Gardiner Foundation seeks Non-Executive Director

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in the Victorian dairy processing sector, with current or recent experience as a senior executive or director in the industry.

Gardiner Foundation 2025 New Zealand Study Tour

Applications are now open for the Gardiner Foundation 2025 New Zealand Study Tour. The Tour will visit the South Island of New Zealand over eight days in mid to late March 2025. 

Studying in the city sets up regional midwife for success

Experiencing midwifery as a student in a metropolitan area has provided regional student Chelsea Hicks with deeper insights into the complex aspects of nursing and midwifery. 

Gardiner sponsors emerging ag leaders as Crawford Fund Scholars

To foster future leaders in agriculture, Gardiner Foundation sponsored two outstanding students, Emily de Haan and Luke Rathsmann, as Crawford Fund scholars for 2024.

Dairy leader’s mental health mission

Mental health issues are on the rise for people on the land. The Farmer Wellbeing Report from the National Farmers Federation and Norco Foods calls it ‘farming’s silent crisis’. For Southeast Gippsland dairy farm manager and mental health advocate, Aaron…

Andrew Murphy: Cultivating leadership and community connections

Andrew was sponsored by Gardiner Foundation to take part in the program, which continually develops a pool of emerging community leaders who are supported to engage in programs and initiatives supporting the region.

When opportunity knocks: Hamish Smith’s agribusiness journey

Hamish grew up on a dairy farm in Saint Germains, a small rural locality near Kyabram. In 2023, he became a Neil Black Tertiary Scholar, and recieves $10,000 annually to support costs associated with his studies.

Australian Dairy Conference (ADC) Innovators Award

ADC is seeking innovative ideas, research projects and scientific-based outcomes to enhance Australia’s dairy industry. Application have opened for a new dairy innovation competition.

Gardiner Foundation announces Andrew Metcalfe AO as chair elect

Andrew Metcalfe AO, a former senior Australian public servant and policymaker, will join the Board as a Director at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2024 and formally assume the Chair position at the 2025 AGM.

Victoria Alexander expands her leadership skills through Marcus Oldham

At 25 years of age, Victoria Alexander is a Director at Nugenes, a cattle reproduction company. Victoria has expanded her leadership knowledge participating in the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program.

Miranda Knight’s professional development journey

Traveling at 95 kilometers per hour on a jet boat may not seem like a typical professional development activity – but for dairy farmer Miranda Knight, it was a thrilling end to an eight-day New Zealand study tour.

Securing the next generation in farming and food careers research survey

Researchers are investigating how and why young people aged 15-35 years enter, stay or leave jobs and careers in the agri-food sector, including farming, farm services and food processing.

Maffra’s Maya Osborne-Coleman excels in agricultural science studies

In 2022, Maya received the Shirley Harlock scholarship from Gardiner Foundation – now she is leveraging her academic journey to deepen her involvement in the dairy industry.

Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship applications now open for 2025

Students from Victorian dairy communities who plan to start their tertiary studies in 2025 are invited to apply for one of seven Tertiary Scholarships. Each scholar will receive $10,000 annually for three years.

Emerging leaders tackle community challenges in LGSC Program

The LGSC Program aspires leaders gain skills and connections to shape the future of their region. This year, two women from the dairy industry have taken on this challenge, contributing to in impactful ways.

Innovation in dairy: Yvette Williams and the C4Milk Project

Yvette Williams has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the intricate details of dairy farming, a fascination that began during her early research days and now fuels her work or the C4Milk Project.

Celebrating women in STEM

In celebration of National Science Week, we extend our congratulations to DairyBio and DairyFeedbase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) scientists Dr. Amanda Chamberlain, Dr. Kathryn Sheffield, and Dr. Elizabeth Morse-McNabb.

Cows Create Careers Pilot Program at Fulham Correctional Centre

This year, GippsDairy has partnered with Gardiner Foundation and Jaydee Events to deliver the Cows Create Careers program at Fulham Correctional Centre, operated by The GEO Group Australia.

Ella Credlin: From dairy farmer to industry leader

Amidst the chaos of packing for her first Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLP) session in the rugged Kimberleys, Ella Credlin felt the reality of the adventure ahead sink in.

Resilient forages and soils: Reaping the benefits of what you sow

DairyFeedbase 2023-28 is a joint venture between Agriculture Victoria, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation. It is also one of the dairy industry’s leading innovation programs.

Beechworth local Naomi Ingleton embarks on Alpine Valleys Leadership Program

Sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, Naomi’s participation marks a significant milestone in her long-standing commitment to fostering community growth and development.

Applications now open for Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 32

Regional Australia is growing, and with growth comes new challenges and opportunities. Are you ready to lead through these changes? If so, the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) could be for you.

Big boost for Victoria’s dairy communities

For 22 years, the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants program has enabled not-for-profit organisations in Victoria’s dairy communities to create and lead projects that help locals connect and support their regions to be sustainable and vibrant places to live and work.

Grant supports growing more than plants

The Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd. has received a $5,000 grant to extend the community-run Friends of Gargarro Green Thumbs Nursery, and support volunteers, grow plants for the local botanic garden and support community organisation financial sustainability.

Fish Creek Football Netball Club recipes for recovery cookbook

In the wake of a devastating arson attack that destroyed its beloved clubrooms, the Fish Creek Football Netball Club is turning to the power of community stories and cherished recipes to rebuild.

Strengthening Beech Forest with an historic bakery oven

The Beech Forest & District Progress Association has received a $4,975 grant to go towards rebuilding the historic Beech Forest bakery oven, once the cornerstone of the township’s social and economic life.

From podcaster to farmer: Kirsten Diprose’s journey in rural leadership

Podcaster, farmer, journalist, entrepreneur and ‘boy mum’ – Kirsten Diprose wears many hats. It’s no surprise she caught the attention of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) and earned a scholarship to Course 31.

Investing in farm safety and diversity in Agriculture

The Victorian Government is supporting key agriculture industry bodies. Gardiner Foundation will receive $610,000 to engage culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in agricultural regions.

Gardiner Foundation Community Showcase Event

Gardiner Foundation is holding a unique event to share the latest trends and insights from your region, network with fellow farmers and community members and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your community.

Students develop masterplan for Echuca riverfront

Four Monash students have formulated a master plan for an integrated civic, arts and tourism precinct in Campaspe Shire. This is the first community project Gardiner has sponsored through the MITI program.

Dairy farmer and vet Ebony Mull champions young farmers

Dairy farmer and vet Ebony Mull was sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation to attend the recent 2024 Young Dairy Network (YDN) Conference. Over 100 farmers and industry members came together for the two-day event.

Rachael McGrath receives 2024 Young Dairy Leader Award

Rachael McGrath received the Young Dairy Leader Award, sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, for her active contribution to the dairy sector and her community at the 2024 Great South West Dairy Awards.

Reflections from the 2024 Young Dairy Network Conference

Cow, courage and curiosity were the themes of the 2024 Young Dairy Network (YDN) Conference held in Wollongong, NSW. Gardiner Foundation sponsored six young farmers.

Insights from the New Zealand Dairy Industry

Jane and Leesa recently returned from the 2024 Gardiner Foundation New Zealand Study Tour where they explored the South Island, its dairy sector and developed their leadership skills.

Implementing Dairy Feedbase research on farm

East Gippsland dairy farmer Stewart McRae says he has permanently split his herd in two after achieving increased milk yields by participating in a research trial through Dairy Feedbase.

Industry placements highlight the benefits of regional opportunities

Two Monash University undergraduates are seriously considering a tree change after spending three months on an industry placement at Saputo Dairy Australia in South Gippsland.

Dairy Innovation Open Day at Ellinbank SmartFarm

Farmers will get a first-hand look at the latest research under way at the SmartFarm to improve soils and pasture, optimise animal nutrition and reduce carbon emissions.

Mitchell Jones’ journey to New Zealand yields more than expected

South Gippsland dairy farmer Mitchell Jones recently completed an 8-day journey in New Zealand as part of a study tour. While he was hoping to return with new leadership skills, he returned with much more – a family.

New podcast out now on DairyPod

Our first podcast is now live on DairyPod. We interviewed Nuffield Australia scholar Sarah Crosthwaite on her experience in mental health and agriculture. Sarah is a dairy farmer and accredited mental health social worker and studied mental health globally through the Nuffield.

Gardiner Foundation 2024 New Zealand Study Tour

Twelve dairy farmers and dairy industry professionals have embarked on an eight-day journey across New Zealand to explore its dairy sector and develop their leadership skills in the process.

Goulburn Murray nurse sponsored in leadership program

This year, Kerryn Giorgianni, a Registered Nurse for Echuca Regional Health, will be participating in the program with 22 other community leaders from the Goulburn Murray region.

Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program benefits greater regional communities

This year, Tandarra resident Dan Straub, and Rochester local Amanda Logie received scholarships for the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP).

From dairy farmer to mental health scholar

In 2023, Sarah received a Nuffield Scholarship. The Gardiner Foundation, in partnership with Nuffield Australia, offers a farming scholarship to a Victorian dairy farmer each year. The scholarship provides an opportunity for a farmer to investigate an agricultural topic of their choice.

Applications open for 2025 Nuffield Farming Scholarship

Gardiner Foundation in partnership with Nuffield Australia offers a Nuffield Farming Scholarship to a Victorian dairy farmer each year. The successful scholar will embark on a 15-week immersive experience in purposeful learning and international travel, supported by a $40,000 grant.

Gardiner Foundation New Zealand Study Tour Mentor Opportunity

The Gardiner Foundation, in collaboration with the Australian Dairy Conference, is excited to announce the opportunity for a dedicated individual to join the upcoming New Zealand Study Tour as a Mentor.

Gardiner Foundation unveils 2024-2028 Strategic Plan

The Gardiner Foundation’s Strategic Plan was unveiled at the Dairy Leaders Luncheon Monday 26 February emphasising five priorities: Financial Stewardship, People in Dairy, Community Development, Research & Innovation,and Industry Support.

ACL rupture and farming life leads scholar to help her dairy community

At age seven, Libby Clymo’s doctor told her she was the youngest person he’d ever known to present with a fully ruptured ACL. It was a simple skid off her bike during a family holiday that caused the injury and set the course for her career.

Gardiner Foundation and FRRR to offer grants to local not-for-profits

Community groups in small dairy communities across Gippsland, South-West and Northern Victoria can now apply for Gardiner Foundation Community Grants up to $5,000 to strengthen and build capacity in their dairying region.

Gardiner Foundation award tertiary scholarships to seven Victorian students

Seven students from Victorian dairy regions, commencing their first year of tertiary study in 2024, have been honoured with scholarships from the Gardiner Foundation. Each scholar will receive $10,000 annually for three years.

Archives