More than 400 people gathered in Melbourne in November to celebrate the 10-year milestone of the NRI independent group in style.

Despite a reputation for leaner, smarter rural retailing, NRI hosted its founders, shareholders, suppliers and key partners to a theatrical night of extravagance; fine dining, music, comedy, dance and a documentary on NRI’s evolution, featuring popular Slim Dusty/Don Walker recording Looking Forward, Looking Back.

The celebrations were brilliantly hosted by comedic actor Share Jacobson (aka Kenny). Outstanding performers included world-class violinist Sally Cooper, Melbourne’s own Kate Cebrano and hi-octane seventies legend Ross Wilson and band.

Group CEO, Grant McShane, said the celebrations were NRI’s way of saying thank you to all the great people who had supported the group through its challenging formative years.

“After a decade-long struggle to get here – with the finest team of independent resellers in rural Australia today - it’s right and proper to celebrate this milestone in style.”

In a moving tribute, Grant said NRI’s 10 founding shareholders had come together from around the country with a clear vision in July 2001.

“They all had a hunger and thirst for their own independence and they could see where the industry was heading. And they stepped out of their comfort zones to realise their dreams.

“Many of these gentlemen held board positions over the decade and they used that privilege wisely for the betterment of fellow Shareholders and the wider independent sector. What a magnificent bunch of pioneers!”

Grant acknowledged the foresight and support of the industry’s leading suppliers as well.

“I could tell you a story about almost every supplier in this room who helped us get started in those early days. Every supplier differs so each helped in different ways and I thank each of you personally.”

Grant said the event incorporated the NRI group’s annual general meeting and Shareholder conference at the Crown Conference Centre followed by a day out at the Flemington Race Course for The Emirates Cup.

Conference presenters included Peter Jacobs, agribusiness economist of ANZ Bank and Steven Bradbury of ‘Last Man Standing’ fame.

Steven Bradbury is a former Australian short track speed skater and four-time Olympian who won the 1,000m event at the 2002 Winter Olympics after all his opponents were involved in a last corner pile-up. Steve’s story is less about the ease of winning this event and more about his struggle through the qualifying rounds in the grueling lead-up to the final.

Grant said the two-day format was designed to appeal just as much to the wives, spouses, siblings and close friends of NRI’s Shareholders, staff and supply partners.

“The rural industry tends to be very blokey as we all know, wives and spouses often play a hidden role in the success of individual managers and their achievements,” he said.

“So we developed a program that would appeal to them and provide some space to get to know who’s who. We wanted everyone to experience the genuine fellowship of this group which we seemed to have achieved.”

The 10 NRI founders are Agsave Merchandise – Kimba, Bawdens Rural Supplies – Tumby Bay, RA Bishop & Co – Yorketown, Gorst Rural Supplies – Lake Bolac, J&D Southwood – Maitland, Mann Rural – Wodonga, McDonald Rural Services – Coleraine, Pfeiffers Rural Jeparit, Povers Rural Coorow and West Wimmera Rural Services – Edenhope. Ken Pfeiffer was unable to attend the event due to illness

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