PEOPLE involved in the livestock and meat industries will have a good chance to catch up with friends and colleagues across the supply chain when the sixth Livestock and Meat Industries Muster is held in Dubbo in September.

The first in the series of Musters was held in Dalby, Queensland back in 2007, and the event has continued to grow each year since.

Today it represents a sizeable get-together of people who have worked in the cattle, sheep and related industries – both retired and still actively engaged – from all over eastern Australia.

One of the event’s coordinators is Dennis Scanlon, retired marketing manager for the Australian Agricultural Co and a former Queensland livestock manager for Elders.

“There was a group of us who got sick of going to funerals,” Dennis said.

“So we decided to convene a gathering of interested people from across the industry every 18 months of so – spreading them out to give different regions a chance to participate. We think it’s better to catch up with mates while we can still laugh together, rather than drinking a toast to a departed colleague after a funeral,” he said.

“These Musters have attracted a wide range of people from owner operators of small livestock transport businesses, right through to managing directors and owners of large scale cattle, sheep and lamb operations, processors, wholesale and retail businesses,” Dennis said.

“Everybody is welcome to join the festivities and the chance to ‘get back in touch with old colleagues, in a dedicated venue with good food and atmosphere, where people can mingle and enjoy some time together.”

The first reunion was held a Dalby in 2007, followed by Gunnedah in 2009, Toowoomba in 2011, Armidale in 2013 and Toowoomba again last year. This year, the event will shift to Dubbo for the first time.

The local hosts will be local Dubbo identities Roger and Gail Fletcher – true ‘home grown’ success stories whose Fletcher International operation has spread across Australia and diversified through sheep and lamb processing and meat marketing plus diversified by-products.

The Fletchers also operate a large grain and fertilizer business which saw them purchase three trains and building an extensive rail facility and grain terminal at Dubbo.

On Sunday morning after the Saturday evening function, people attending the Muster will have an opportunity to tour the Fletcher International business operations, during an open day hosted by Roger.

A selection of interesting and topical guest speakers will entertain and informs guests at the Muster, but there will still be ample time during the evening to mingle with other guests, swap stories and catch up on old times.

A wide range of accommodation is available in Dubbo, but it is advisable to book early.

No invitations are issued, but bookings are essential for catering.

Where:                 Dubbo RSL Club Auditorium,

When:                  Saturday 12 September, 2015.   Time:  6.30 for 7.00pm.

Cost:                      Meal and Conference room facilities: $50 per head. Drinks:  Wine, beer and spirits available atbar prices in auditorium dining area.

Registrations and general inquiries: Colleen Turner  colleen@fletchint.com.au    Ph 02 6801 3100

General inquiries: Dennis Scanlon denscan@bigpond.com        Ph 0427 328 633.