Ian Cathles

Ian has spent his entire life living on the land. His family grazing enterprise led him into a strong focus on animal health and welfare, taking up representational positions at a state and national level. Rural downturns and droughts necessitated the grazing enterprise to diversify into other areas. This led to manufacturing sheepskin products and exposed him to all the difficulties that a secondary industry in a rural environment entails. It also was an eye opener when in 1985 he had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks in North Korea teaching manufacturing techniques. Having taken part in an environmental stewardship program over the last 13 years and dedicating over 500 hectares into the NSW Bio Conservancy Trust, Ian’s focus is now on the changing world environment and the changing climate.