Prior to the formation of AEPMA in 1988, each state had its own association. Representatives of each association met under the umbrella group known as CAPCA – the Council of Australian Pest Control Associations, it was this group that promoted the formation of AEPMA with the main objective in forming a new National Association would be:
“To promote and develop the pest control service industry in Australia and coordinate its activities so that it may serve, to the fullest possible extent, the best interests of the industry and the Australian community”
To achieve these desired outcomes, many people gave a lot of thought, consultation, discussion and time. Most of the work done for AEPMA is voluntary and as a result fourteen people have been recognised with Life Membership for their outstanding service to the industry.
The AEPMA website has now created a dedicated area for our “Life Members”. Each month we will introduce one of these amazing people, AEPMA is pleased to introduce the first of these life members…..
Ross Blackmore
Ross became involved in the Pest Management Industry through his Agricultural Chemical Industry background.
After graduating from Wagga Agricultural College (now Charles Sturt University) in 1958, he firstly focused on farm-use pesticides until he joined Velsicol Chemical Corporation in 1977 as Technical Marketing Manager. His final role with Velsicol was as Regional Director for the South Pacific. Velsicol’s major products were its termiticides, Heptachlor and Chlordane. In 1987, Ross formed his own Company, Agrichemicals Pty Ltd, his major client being Velsicol.
Always a supporter of Professional Trade Associations, he soon became involved with the Australian Pest Control Associations (CAPCA). When CAPCA’s Secretary, Ion Staunton, indicated his wish to step aside from that role, Ross volunteered to try to fill his shoes.
At that time CAPCA, being a body of State Associations, saw a need for a true National Body. At the 1988 US National Pest Control Association Conference in Honolulu, an informal gathering of Australian State Leaders (including two other Life Members, Peter Meadows and Ion Staunton) agreed that a new National Body to be called Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) be formed as soon as possible.
This occurred and Ross’s company, Agrichemicals Pty Ltd. tendered to provide a fully serviced professional office that included a full time Technical Officer, Ian Abraham, as well as secretarial services. This office also produced ten copies of AEPMA’s magazine PESTALK per year. At this time Ross held the title of Executive Officer.
After many rewarding and enjoyable years, in 1996, Ross and his Company retired from AEPMA activities and Ross was shortly afterwards awarded Life Membership, of which he is still very proud.
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