Order of Australia member has fond Mossman memories
AUSTRALIA DAY 2019
John Pollock, who has been made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day awards, may now spend his time in Yungaburra, but he is not likely to forget his formative years in Mossman.
“This is where I was born in 1945 and although I left in 1962 to complete my schooling and then enter the University of Queensland where I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture,” he said.
“I will always remember my time growing up on a sugar cane farm in Mossman, going to school, along with the many other memories,” he said.
This incredibly humble man, who was honoured for his significant service to primary industry through roles in sugar and fisheries, and research, still pays close attention to the town and the Mossman Mill.
“I have been following the most recent events including the multi-million dollar commitments by the state and federal governments to the Mossman Mill.
“This is crucial to not only the Mill, but also the town,” he said.
Pollock has led an active and highly successful life.
Among his many roles, he was from 1988-1996 General Manager, Policy Services, Department of Primary Industries; he served as one of the inaugural directors on the Sugar Research and Development Corporation when it was set up in 1990; Executive Director and Deputy Director-General of Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries from 1996 to 2005; Deputy Commissioner of the Murray Darling Basin Commission from 2000 to 2005; and chair of the Research Funding Panel for Sugar Research Australia from 2015 to 2018, among other roles.
And after all these successes, how does he feel about the award: “I am extremely humbled, flattered and was incredibly surprised when I learned that I was to receive the award.
“But I am also acutely aware there are many others who have done the same work as me and equally deserve recognition,” he said.
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