It is always difficult to quantify the difference one person makes during a lifetime, but in the case of the late Gary Sansom AM, it is all but impossible. For more than 30 years, Gary worked tirelessly to improve agriculture beyond his farm gate.
Instrumental in the foundation of QFF in 1992, Gary served as president between 2001 and 2011. He had been actively involved with QFF since its inception and became the organisation’s first life member.
Taking on the presidency at a time of some major organisational changes, Gary worked effectively with three CEOs during his decade of leadership, providing stability and continuity for QFF. Gary was renowned for being able to find practical solutions to complex problems and shaping the culture of QFF. A culture that he often described as “having profile where it counted and being able to bring generic credibility to the debate in a sophisticated manner.”
Enduring legacies from Gary’s time as QFF president include: developing the Farm Management Systems (FMS) concept – known today as Best Management Practice (BMP) programs; and greater recognition of agriculture’s interests in planning and land use issues.
Gary was a passionate advocate for biosecurity and farm safety, chairing these QFF committees until his passing. He was pivotal in driving awareness of the importance of biosecurity and in engaging industry in the adoption of enhanced biosecurity programs. In 2009, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions in these areas.
His greatest strengths were his ability to work with varied and often diverse stakeholders within the agricultural sector and other industries. His ability to work consultatively and constructively for the broader vision of the sector resulted in meaningful outcomes for industry. It was this quality that won him the respect within and outside the agricultural sector.
Queensland agriculture has lost one of its most passionate and dedicated advocates. On behalf of the QFF family and the broader Queensland agricultural sector, vale Gary and a very sincere thank you.
