Celebrated Dairy Leader Announced As New AIFST President
FollowAcclaimed dairy expert and champion of leadership opportunities for women, Dr Anne Astin, has been officially announced as President of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).
Inducted last night for a two-year term at the 46th AIFST Convention in Brisbane, Dr Astin’s appointment follows two years as AIFST President Elect. Dr Astin is the former CEO of Dairy Food Safety Victoria, a leading government dairy authority, and has more than 20 years experience at a senior executive and board level. Outgoing President Jo Davey said that Dr Astin is passionate about food safety and maintaining Australia’s enviable food industry reputation. “She has been widely praised for her commitment to empowering people to reach their full potential – a dedication that aligns perfectly with AIFST’s most important role of supporting the professional development of its members,” said Jo Davey. Dr Anne Astin also is a Director of Australian Dairy Farmers Limited, Chair of Wellsprings for Women Inc (a not-for-profit supporting isolated women), a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of EnergySafe Victoria and Innovation Australia’s Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Committee.
A trained biochemist, Dr Astin has previously held directorships at Dairy Australia, the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens and she was Chair of the Victorian Minister’s Women in Primary Industries Advisory Panel.
Her work has attracted significant accolades including the Public Service Medal (PSM) of the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the dairy industry, national food regulation and rural women. She was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll for her work in biochemistry and as an advocate of women’s leadership, and she was the first woman to receive the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s Outstanding Service Award.
Dr Astin said, “I look forward to continuing to position AIFST as a world leader in food science and technology, providing members with services and support that benefit them and building a sustainable and vibrant 21stcentury organisation. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing President Jo Davey for her tireless work, leadership, passion and insight in guiding the AIFST through a period of great change that has seen the organisation move to a place of greater relevance and engagement of members.”
About AIFST: Founded in 1967 the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology is the leading independent organisation for food professionals in Australia and the only professional body in Australia concerned with all aspects of food science and technology. As a registered not for profit organisation, AIFST is independent of government, industry, lobby or special interest groups.
*Issued on behalf of AIFST*