News

Leaders in the making: A udderly inspiring dairy day

By Contributed

May 12, 2026

This year’s Fairley Leadership Program participants gathered on Yorta Yorta Country for a day of rich, place-based learning recently.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Attendees explored how the dairy industry contributes to the Goulburn Murray region’s economy, community wellbeing and employment.

The day began in Girgarre at the Gargarro Botanic Garden, where Gargarro Botanic Garden chair and former dairy farmer Doc McDonald shared the story behind the garden’s development following the closure of the Kraft Heinz factory.

His reflections highlighted the power of community-led action, steady leadership and long-term vision.

Participants then heard from Craig Emmett (FF’22) and Andrew Murphy (FF’23), who spoke about their lived experience as generational dairy farmers.

Craig Emmett (FF’22) and Andrew Murphy (FF’23) speak with the cohort. Photo by Contributed

They shared insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, including workforce attraction and ongoing economic pressures.

Girgarre Development Group president Jan Smith closed the morning session.

She reflected on how the community responded to drought and economic uncertainty by creating new initiatives to keep the town connected and thriving.

Her message was simple but powerful: leadership starts with listening.

In the afternoon, the cohort visited KyValley Dairy in Kyabram, where Wayne Mulcahy (director), Craig O’Keefe (site manager) and Brendan Marwood (general manager) shared insights into the operations and broader impact of the business.

The program cohort with panellists Adrian Weston (Goulburn Valley Water and Murray-Darling Basin Authority), Scott McDonald (Agriculture Victoria), Astrid O’Farrell (Campaspe Shire Council) and Paul Lavars (Kyabram Fauna Park). Photo by Contributed

The discussion highlighted both the importance of local industry and the challenges facing producers and processors in a changing economic landscape.

The day continued at Kyabram Fauna Park with a panel discussion featuring Adrian Weston (Goulburn Valley Water and Murray-Darling Basin Authority), Scott McDonald (Agriculture Victoria), Astrid O’Farrell (Campaspe Shire Council) and Paul Lavars (Kyabram Fauna Park).

The panel explored cross-sector collaboration, regional liveability and the importance of strong community connections in supporting growth and resilience.

Andrew Murphy (FF’23) speaking with the cohort at the Murphy family dairy farm. Photo by Contributed

The day wrapped with a visit to the Murphy family dairy farm, providing participants with a first-hand look at the operations behind the industry and the people who sustain it.

Dairy Day was made possible thanks to the generosity and insights of all speakers, with The Gardiner Foundation as key supporter.

Participants left with a deeper understanding of the dairy sector and its role in shaping the region’s future.