Margaret River Wine Association appoints new chair

The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) in Western Australia has named Peter Campbell as its new chair. Campbell's background is primarily in HR, working at banks including Westpac and Bankwest, before he was named director of Australian Human Resources Institute, having previously served as state president. He has resided in Margaret River for 25 years, the last 15 of which have been in Yallingup. Since 2013 he has served as lead Bushfire Ready Facilitator for the northern Capes, and, as of eight years ago, he chaired the Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. Campbell is also a published author, writing An Impossible Dream, which documented his 800 kilometre, six week journey along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Although he does not own a winery, he is a member of a local winemaking syndicate. "As a member of the wider Margaret River community for many years, I have been aware of the great work which the association does in promoting the uniqueness of the Margaret River wine brand," said Campbell in a statement. "I am very much looking forward to working with the association’s board and CEO to continue that good work for the benefit of association members." Amanda Whiteland currently serves as CEO of MRWA, and the board is under independent chair Greg Wall. The MRWA has 200 industry members and 50 associated grape grower and commercial members. Situated south of Perth, Margaret River's Mediterranean climate lends itself to the cultivation of varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay. The region's Geographical Indication (GI) covers 213,000 hectares, 5,840ha of which are under vine, and its harvest constitutes around 2% of Australia's total crush.