Teys Australia Rockhampton general manager Wasantha Mudannayake has been named as Queensland's seventeenth #eatqld Champion.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said Mr Mudannayake was a shining example of what could be achieved with a career in the agriculture and food processing sector.
"From humble beginnings 30 years ago working nights as a floor cleaner at Teys Australia Beenleigh, Mr Mudannayake studied hard at university to further his professional development, rising to become general manager in 2006," Mr O'Rourke said.
"Mr Mudannayake now oversees the second biggest meat processing plant in Australia with an annual turnover of more than $620 million and employing more than 900 people.
"Mr Mudannayake is a passionate mentor who advocates for numerous traineeships, apprenticeships and multicultural opportunities in the workplace and also serves the community as a member of the Advance Rockhampton Board and the Queensland Government's Manufacturing Ministerial Council."
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Mr Mudannayake's example is truly inspirational and he will be a fine ambassador promoting Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious.
"Every economy has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but agriculture is playing a key role as the Palaszczuk Government implements Queensland's $8 billion plan for economic recovery," Mr Furner said.
"Mr Mudannayake will be a fine ambassador promoting Queensland's world of flavour from a state of delicious."
Mr Mudannayake said being named an #eatqld Champion provided a great opportunity to promote the top-quality meat from what is widely regarded as Australia's beef capital.
"I am proud to support local beef producers who continually rise to meet the various challenges thrown their way to deliver truly world-class products," Mr Mudannayake said.
"Working for Teys Australia has given me a great insight into the quality of our locally produced beef and I encourage everyone to get behind our local producers.
"It has been a great privilege and honour to work for Teys family under the inspiring leadership of Brad Teys for close to 30 years which allows me to grow as a leader and contribute to the business and communities in Central Queensland."
Mr Furner said the Queensland Government's #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural sector.
"Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do, we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld," Mr Furner said.
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."
Previous #eatqld Champions include Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier, Walkamin entrepreneur Krista Watkins, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's Executive Chef David Pugh.
