More than 150 dairy farmers, processors, industry leaders and community representatives gathered in Melbourne in October to celebrate 25 years of Gardiner Foundation and its lasting contribution to Victorian dairy.
Held at RACV City Club, The Gardiner Effect: Twenty-Five Years On brought together people from across the dairy industry, alongside past and present Gardiner directors, executives and team members.
Established in 2000 following dairy industry deregulation, Gardiner has since invested more than $100 million in initiatives supporting Victorian dairy, from research and innovation to education, leadership and stronger regional communities.
Gardiner Foundation CEO Allan Cameron said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the people and partnerships behind that impact.
“The Gardiner Effect is about what happens when you invest in people, ideas and communities. An opportunity for one person can create benefits that extend across a business, an industry or an entire community,” Mr Cameron said.
“Over 25 years, we've seen how conversations, connections and partnerships can turn good ideas into lasting outcomes. That's something worth celebrating, and it's what will continue to guide us into the future.”
The evening featured reflections from Gardiner Foundation Chair Andrew Metcalfe on ‘the Power of Purpose’, and Bega Group Executive Chairman and former Gardiner Director Barry Irvin on ‘the Power of Dairy’.
Mr Irvin highlighted the strength and diversity of the dairy industry, the opportunities ahead and the importance of sharing knowledge and working together to build on its success.
Guests also heard from Matthew Dwyer, Dr Susan Brumby and former Gardiner Tertiary Scholar Chelsea Hicks, whose stories demonstrated the lasting impact of investment in innovation, farmer health, education and professional development.
An independent assessment of Gardiner's 25-year contribution identified more than 700 supported projects, 239 scholarship recipients and over 80 key partnerships.
The evening concluded with a toast led by Victorian dairy farmer and Gardiner-supported Nuffield Scholar Sally Bethune, who reflected on the importance of people and community to the industry's future.
“The future of the dairy industry is in the people who are the industry,” Ms Bethune said.
Guests raised bottles of chocolate milk produced by Sally's Bethune Lane Dairy to celebrate the milestone and the generations who will shape dairy's future.
The evening was hosted by Tom Newton, a former Gardiner-supported leadership program participant.
For more information on Gardiner’s impact or to download the Impact Report, visit: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/about/our-impact/