The industry is mourning the loss of popular member Dan Burnett, who passed away in March after an accident in Rome. Dan was a leading boutique producer of olives and olive oil in southern Queensland and ran Visit Oz (www.visitoz.org), providing work and work experience opportunities for hundreds of young people from overseas. Visit Oz was set up to help property owners and managers employ the vast pool of backpackers wanting to experience life and work in the ‘bush’, offering the eager travellers experience in farm work, hospitality and many other areas. Dan was an avid supporter of olive industry activities and participated at regional, state and national levels. He was a Director of the AOA from 2001-2010 and was vice-president from 2002-2007. AOA CEO Lisa Rowntree said Burnett was influential in the re-vamping of the AOA in 2004-2006 and was a staunch advocate of consumer engagement. His enthusiasm and engaging personality will be sadly missed.
