WAFarmers celebrates year's highlights

The night showcased WA fashion designs and eight award winners, who demonstrated their dedication and service towards the federation and the WA agricultural sector.

The 2016 WAFarmers award winners included Life Membership award winner Bob Iffla, Distinguished Service Award winners Kim Simpson and Ed Rogister, Young Farmers Award winner Kelly Manton-Pearce, Certificate of Merit winners Joe Candeloro, Laurie Bush and Phillip Surtees and President's Award winner Ian Barden-Brown.

Newly-elected WAFarmers president Tony York said the award recipients had demonstrated outstanding commitment towards the farm advocacy group and towards furthering the development of the State's agricultural industries.

"Over the course of last year, the eight individuals acknowledged tonight have continually worked hard to advance WA agriculture and to act on behalf of WAFarmers members on all matters of interest," Mr York said.

"They are all exceptionally worthy winners for their respective awards and, on behalf of WAFarmers and the wider agricultural sector, I would like to congratulate them on their achievements and thank them for their commitment.

"In particular, I would like to acknowledge Corrigin/Lake Grace zone president Bob Iffla who was awarded life membership to the federation.

"He truly epitomises the values and character of a farmer.

"He is savvy in his ability to lobby and campaign for farmers' rights and is a person that many can hold as an example.

"I congratulate and thank him for his unwavering support."

The formalities were preceded by a fashion show by local designer Azulant Akora who debuted her The Dawn of Dusk Merino wool garment collection, which included the black evening dress for which she was awarded first prize at the Australian Wool Fashion Awards in 2014.