Live export industry digs deep

Members of Australia’s $2 billion live export industry will dig deep to support two charities with strong regional ties in November.

Organisers of the national LIVEXchange 2017 conference, set to be held in Perth, recently announced the beneficiaries of its annual Gala Dinner Charity Auction.

Australian Livestock Export Council director John Edwards said St John Ambulance and Ronald McDonald House were a “natural fit” for the industry.

Funds for St John will support its first responder initiative, which supplies defibrillators to registered locations.

“The provision of defibrillators to regional and remote locations saves lives,” Mr Edwards said.

“The program enables bystanders to take immediate action to administer assistance in the event of sudden cardiac arrest... before paramedics arrive.

“In rural areas where health services are not always in close proximity, this is truly a life-saving initiative.”

Ronald McDonald House, based in Perth, provides up to 47 regional WA families with ill children with a place to stay, every night.

Mr Gordon visited the facility last month to find out exactly how it helped regional families facing serious health difficulties.

“It’s impossible to overstate the benefits of a charity like Ronald McDonald House,” he said.

“When a child and their family has to relocate to the city for treatment, Ronald McDonald House provides a ‘home away from home’.

“It plays a huge role in helping all family members cope with the disruption in their lives.

“The extent of the assistance provided is quite breathtaking.”

Auction items are still being finalised but have previously included cattle hides, middle eastern rugs, holiday packages and agricultural merchandise vouchers.

It first time WA Livestock Exporters’ Association has been selected to host LIVEXchange since its 2013 inception.

The event is held held in conjunction with Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council and Australian Livestock Export Corporation.

The event format alternates between the two-day LIVEXchange and the 1.5 day LIVEXforum format.

The official program has been released and includes a range of guest speakers at Crown Towers on November 15-16.

Registrations for LIVEXchange 2017 are open.

To register or for further details, visit: https://livexchangeconference.com.au/