An early start for a shear future

Superannuation is an important consideration for financial independence later in life. Starting early, members can adapt their strategy to meet their needs – whether it’s starting family or switching careers, we’re always here to help with their superannuation needs.

Ethan Gellatly began his journey with Prime Super when he started shearing professionally three years ago. He hails from a family of shearers, and with his father and uncles as inspiration, Ethan began learning to shear at the tender age of seven. Seven years later, he embarked on his shearing training and started working part time soon after.

Prime Super has a long history with the shearing industry through our strong partnerships in the agriculture industry, a relationship spanning 30 years.

“I knew about Prime Super before I started shearing professionally. They’ve built a reputation as a fund that really looks after us shearers,” shared Ethan.

Shearing has allowed Ethan to travel. From spending three months in the United States shearing alpacas with his dad, to representing Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), in the largest shearing competition in the world, The Golden Shears, in New Zealand. In his spare time Ethan provides training at the AWI Shearing School and volunteers to teach shearing and wool handling yearly at Harvey Agricultural College in Harvey, Western Australia.

“Shearing is pretty labour intensive. Most shearers shear 180-220 sheep a day. It’s a great career, it keeps me fit and provides a good income. But what I enjoy most is the comradery with the team. Sometimes when we’re on a shearing run, we work, eat and live together – and it’s times like these that help us build stronger relationships and tighter bonds.”

Ethan reflects on how Prime Super continues to invest in building a relationship with him and the community of shearers in regional Australia – something he and the team of shearers appreciate.

“We can get really busy sometimes, so we’re really lucky that Prime Super regularly visits us in the regional areas. They have held education sessions right here in the shearing shed, sharing the basics about superannuation and helping us learn more about our superannuation accounts.” Ethan Gellatly, Shearer and Prime Super member.

“I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to speak directly with Alisha Wilde, Member Solutions Manager at Prime Super and I know that I can reach her with any questions I may have. She’s helped me keep my details up to date, taught me how to use MemberOnline and access my account using the Prime Super app on my phone.

“It’s so important to have a super fund that truly understands us and can provide us with the financial guidance we need for the different stages of our lives. I’m in my early twenties – I know that there’s more of life to be experienced. I’m just happy to have someone there to guide me along the way.”