Elizabeth Coles & Rosemary Eva

Rosemary Eva & Elizabeth (Liz) Coles joined the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd in 1996, (18 years ago). Rosemary & Liz were originally members of the South Queensland, Northern NSW Region (SQNNSW), they transferred to the Queensland region and a few years later moved back to the SQNNSW region.

The proficiency that Rosemary Eva and Liz Coles have gained as registered nurses and midwives, with high qualifications in administration has given them a tremendous foundation to base their alpaca enterprise on.

Rosemary Eva held executive appointments at several Victorian hospitals culminating in the position of deputy Director of Nursing at the Royal Melbourne hospital – a position she held for 12 years prior to her retirement in 1996. During this time Rosemary was also an integral part of teams involved in programs such as Quality Assurance, Infection Control, Peer Review and Disaster Planning.

Liz had a 25 year career in the Royal Australian Navy during which time she held numerous senior positions. Some highlights being the Director of Nursing of the RAN Nursing Service, being appointed the first female Commanding Officer in the Australian Defence Force and ultimately receiving the Conspicuous Service Cross for her work in the Head Quarters of the Australian Defence Force in undertaking the challenges of Equal Employment Opportunity across 21 areas of discrimination within the ADF.

With all of the above mentioned talents behind them, Rosemary and Liz are now full time breeders committed to the Alpaca Industry, running a boutique herd of black alpacas, they breed for quality fibre, confirmation and character. Rosemary & Liz take particular pride in assessing whether potential customers are equipped with the sufficient financial, physical and emotional tools required in order to become successful breeders and fleece growers prior to sales. They are well known in the industry and are thought of with high integrity.

Rosemary & Liz have achieved great success at shows in both State and National levels, their animals are highly sought after by other “black” breeders both within Australia and Overseas.

During the 18 years that Rosemary and Liz have been members of the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd, they have been actively involved in coordinating workshops and seminars within their regions with a particular focus on animal health and biosecurity.

Several articles written by both Rosemary Eva and Liz Coles on animal health and biosecurity have been published in National and Regional AAA Ltd magazines.

Liz held the position of Regional Education Officer for many years and also has been a member of the AAA Animal Health, Husbandry and Welfare reference panel for the past 10 years. Both roles are instrumental to the continuing development of the alpaca industry.

Being ardent supporters of new breeders and younger members in the industry Rosemary and Liz are enthusiastic mentors in the practices of animal husbandry, farm management and all aspects of showing and are always willing to give freely of their time.

For many years on countless occasions, Rosemary & Liz have contributed their time and skills in various capacities at regional shows – assisting as Stewards, Ring Stewarding and Inspection Stewards. In July 2014 Rosemary and Liz instigated the Inaugural Murwillumbah Show.

Rosemary was Convenor, supported by Liz. The show was very professional and supported by a large number of sponsors and AAA members from three Regions who made the show a huge success.

In regards to the exposure of alpacas to the general community, Longueville Park is the favoured home for “hug-a-paca” for many folk in Aged Care and Disabilty groups. The Lions Club, Rotary, Probus and school groups are all regular visitors to their property. The reason they do this is because – “The joy that the alpacas bring to these groups is a wonderful experience”.

Rosemary & Liz can always be relied upon to impart their knowledge and wisdom whenever there is a crisis involving alpacas.