Director
Name Keith Collier
Born Mackay, Queensland ~ 3rd October 1945
Keith moved to Carnarvon with his father in October 1952
Grew up on a plantation and completed 2nd year junior certificate education at Carnarvon Senior High School
Completed a 5 year diesel fitter apprenticeship with the Main Roads Department before returning to plantation life operating and managing the plantation as a family trust until it was sold in February 2005 after Keith had a heart bypass operation
During his 39 years as a tropical fruit grower Keith served on many industry and community committee’s such as:
· The Carnarvon Banana Compensation trust fund—this required financial management of the trust $5m fund.
· Chairman of the NT and WA banana growers Bio Security group—meetings to ensure that state and international border control requirements were up to date and being adhere to.
· Inaugural Management Committee member on Carnarvon Growers Association— this involved the purchase of a suitable property, setting up rules and hiring of a manager and staff.
· Member of the Lower Gascoyne Management Strategy local Implementation Committee—involved accessing and allocating funds to various approved programs.
· Relief manager for Overlander Roadhouse as required—monitoring all staff, stocks including food and fuel, carry out all maintenance of machinery as required, balance till/money each day.
Keith’s industry involvement lead him travel to other county’s including Israel, South Africa, South America, Spain and Hong Kong/Singapore —to attend conference’s and visit pack houses and horticulture properties to gain knowledge to better grow and handle fruit.
Before finishing on the plantation, Keith was awarded the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture through skills recognition.
Was involved with the Gascoyne District Display at the Perth Royal Show, as a worker, as the coordinator and as supplier of fruit for display
Socially he was the port warden for the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin and is a life member of the Carnarvon Yacht Club.
Keith is chairman of the family trust which now runs the horticulture enterprise in Irwin shire sted at last meeting