Leaders in the Making: A Udderly Inspiring Dairy Day
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
22nd April 2026
Girgarre & Kyabram, 22nd April 2026 – Participants in the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program gathered on Yorta Yorta Country in Girgarre and Kyabram for a day overflowing with rich, place based learning. The focus was on understanding how the dairy industry continues to be the “cream on top” of the Goulburn Murray region’s economy, community wellbeing, and employment landscape.
The day kicked off in Girgarre with a visit to the Gargarro Botanic Garden, offering a calm moment before participants were well and truly “milking” every opportunity to learn. Surrounded by the garden’s flourishing landscapes, the group reflected on how community‑driven projects—much like a productive dairy herd—thrive through consistent care, strong foundations, and a shared vision.
Our first speaker was Doc McDonald (former dairy farmer and Chair, Gargarro Botanic Garden Inc.), whose connection with the Fairley Leadership Program dates back 29 years, when he first spoke to a cohort. Doc shared how the Girgarre community was “handed the reins to a very special herd” in 2012, when the Kraft Heinz Company gifted 12 hectares of land and a water entitlement after its factory closed. From that generous handover — and plenty of community conversations that churned ideas into action — the vision for the Gargarro Botanic Garden began to grow. Much like building a strong dairy enterprise, the gardens took shape through steady leadership, grassroots effort and a dedicated herd of volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves.
Guided by Doc’s determination and leadership, and brought to life by the steady hands of countless volunteers, the gardens have blossomed into a place of beauty that welcomes visitors from near and far.
Craig Emmett (FF’22) and Andrew Murphy (FF’23) were next to share their lived experience as generational dairy farmers — families who have formed part of the region’s backbone for decades. They painted a clear picture of how deeply dairy runs through the Goulburn Murray, not just as an industry but as a way of life that keeps the region well stocked and well supported.
They didn’t shy away from the tougher topics either, highlighting the challenge of attracting young people into dairy and agriculture, with many choosing other paths rather than joining the herd. They also spoke candidly about the economic pressures squeezing producers, showing that while the sector is resilient, it’s certainly not immune to being put under the pump.
Our final speaker in Girgarre was Jan Smith (President, Girgarre Development Group; former dairy farmer), a woman who has clearly spent a lifetime leading from the front of the herd. Jan reflected on the early 2000s, when drought hit hard and Girgarre’s future looked uncertain. Rather than watch the town dry up, Jan brought locals together to “chew over” ideas to keep it alive. From those conversations came fresh initiatives — including a monthly market and a music festival — events that still keep the town buzzing like a dairy shed at morning milking.
When asked which leadership skill matters most, Jan didn’t hesitate: listen. It’s the principle she brings to every Girgarre Development Group meeting, giving everyone a chance to share what’s happening in their own patch of the paddock.
The cohort left inspired — stirred by Jan’s honesty, grounded wisdom and her clear passion for keeping the community moo‑ving forward.
After a delicious lunch at the Gargarro Café — the perfect fuel before diving back into a day rich with dairy insights — the cohort took a short drive to Kyabram to visit the KyValley Dairy factory. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Wayne Mulcahy (Director), Craig O’Keefe (Site Manager) and Brendan Marwood (General Manager), a trio who clearly know how to keep a complex operation running as smoothly as a well‑oiled milking machine.
The team shared with the cohort just how vital a local industry like KyValley Dairy is to the region’s economic and social fabric. Founded in 2000 by the Mulcahy family — fifth‑generation dairy farmers who have been part of the local herd for more than a century — the company has grown from a family vision into a major regional powerhouse.
Of course, even the strongest dairy operation isn’t immune to a few bumps in the road. The team spoke candidly about the current economic challenges that continue to put pressure on producers and processors alike — proving that even the most resilient herds sometimes face a tough season.
Wayne then posed a thought‑provoking question to the cohort, one that cut right to the heart of the industry’s future: “What should the industry do to secure a fair farm‑gate milk price and respond to rising cost pressures?”
It was a challenge that left the room buzzing — a reminder that leadership in the dairy sector isn’t just about keeping the milk flowing, but about shaping a sustainable future for every farmer, processor and community that depends on it.
The next stop on our Dairy Day journey was the Kyabram Fauna Park, now proudly part of the Zoos Victoria family. It was here, that the cohort settled in for a lively panel discussion that brought together some of the region’s sharpest minds: Adrian Weston (Board Director, GV Water and Basin Community Committee member, Murray–Darling Basin Authority), Scott McDonald (Agriculture Victoria), Astrid O’Farrell (Economic Development Manager, Campaspe Shire Council) and Paul Lavars (General Manager, Kyabram Fauna Park).
The panel wasted no time diving into the big issues. They spoke about the power of collaboration across sectors — reminding us that while organisations may draw boundaries on maps, tourists certainly don’t. Whether someone comes for milk, markets or meerkats, the region thrives when everyone works together to create a seamless, welcoming experience.
The conversation then shifted to what makes a community truly liveable. The panel explored everything from job opportunities to housing availability to the importance of genuine community engagement — the kinds of ingredients that help a town stay vibrant, connected and ready to welcome new faces into the herd.
To round out the session, each panellist was asked to share a few words of wisdom with the cohort. Their responses were as diverse — and as nourishing — as a well‑stocked dairy fridge:
Adrian – Have conversations and make the most of opportunities.
Astrid – Be yourself, lead by example and leverage your networks.
Scott – Listen more.
Paul – Pay attention and bring strategies.
Their insights left the cohort with plenty to chew on — a reminder that strong leadership, much like strong dairy farming, relies on awareness, authenticity and a willingness to work together for the good of the whole herd.
The day came to a fitting close with a visit to the Murphy family dairy farm, giving the cohort a chance to see the heart of the industry up close — where every litre of milk begins its journey. The Murphys run a high‑performing operation, managing 680 cows with standards as high as a well‑stacked hay bale, and their commitment to care and efficiency was clear in every paddock and shed.
It was a strong reminder that while dairy products end up in factories, cafés and supermarket fridges, the real magic starts here — in the paddock, with families like the Murphys who pour passion and hard work into every single day.
Dairy Day was only possible thanks to the generosity, honesty and passion of our speakers, with The Gardiner Foundation as our key supporter. Each brought their own flavour to the mix, helping the cohort churn out fresh insights, butter up new perspectives and explore what keeps this region moo‑ving with purpose.
Participants left with a renewed appreciation for the people who power the dairy industry — the leaders, volunteers, processors, advocates and farmers who pour dedication into every part of the supply chain. Dairy Day didn’t just showcase an industry; it showcased a community, a culture and a shared commitment to working together for a stronger regional future.
This media release was developed by Leadership Group 2 of the 2026 Fairley Leadership Program: Judes Gadzinski, Linda Shi, Harley Haber, Richard Smith and Fern Summer.