Welcome to the Facey Group

The Facey Group is a farmer run group that aims to improve on-farm practice to keep farms healthy and profitable into the future. The group conducts trials, demonstrations and extension works in the local region in addition to tailoring training that enables farmers to adopt practices which they see as beneficial and with the potential to increase their production, resulting in increased profits

Based in Wickepin Western Australia, the Facey Group is an innovative, highly motivated, organised and well-resourced grower group with a strong focus on our local region in addition to being involved with on of the most well recognised and progressive grower group’s in Australia.

The group works with members, sponsors, partners, industry and government who are each integral facets of the success of the group.  

Facey Group Welcome Audrey Bird as First Life Member

At the Facey Group 10th Birthday Celebration Natalie Manton presented Audrey Bird with the Facey Group's First Life Membership.  Her presentation below highlights how Audrey has dedicated her time, energy and expertise for the betterment of the group. 

The success of the Facey Group is largely due to the vision and dedication of Audrey.  Audrey was instrumental in the development and expansion of the Facey Group from a Landcare base to its position now as one of the major Grower Groups in the state.

In the early days, the Facey Group was run on a shoe string budget, with only one staff member and Audrey did countless voluntary hours for the Facey Group.  I am sure Peter and the boys will agree that in the early stages Audrey’s contribution to the group was huge and well above what would be expected from a committee member today.   She has been involved with the specialty groups and main committee for the whole 10 years since the Facey group was established.  Possibly the only one to do so.

As an inaugural committee member and the first Secretary of the Facey Group, Audrey had the vision and passion to see the opportunities that would come from developing a wider perspective.  Her dedication ensured that the group was set up to grow and prosper into the highly respected organisation that it is today.  Through her strength of conviction for the future prospects of the group Audrey was able to convince sponsors to support the group and enable it to embrace new opportunities.

Audrey’s attention to detail ensured that the group was well set up in the beginning so that it could achieve its vision of economic, environmental and social sustainability. 

Audrey has always been the one to remember important details like;

• project milestones and deadlines,

• funding and sponsorship arrangements; and

• making sure that staff key performance indicators are aligned to the strategic plan and monitored annually.   

I am sure the current and past staff members will agree with me in saying that Audrey has been a great mentor and helped them to learn and enjoy their role.

She has been a strong advocate of the importance of good governance policies and procedures and this has been critical to the success of the group.  Over the years Audrey has questioned, debated and lobbied to advance the interests of the group.

In addition to her very hands on role in the development of the Facey Group, Audrey has worked hard to expand her networks and that of the Facey Group to raise the profile of the group within the region, state and interstate.  She is widely known and respected in the agricultural sector as an industry leader.

Never one to boast of her own achievements - Audrey we are very proud of your contribution to the Facey Group since its inception and it is with great pleasure that we honour you with the very first Life Membership of the Facey Group tonight. 

Well done Audrey.