INVERELL, 3 August 2026 - The Australian olive industry is deeply saddened by the passing of Leslie ‘Les’ Parsons OAM, inaugural President of the Australian Olive Association and one of the founding leaders of the national industry. Les passed away in hospital on the morning of 3 August 2026. For the olive community, Les’s death is the loss of far more than a respected grower or former office-holder.

Billimari Olives will close after two decades, leaving a major contract harvesting and processing gap for olive growers across Central New South Wales ahead of the 2027 season.