MEET
Sophie Holt
Sophie is the director and owner of Coonong Station with her husband Tom and son Thomas.
Sophie has a MSc in Animal Welfare and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh and is currently studying a PhD through Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK on the production, clinical and welfare effects of dental caries in sheep. Sophie is also a certified native animal wildlife carer NSW WIREs.
When she first came up with the idea of creating something with the wool from Coonong with Maggie, it seemed and impossible dream, but with enthusiasm and perseverance Sophie and Maggie have managed to create something that reflects the true characteristics of the wool that they love.
MEET
Maggie lahore
Maggie is the Business Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Coonong Pty Ltd and oversees the daily business management and operations of the Coonong Station properties, including the management of the 32,000 Dohne Merino sheep that produce Coonong Station wool. Maggie is also responsible for maintaining the highest animal welfare standards on Coonong Station through our continued compliance with animal welfare certification programs such as Humane Certified and Responsible Wool Standard. Maggie is also a director of the Coonong Wildlife Sanctuary operating a native animal rescue and rehabilitation service for native wildlife.
Maggie is a mother to Toribio & Segundo. She is a qualified accountant, holds a Masters in Taxation, has a certificate in animal welfare and is a certified native wildlife WIRES (NSW) carer.
Maggie worked as a station hand at Coonong Station, where she became a co-creator of the Ethical Outback Wool idea. Maggie returned home to Argentina taking over the role of CFO/Business Manager for Coonong Pty Ltd. She drives the passion and enthusiasm of Ethical Outback Wool, especially the animal welfare and production sides of our business. She is a source of constant happiness and smiles for our team.
The Paisana Poncho is named in honour of the wonderful Ethical Outback friendship we have.
Ethical Outback Wool
Animal Husbandry
The Responsible Wool Standard is a voluntary global standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and of the land they graze on.
On farms, the certification ensures that sheep are treated with respect to their Five Freedoms and also ensures best practices in the management and protection of the land. Through the processing stages, certification ensures that wool from certified farms is properly identified and tracked.
Environmental Commitment
Coonong is a proud native wildlife sanctuary. Located on the Protected Native Grasslands of the Hay Plains in south-east Australia, we enjoy a diverse and healthy native wildlife population that we protect through numerous native wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs.
Our preference is to work with Native Wildlife, stocking paddocks so as not to harm the natural habitat and encourage rehabilitation and regeneration of native populations.
RESEARCH AND STEWARDSHIP
Producing beautiful, high quality wool is the end result of years of hard work and dedication. We strive to raise our animals and manage our land in line with the highest industry standards. Our family, our staff, and our partners across the supply chain understand the importance of care and transparency, and we are proud to align ourselves with these accreditation programs.
Read more about Coonong station