Dairy farmers from the Upper Murray, Tallangatta, Kiewa, Mitta Mitta, Ovens, King and Upper Broken valleys were recently treated to two events to help celebrate community, resilience and the future of the industry.
An initiative of Alpine Valleys Dairy (AVD), the Dare to Dairy Dinner saw two successful regional dinners held in Milawa and Corryong, which brought together more than 220 passionate members of the dairy community.
AVD chair Ebony Mull said the dinners followed on from a very successful and well-attended event resurrected last year.
The Milawa Dare to Dairy Dinner was held in the heart of Victoria’s gourmet region and welcomed more than 100 attendees, predominantly farming families and their staff.
The evening featured comedy act the Nelson Twins and was an opportunity for farmers to step away from the farm and catch up with friends, and network with other farmers from across the region.
“Last season was a particularly tough one for so many — prioritising a night out and having some fun was very much needed,” Ebony said.
Following the Milawa event, the Corryong event drew an even larger crowd, with more than 120 people in attendance.
The Corryong gathering reinforced the strong sense of community within the Upper Murray and surrounding valleys.
Farmer and sub-committee lead Laura Thompson said the Dare to Dairy dinners were more than just a meal.
“They are about bringing together local farmers, industry partners, and supporters to celebrate, connect, and help shape a strong future for our dairy industry,” Laura said.
“We are proud to see such strong turnouts at this year’s regional events, and it’s inspiring to witness the continued enthusiasm for the future of dairy in our region.
“It was especially heartening to see the room filled with laughter and joy in communities that have weathered both seasonal and personal challenges in recent times.”
Dairy farmer Meaghan Daly from Jingellic attended the Corryong event.
She said it was just fabulous.
“Over 120 farmers from Corryong and Tallangatta were there and it was a great opportunity to connect with other farmers, catch up on what has been happening and enjoy a bit of comedy from the Nelson Twins,” Meaghan said.
“Every second year is a low-key event and this was just fantastic and a real credit to Alpine Valleys Dairy.”
Ebony said the events were only made possible due to the support from generous sponsors including Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic, who was the gold sponsor.
“Silver sponsors were AgriGene, JBS (formerly Rivalea), Leading Dairy Services, Mountain Milk, Country Life Law.
“Bronze sponsors were Ag Warehouse, Flanigan Contracting, Shine at AgriBusiness, Genetics Australia, Kyvalley Dairy, AlfaGen Seeds, Tallangatta Farm services and Walwa Veterinary Practice.”
Support was also received from the National Centre for Farmer Health with the Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grant, and support from North East Catchment Management Authority
“AVD continues to play a vital role in supporting farmers and fostering a stronger, more connected dairy industry, collaborating with the community and industry bodies,” Ebony said.
She said AVD will continue to support the dairy industry via education, innovation, collaboration and positive promotion.
“We are building up momentum and we are all looking forward to a better season ahead — recent rains have put us in a far better position than where we were this time last year.”