Vale Peter O’Meara
By Gerri Nelligan
The Australian Olive Association has been deeply saddened by the passing of former AOA President Peter O’Meara, who led the AOA from late 2015 to late 2018.
Peter made a significant contribution to the development of the AOA into the successful organisation it is today and will be remembered for his leadership, business acumen and friendly manner.
Peter was a highly experienced international businessman and owner/operator of Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Peter had been involved with the Hunter Olive Association and was a past president before he joined the AOA as a somewhat reluctant “Independent Chair” in November 2015.
AOA transformation
The AOA was experiencing some turbulent times as it transitioned from a “regional collective” to a national organisation. As the new President, Peter stepped up to the plate to lead an enthusiastic Board on a journey of transformation using his outstanding statesmanship.
In 2017, Peter convinced Greg Seymour, a highly experienced industry development professional, to join the AOA as its CEO. Together they formed an effective team and went about the crucial business of restructuring the AOA to provide a sustainable financial base and operational efficiency for the organisation.
This meant the AOA was able to deliver an enhanced level of services to the industry, including a national program of grassroots grove management and product quality workshops and field days – one of Peter’s great passions.
During Peter’s time, the AOA also enhanced its industry communications, including the acquisition of the established Olivegrower Communications platform – Friday Olive Extracts weekly e-newsletter, Olivegrower & Processor quarterly journal and the OliveBiz website. The AOA’s relationship with its members and stakeholders, and its advocacy capability, all developed significantly while Peter was at the helm.
When Peter retired in November 2018 and handed over the reins to current President Michael Thomsett, the organisation was in much better shape and on track to become what it is today.
Hunter Valley involvement
Peter also played a pivotal role in establishing the olive industry in the Hunter Valley. Peter and his wife Helen acquired Adina in 2005, having just retired from senior executive roles in Europe, USA and Asia.
Peter had had no prior experience in olive industry, jumped in the deep and end applied his enormous energy and vision to develop Adina to be one of the top destinations in the Valley, as well as a critical provider of olive processing services.
Generous dedication
Peter gave generously and constructively of his time, energy and business experience to help the broader olive industry.
Peter was a clever, talented and very decent man who was excellent company in and out of the Board room. His dedication to the Australian olive industry was second to none. He will be sorely missed by many.
Both the Australian Olive Association and the Hunter Olive Association would like to acknowledge their appreciation of Peter’s contributions and achievements, and extend the industry’s condolences to Peter’s wife Helen, sons Damien and Nick, and daughter Clare.
Our thanks to Greg Seymour and Peter Herborn for their contributions to this tribute to Peter O’Meara.