Vale Dexter Davies
The world is a lesser place following the passing of Dexter Davies in early March.
Dexter Davies with his daughter and WA Nationals leader Mia Davies.
Dexter was well known to the Western Australian seafood industry from his time as Chairman of the Aquaculture Development Council in the early 2000s which played a vital role in providing the Government with advice on the development and management of the aquaculture industry to his role on the WAFIC Board from 2007-2010. He was also Chief Executive of the Western Rock Lobster Council, was Chairman to a number of organisations across WA and played an active role in mentoring young Nationals. His final role was as Chief of Staff to former WA Nationals leader and Agriculture Minister, Terry Redman.
Dexter, a champion of regional WA, was part of a pioneering agricultural family from Kellerberrin in Western Australia and, for some 20 years, successfully farmed in partnership with his wife Leonie and his brothers.
He was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Council as a National Party Member for Agriculture in 1998. His electorate included the Mid-West and he was a regular visitor to fishermen’s meetings and a strong supporter of the industry in the region. He assisted WAFIC on several occasions during negotiations with government during this time.
Past Pearl Producers Association CEO, Brett McCallum, who had worked with Dexter throughout his career, said that he had larger than life character – always ready with a beaming smile and a helping hand.
“He was never happier than when empowering people – whether that be his constituents in his electorate or a fisherman in a small port along the coast.”
“A passionate Dockers supporter he would always stop by first thing on Monday morning to regale in Freo’s success or carefully analyse the reasons for their failure but never talk any players down,” he said.
Brett noted that Dexter was very proud of the success of the Nationals in 2008 and was one of the masterminds behind Royalties for Regions. He was never prouder than when his daughter Mia was elected leader of the WA Nationals.
“At 66 Dexter has left us too early. For those of us who had the pleasure to spend time with him we will remember his humour, his laugh, his love of a beer and most importantly his friendship.”
“Rest easy mate.”