ECKERSLEY OBE Sir Donald Payze (Don)

After service with the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II, Don Eckersley (1922-2009) commenced dairy farming in the Harvey District in 1946, and gave a lifetime of service to primary producers’ associations in and beyond Western Australia. His offices included: the Presidency of the Farmers Union of Western Australia (1972-75); the Presidency of the Australian Farmers’ Federation (1975-79) and the inaugural Presidency of the National Farmers’ Federation (1979-81).
Eckersley also served for 10 years as President of the Harvey Shire Council, was Chairman of the South West Development Authority, Chairman for three years of the Artificial Breeding Board, a member of the Western Australian Waterways Commission and a member of the Senate of The University Of Western Australia.
His experience and excellent foresight and judgement were recognised by the award of an OBE in 1977, a knighthood in 1981 and selection as Australian Man of The Year in Agriculture in 1979.