The Western Australian Government owned and operated Muchea Livestock Centre (MLC) has been recognised at the 2025 National Saleyard Conference, winning the 2025 Industry Advocate Award by Saleyards Australia.
The saleyard received the prestigious award for its outstanding leadership and quiet advocacy for the saleyards sector.
The award celebrated MLC’s proactive approach across four key areas: animal welfare, supporting people and industry, economic contribution, and community value.
The Centre is WA’s largest dual-species saleyard, handling over 500,000 sheep and 70,000 cattle annually.
It has led the way in implementing round-the-clock animal welfare coverage, on-site veterinary oversight, and low-stress handling training, and also successfully rolled out the electronic identification scanning system for sheep and goats, supporting national traceability reforms.
“Saleyards provide an additional market for livestock, which means more competition and better outcomes for producers and the industry as a whole,” said Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis.
“WAMIA are leading with integrity, implementing best practice biosecurity and animal welfare frameworks, and looking after their people through strong work health and safety systems.
“I congratulate WAMIA and the team at Muchea Livestock Centre for this fantastic achievement and well-earned recognition.”
WAMIA Chief Executive Officer I-Lyn Loo said the organisation was proud to receive the Industry Advocate Award.
“We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and capability with our colleagues and wider community in WA and across Australia – particularly in providing a facility to inspire and practically equip the next generation of agribusiness leaders.”
“This award belongs to every member of our team. Their quiet, consistent actions have made a lasting impact – not just at Muchea, but across the industry. Their work inspires others, strengthens our community, and lifts the entire sector.”
Saleyards Australia Executive Officer, Amy Perfrement said the Centre had embraced its role in shaping the future of the industry reflecting the key pillars valued at Saleyards Australia – animal welfare, operational best practice, community, integrity and care for the environment.
“Muchea Livestock Centre has taken a proactive approach, not waiting for change, but being the change,” said Ms Perfrement.
“Leadership isn’t always loud, and Muchea proves that quiet, consistent action can have a lasting impact.
“Now more than ever, the role of saleyards in connecting producers, agents, and buyers is vital.
“In current markets, saleyards are proving to be an excellent option for livestock producers to sell their stock and Muchea is a shining example of how this can be done well,” she said.
