in-kind support from government agencies and commercial organisations.

DIDCO is managed by a board of directors, known as the DIDCO Executive Committee. The board is accountable to the Members’ Council.

The Members' Council comprises the DIDCO Executive, representatives of the regional development groups and representatives from kindred industry organisations.

OUR VISION

To maximise the impact of investment in research, development and extension to advance the dairy industry in our region.

OUR MISSION

 We will achieve this through:

  • Providing measurable benefits to farmers
  • Building the strength of regional development groups
  • Strengthening alliances to build capacity
  • Developing human capacity and confidence
  • Building and enhancing an effective communication network
  • Effective internal management of DIDCO
  • Lifting the profile of DIDCO

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The DIDCO Executive has 10 members. It is responsible for day-to-day policy setting and management of DIDCO. Directors are nominated by regional dairy groups and related organisations and must be approved by the Members’ Council. The Executive includes:

  • Three dairy farmer representatives from regional dairy groups elected by and from the members
  • One senior representative of NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • One representative of Dairy Farmers' Cooperative
  • One person to represent other dairy companies
  • One representative of NSW Farmers' Association
  • Up to three other persons appointed by the members at an annual general meeting

Directors serve two year terms and can be re-nominated for a maximum of three consecutive terms. They meet six times annually

MEMBERS OF THE DIDCO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Name and Location: Nominated by:
Peter Neal- Chairman
Oxley Island
 Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group
Simon Downes
Denman		 Hunter Dairy Development Group
Bill Inglis
The Oaks
 Dairy Elite Region
Joe Chittick
Gerringong		 South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group
Tom D'Arcy
Bega		 Far South Coast Dairy Advancement Group
Michael Perich
Leppington
 NSW Farmers' Association
Leanne Alley,
Forbes		 Women in Dairying
Delia Dray NSW Department of Primary Industries
Fi Malone McGrath
Sydney		 Dairy Farmers' Cooperative
Paul Ainsworth
Sydney		 National Foods

MEMBERS' COUNCIL

The Members’ Council is responsible for setting policy and direction for the DIDCO Executive. It comprises representatives of the seven regional development groups and representatives of the other industry organisations.
The Executive meets with the Members’ Council twice each year, generally at a mid-year forum and towards the end of the calendar year for the annual general meeting.


The Members’ Council includes representatives from:

  • Dairy companies actively involved in regional dairy groups as approved by Members’ Council
  • NSW Farmers' Association
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Tertiary institutions involved in dairy research as approved by members
  • Regional Development Groups
  • Women in Dairying network

Some members of the Council may represent more than one organisation.