THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FOUNDATION
A team grounded in the wool community.
The Foundation is guided by people with decades of experience across Australia’s wool industry.
Together, they carry Michael Manion’s generous spirit forward through practical support, fundraising
and enduring industry relationships.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Ken Stock
THANK YOU, KEN STOCK
The Michael Manion Wool Industry Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to Ken Stock, who has retired from his role as Chairman of the Foundation.
Ken’s leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment have played an enormous part in shaping the Foundation and the work it undertakes today. His dedication to supporting rural families and children in need has reflected the very spirit upon which the Foundation was established.
As the owner and operator of Stockwool Pty Ltd, Ken has devoted more than 50 years to the Australian wool industry. Throughout that time, he has earned the respect and friendship of people across the industry—not only for his professional contribution, but also for his compassion, integrity and willingness to help others.
Under Ken’s guidance, the Foundation has continued Michael Manion’s legacy by bringing the wool community together to raise funds and provide meaningful assistance to families facing illness, accidents and difficult circumstances.
Ken, your contribution has been extraordinary. On behalf of the Board, the wool industry and the many rural families whose lives have been touched by the Foundation, we offer our sincere thanks for your leadership, friendship and years of dedicated service.
We wish you all the very best as you step down as Chairman and hope you take great pride in everything you have helped the Foundation achieve.
Thank you, Ken. Your contribution and the difference you have made will not be forgotten.
DIRECTORS
Meet the Board
LEN TENACE
CHAIRMAN
Len has been in the wool industry since 1976. He is a senior wool buyer and trader for Michell Wool who were established in 1870. Len has been married to Raelene since 1981, has three children and is most passionate about family and wool. Len has seen many changes to the wool industry over the journey with the endurance of the rural community remaining the one constant during drought, flood, fire and low prices. Len is proud to be associated with the MMWIF in assisting rural families in need.
SCOTT WILLIAMS
SECRETARY
Dr Scott Williams serves as the Executive Director of the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors (ACWEP) He is a highly accomplished animal health and agricultural professional, research manager, and consultant based in Ballarat, Victoria
PETER BRICE
DIRECTOR
Peter has worked in the wool trade in both Australia and China for over 35 years. He has been involved in various aspects of the industry including buying, trading and Topmaking, and for the last six years has worked for Australian Merino Exports in Sydney. As a country boy Peter shares the passion of the other MMWIF directors for supporting people in the bush who are doing it tough and hopes to help bring assistance through the wonderful work of the MMWIF to many more deserving country people in need.
JIM MICHELL
DIRECTOR
Living legend of the Wool Trade with a heart as big as a lion. Jim worked closely with Mike Manion for many years and has been instrumental in many charity drives and initiatives to raise money for those less fortunate.
STEVE NOA
DIRECTOR
30 years in wool trade. Melbourne, Sydney and for the last ten years a well-known figure in the Western Australian wool trade as a buyer, trader and broker. Having spent many years around the great Mike Manion in Victoria, he is now very keen to extend the MMWIF benevolence into the great wool state of Western Australia in helping rural families. Contact on 0477 574 154
NIGEL RENDELL
DIRECTOR
As director of United Wool Company and ever present in the Melbourne Wool trade, Nigel’s ability to motivate and bring joy to any occassion is well known and endeared in Wool circles.
PAUL FERRONATO
DIRECTOR
MARK DYSON
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Mark is Managing Director of the diverse Quality agribusiness group, which includes Quality Wool and Quality Livestock. Mark’s friendship with Michael Manion began during Michael’s visits to Fremantle for local wool sales and strengthened throughout the memorable Adelaide wool sale days, when Michael was a strong supporter of Quality Wool. Today, Mark continues to honour Michael’s legacy, with the Quality group maintaining its strong support for rural charities and communities throughout Australia.
SAMANTHA WAN
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Samantha is the Wool Quality Assurance & Marketing Manager, Auctioneer at Elders. A first-generation Australian born, it was wool that took Sam from western Sydney to experience the strength of rural communities and in turn wool has become her connection to Australia. Sam values what MMWIF stands for and is looking forward to supporting and contributing to the aims of the Foundation, reprising her Special Advisor role after 3 years as as a Director.
STEPHEN KEYS
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Stephen has worked in the wool industry for more than 40 years, starting as a wool broker in Goulburn NSW, before spending 10 years in Sydney, and then a move to Melbourne in 2008, where he was fortunate to meet Michael Manion. Currently a Region Wool Manager with Nutrien Wool ( formerly Landmark & TWG Wool ) based in Brooklyn, Stephen recognises the importance of supporting rural families & communities, and is proud to be involved with Michael’s Foundation.
Connect with the Foundation
START A CONVERSATION
Contact the team about support for a rural family, a fundraising idea or a way your organisation can get involved.