Fiona's fond farwell to farmers

This week's editorial is dedicated to our longest-serving staff member, Fiona Gluszyk, who has decided to retire after an incredible 19 years of service to our members. Fiona’s exceptional knowledge of the business and her warm, personable approach has been a cornerstone of our organisation. Her absence will undoubtedly leave us in moments of forgetfulness wondering each day “Where’s Fiona?” and saying, “I’m sure Fiona would know.”

In celebration of her remarkable contributions, we are honoured to leave her with the final word on her time at TasFarmers. Fiona, thank you for everything—you have truly left your mark.
 

My time with this wonderful organisation has been much like a marriage, grounded in integrity, honesty, consistency, loyalty, compassion, trust, patience, respect, communication, forgiveness, flexibility, accountability, growth, and encouragement. This extensive chapter in my life has shaped me into a better person, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

I began my journey with TasFarmers in July 2005 as the Executive Assistant, reporting to the Executive Officer for the Meat, Dairy, and Wool Councils. I still vividly recall my first week, which ended with a Meat Council meeting on Friday. The gavel was in use, and robust conversations were had around the board table.

At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening—perhaps it was about deciding who would be nominated for the director’s position on the board. There may have been some table banging and shouting, leaving me somewhat shell-shocked. However, I was warmly reassured that I had survived my baptism by fire, and as a result, I could survive anything!

The following week was my first Dairy Council meeting. I was furiously typing minutes, likely making a few typos. Before distributing the minutes to members, the Chair, Alan Davenport, kindly helped me ensure the correct spelling of "Bobby calf."

The Wool Council was a much calmer experience—polite and composed. There’s little drama to report, but I fondly remember a lovely dinner celebration and some memorable moments over the years.

The Game Committee (now wildlife policing and firearms) was another passionate group. At every meeting, the conversations revolved around deer, nuisance birds, pest control, feral cats, and crop damage—issues the committee continues to manage and advocate for today.

In those early days, TasFarmers had over 20 staff working out of the Cimitiere Street office. Every nook and cranny of the building—upstairs and downstairs—was bustling with people. It was a hive of activity, and something was always happening to rally the troops.

One of my fondest memories involves the annual bulk mailouts—thousands of documents sent to members. It was a team effort, and while stuffing envelopes, we’d chat, laugh, and sometimes sing along to music to make the task less tedious. Even when we had to reopen envelopes to double-check contents (because instructions weren’t always followed—looking at you, lads!), those moments were filled with camaraderie and humour.

Over the years, there have been many staff changes, along with the annual election of directors and the appointments of CEOs and presidents. Some of these individuals remain close friends to this day.

More recently, TasFarmers relocated from Charles Street to Longford—a massive team effort requiring months of planning and logistics. I started packing boxes well in advance (to the amusement of my colleagues), but it turned out to be a necessary move. We’ve settled into the new building quickly, and it feels right to have TasFarmers back in a rural setting. Driving out into the countryside each day is a pleasure, though I am looking forward to sleeping in and turning off the alarm after December 17th.

As I prepare to step into two months of Long Service Leave and officially close this chapter, I hope the legacy of support, kindness, and good humour continues in day-to-day activities. Don’t forget to have fun and share a laugh—it makes all the difference.

I am confident that TasFarmers will continue to thrive, fuelled by the team’s remarkable spirit, the passion of its staff for agriculture, and the directors’ unwavering dedication to excellence.