Formed in 1995, the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association (GVIA) has been a strong advocate for the irrigation and cotton industries over the past 30 years.

Reflecting on the organisation’s origins, Moree cotton grower and inaugural chair John Seery told the 50 guests that GVIA was established as a direct response to increasing government water reform and the need for a united voice that was prepared to “turn up.” Mr Seery urged all entitlement holders to continue supporting organisations such as GVIA, saying the need was as great as ever.

These thoughts were echoed by other speakers during the night, including Cotton Australia General Manager and former GVIA Executive Officer Michael Murray, who praised the GVIA membership for their ongoing commitment to quality representation and for ensuring the voice of irrigators is heard in key forums.

Mr Murray said that while water reform and politics could be extremely frustrating at times—and there’s no doubt water access for irrigators has been eroded over time—there have also been significant wins, made possible only because of organisations like GVIA and the people who support them.

Former Executive Officer Zara Lowien, now CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council, also attended the celebration.