Great South West Dairy Awards move online

Winners of the 2020 Great South West Dairy Awards will be announced over three online presentations.

WestVic Dairy chair Simone Renyard said the event was only two weeks away before it was postponed due to COVID-19.

“At a recent board meeting it was decided that moving the awards online was the appropriate and timely thing to do,” Mrs Renyard said.

“We have enjoyed great support from our sponsors and the finalists through this time of uncertainty and we are committed to hosting a great event that really recognises the achievements of those at the forefront of our industry.

“We believe that presenting the awards in this way will enable many more people to get involved and to see the great work people do, day in day out, to provide the country with fantastic dairy products.”

Winners will be revealed at 7.30 pm on Wednesday, August 19 and 26 and September 2.

WestVic Dairy project officer Liza Fahey said the Monday and Tuesday evenings prior to each presentation would highlight the achievements of each finalist in that week’s categories.

“Prior to the restrictions, we went out on-farm and recorded interviews with the finalists,” Mrs Fahey said.

“The videos look great and really showcase the high calibre of finalists — each category is very competitive.

“All of the presentations (finalist videos and winner announcements) will go for about 15 minutes each night and will start at 7.30 pm, so hopefully people will be in from work and be able to sit down for a little while to enjoy the event.”

The sessions will be available to view on the WestVic Dairy Facebook page.