Leadership Training Day Exploring Key Issues Facing Agriculture and the Diary Industry in Regional Communities

26th March 2025

Girgarre, Victoria — Local leaders, farmers and producers gathered for a comprehensive leadership training day that explored pressing challenges in agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and community resilience. Sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, the event provided participants with valuable insights, practical strategies, and networking opportunities to drive positive change in the dairy industry and regional communities.

The day began with a farm tour led by Angus 'Gus' McDonald, a third-generation dairy farmer in Girgarre, who offered an in-depth look into the challenges farmers face in today’s economic climate. Gus highlighted the ongoing struggles with water scarcity, the rising costs of milk production, and the aging demographic of farm owners. "Climate change and water efficiency are major factors influencing our operations," Gus said, adding that younger generations often struggle to stay in the industry due to the financial and environmental pressures. However, he remained optimistic, pointing to innovations such as automated irrigation and the growing role of technology in improving farm operations.

The next session, held at the Girgarre Town Hall, focused on youth involvement in dairy and agriculture. Andrew Murphy (Fairley Fellow 2023), a dairy farmer and chair of the Central Dairy Business Network, and Craig Emmett (Fairley Fellow 2022), a fourth-generation dairy farmer, discussed strategies to attract younger people into the sector. "If you are passionate and care about it, then do it," Craig advised, urging attendees to look past common stigmas surrounding the long hours and low pay often associated with the industry. Both speakers emphasised the importance of new technologies, such as smart collars for cows that track health data, as a means of modernising farm management.

Photo of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program participants and Panelists Andrew Murphy (FF'23) and Craig Emmett (FF'22) at Girgarre Town Hall

In the afternoon, Warren Davies, known as the "Unbreakable Farmer" and a passionate mental health advocate, led a session on wellbeing in regional communities. "Sharing stories creates role models," Warren noted, stressing the importance of opening up about mental health issues in rural areas. With one in five Australians struggling with mental health, he encouraged participants to actively support one another and seek help when needed. His personal journey from a dairy farmer to a mental health advocate resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional challenges in farming life.

Photo of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program participants and Guest Speaker Warren Davies at Girgarre Town Hall

Later, attendees toured the Fonterra Factory in Stanhope, where they learned about the company’s state-of-the-art facilities and sustainability efforts. Matt Trevaskis (Fairley Fellow 2022), Farm Source Profit Specialist from Fonterra, provided insight into Fonterra’s commitment to environmental stewardship, such as their wastewater desalination plant that supports a circular economy. "We take pride in supporting our local community through sponsorships and grants, ensuring that both the business and the region thrive," Matt explained.

Photo of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program participants alongside the Fonterra team during their site tour at Fonterra Stanhope

The training day also featured a visit to the wonderful Gargarro Café and Botanical Gardens, where Doc McDonald, the 2025 Campaspe Shire Citizen of the Year, shared the journey behind the town’s successful community-driven projects. "Never underestimate networking," Doc remarked, reflecting on the power of community collaboration in bringing sustainable projects to life. Local dairy farmer and teacher Jan Smith echoed the sentiment, emphasising the town’s commitment to building a strong, interconnected community through initiatives like the Girgarre Market and the annual music festival.

Concluding the day, Adrian Weston, a former dairy farmer and current Campaspe Shire Councillor, led a session on leadership in water infrastructure. “If you want to bring people together, light a fire,” Adrian said, encouraging leaders to stay true to their values and work collaboratively to address the region’s water challenges. He shared his personal experience of navigating the complexities of water use and allocation, particularly in the context of the Murray-Darling Basin, highlighting the importance of working with communities to build lasting solutions.

Photo of the 2025 Fairley Leadership Program participants alongside Guest Speakers Jan Smith, Doc McDonald and Adrian Weston at Gargarro Café and Botanical Gardens

The Campaspe Place Based Program Day, proudly sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, proved to be an enriching experience for all who involved. The Gardiner Foundation’s support, including participant sponsorship, was instrumental in making the day accessible to emerging leaders across the region. Their ongoing commitment to strengthening regional communities and supporting the next generation of leaders continues to have a profound impact on the future of dairy and agriculture.

The program day offered the cohort a blend of practical advice, inspiring stories, and real-world solutions to the challenges facing agriculture and regional communities. As the day concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the importance of leadership in driving change, both within their businesses and the local community.