Rob Mullan and Brett Jones given 'life' by their sheep breeding colleagues

The Stud Merino Breeders' Association of WA (SMBAWA) annual general meeting and forum last week in Perth, not only provided breeders with a chance to catch up and hear from a range of guest speakers, but also a chance to recognise the commitment and dedication of some members.

At the event, past SMBAWA presidents Rob Mullan, Eastville Park and Quailerup West studs, Wickepin and Brett Jones, Ejanding stud, Dowerin, were awarded association life memberships.

When Mr Mullan was presented with his award Phil Jones, Belka Valley stud, Bruce Rock, who nominated Mr Mullan for the award, said Mr Mullan had served on the SMBAWA committee for more than 20 years, including being vice-president in 2005 and 2006 and then president in 2007 and 2008.

"Along with serving with distinction on the committee, Mr Mullan has also been the WA Merino team co-ordinator for the Australian Sheep & Wool Show at Bendigo, Victoria, from 2011 to 2022," Mr Jones said.

"Even after handing over the co-ordination of Bendigo, Rob continues to assist and play an active and key role in the fight for the Import Permit Exemption."

Mr Jones said at a local level Mr Mullan has been a key driver of the Merino industry in the Wickepin and Kulin districts which included playing a key role in raising funds for the extension to the Wickepin Community Centre, which has hosted the Merino Field Days and become an important piece of infrastructure for the Wickepin community.

"Rob has also been a member of the Narrogin & Districts Stud Sheep Breeders' Association (NDSSBA) since 1993 and is still a current active member.

"During his 31 years of commitment to the NDSSBA, he served as vice-president from 2001 to 2003 and president from 2004 to 2006.

"Finally, the Mullan family with Rob at the helm, have been stand out supporters of the many shows and field days held around the State and nation including the Wagin Woolorama, Williams Gateway Expo, Corrigin Show, Eneabba Show, Australian Sheep & Wool Show, Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Sale, Narrogin Long Wool Day, Dowerin Machinery Field Days, Newdegate Machinery Fields Days, Adelaide Royal Show and the Perth Royal Show."

When accepting the life membership, Mr Mullan said he was a little taken aback and a bit shocked.

"We have met so many wonderful people in this industry and we love being involved," Mr Mullan said

"I have only done what I have done because I love the sheep industry and have been very fortunate to have all my family behind me over the years."

Mr Mullan also paid credit to Ken Doncon for helping him get started on the journey.

Like Mr Mullan, Mr Jones has served on the SMBAWA committee for more than 20 years and during this time has held the position of vice-president in 2007 and 2008 and president in 2009 and 2010.

Bill Sandilands, Billandri stud, Kendenup, who nominated Mr Jones said over the years he had done a lot of quiet things behind the scenes for the association and the WA Merino industry.

"He has been an outstanding person in the WA Merino industry for many years and has provided plenty of wisdom at committee meetings," Mr Sandilands said.

"But I think his great contribution to the industry has been involved in the science side of the sheep industry.

"Virtually on his own he conducted the Badgingarra and Muresk sire evaluations, this has helped expose WA sheep in the sire evaluation system that goes Australia-wide and he also represented WA at sire evaluations in the Eastern States.

"There has also been the work he has done in organising the ram shed at Dowerin which has allowed us the opportunity to promote the breed in the Wheatbelt."

When receiving the award Mr Jones said he was very humbled and thanked his family for their support over the journey.

He was also very positive about the future of the breed.

"The Merino is a wonderful animal and we are over the speed bumps," Mr Jones said.

"The future of the breed is a combination of wool and meat.

"We need to take advantage of the Merino's ability to lay down intramuscular fat (IMF).

"We haven't fully grasped it yet but it is up to us as breeders to potentially select for increased IMF and tenderness in our meat to fully take advantage of the duality of the Merino.

"That's our next challenge and if we accept it we can really have a breed of animal that buzzes.

"But it is up to us from here."

Also at the event Mr Mullan's wife Lee-Ann Mullan was presented with an Appreciation of Service award for her volunteer work for the association.

Ms Mullan has been a full-time volunteer at the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Sale since 2006.

Through her current role as show announcer, she liaises with stud breeders, sponsors and interviews special guests.

She also supports the show desk assistant, chief steward and judges to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully.

Ms Mullan has also been announcer for the Merino judging at the Perth Royal Show for more than 15 years and is also the record's clerk.

Her understanding of the show ring system and her exemplary organisational skills are a major contributor to the smooth and successful running of the show.

Also at the event there were four Royal Agricultural Society of WA volunteer service awards presented to Terry Ash, Kalbarri, Ann Rintoul, Williams, Darrell McIlroy, Pithara and Ms Mullan, who have a combined more than 120 years of volunteering in the Merino section of the Perth Royal Show.

For their service they received a gold coin which the Royal Agricultural Society of WA commissioned the Perth Mint to produce.