"A successful industry invests, mentors, develops, appreciates, values and recognises their key assets – their employees. Tonight we celebrate and recognise our best assets – our employees" Dr Cameron Collins, President of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association said.
The HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award recognises an individual staff member who works in administration in or for the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeding Industry who has demonstrated exceptional skills, loyalty or achievement that has added value to their employer's business and directly or indirectly to the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeding Industry.
The HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award recognises an individual staff member who
has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability, an affinity with horses and who gives
priority to animal welfare.
Nominees must demonstrate a degree of success within the Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeding Industry that has been borne out of their particular skill set.
The 2018 HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award winner is Ms Jean King of Widden stud.
Jean moved to Baramul in 1985, home of the famous Star Kingdom, and worked in the office of the late industrialist and thoroughbred breeder Sir Tristan Antico. Like many before and after him, Sir Tristan Antico recognised the majesty and presence of the Hunter Valley as a great Australian breeding ground. He and his team, including Jean, devoted themselves to building Baramul based on the best Kentucky studs.
In 1992, Jean met her future husband, David Merrick and they both moved to Widden stud.
For the past 26 years, Jean has exemplified exceptional devotion and loyalty to Widden. Jean has performed all manner of administration and office duties and today applies her skills and experience in the fields of accounting, insurance and human resources. Jean has a wealth of knowledge of our industry and the many participants in it.
The 2018 HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award winner is Mr John Tiyce of Vinery stud.
John has a long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years in the industry working for Yarraman Park, Segenhoe and Vinery for influential breeders including Major Mitchell, Peter Flynn and Lionel Israel. John first turned his hand to handling foals and young horses at Yarraman Park before moving to the historic Segenhoe Stud in 1979.
After a short 18-month sojourn away from Segenhoe Stud, John returned to Segenhoe/Vinery in the late 1980's managing feed runs and
handling young horses – a role he retains to this day.
Whether it is his big frame or his gentle hands, John is well known for his calmness and his ability to keep horses relaxed. John is a natural horseman. There would be very few horses turned off Segenhoe/Vinery Stud that John has not handled, fed, treated, weaned or educated. John is recognised as an exceptional horseman, a thorough gentleman, a mentor to young staff, a valued asset to Vinery and a very deserving winner
of this year's award.
This year the HTBA received a huge number of nominations for both categories of the Employee of
the Year awards – which is testament to the many talented and valued employees in our industry.
The HTBA congratulates Ms Jean King and Mr John Tiyce for their exceptional contributions to the
Hunter's Thoroughbred Breeding Industry.
HTBA AWARDS
