The 2014 LGSC Strengthening the Strong Project assisted in establishing a group of high profile Western Victorian female dairy leaders with a view to expanding leadership capacity within the group and act as a support mechanism for aspiring female dairy leaders. At the end of 2014, the group went into recess and reformed in early 2015 in response to industry interest to organise a local International Women’s Day event.

The group organised and ran a very successful Women in Dairying Luncheon at Warrnambool in March 2015 where over 200 ladies enjoyed a time of food, fellowship and heard inspiring speakers Natalie Collard, CEO, Australian Dairy Farmers and Victorian Telstra Business Woman of the Year in 2013, Shirley and Fleur Harlock from Wollaston Farms and Janet Moxey from Moxey Farms.

In response to the severe dairy price downturn in April 2016, the group was again able to quickly reform and organise a Ladies luncheon held in Sept 2016, this time encouraging women off the farm for a few hours to hear Dr Sally Feelgood talk about looking after your own health and wellbeing so all in the business can benefit during this time of intense challenge. Another sell-out crowd attended the day at Noorat, with service providers encouraged to sponsor a table of 10 and to invite lady clients who may not usually attend this type of event and who needed time off the farm at no cost. Significant cash and in-kind sponsorship was also gained from Dairy Australia, Gardiner Foundation and Ridleys Agri.

Without the initial support from the LGSC project team in 2014, this “LegenDairy” Women’s Group may not have been in such a position to fire up these successful events, having an effective structure already in place plus the industry contacts and momentum for it to happen. Helen, now working as a business analyst at Rural Finance, has continued to be involved in the group and is pleased they will be responsive to industry needs into the future, offering a unique and effective service to an important industry in SW Victoria and beyond.   

Helen Chenoweth