The Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) team encompasses a small, cohesive and flexible group of professionals driven to improve the profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia.Â
Our vision is for a sustainable, innovative, domestic and internationally competitive dairy industry that is valued for its environmental, economic, health and social contribution. We value our dairy farmers’ feedback, as we strive to continuously improve our advocacy and policies to meet their best interests on a national scale.
Stephen’s passion for agriculture comes from being raised on a mixed dryland-irrigation farm prior to studying agriculture. Stephen has extensive experience in agriculture working with industry and the farming community, first with AWB, one of Australia’s largest corporate agribusinesses, where he gained experience in various roles along the supply chain from farm gate to end-user customer. He then moved to the not-for-profit sector continuing to work directly with farmers as well as industry and government at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) most recently as CEO.
Stephen is a director with Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West, and his formal qualifications include a degree in Agricultural Economics, Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sandra is a CPA Fellow and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) with over 20 years of senior financial and governance leadership across government, not for profit and industry sectors.
Prior to joining ADF, she held a senior financial and governance role at Tocal College, part of NSW Department of Primary Industries — within the broader Department of Agriculture — where she led financial strategy, statutory reporting and operational delivery for one of Australia’s leading agricultural education institutions.
Sandra has held CFO and Company Secretary roles in both ASX-listed and NFP organisations, with expertise spanning treasury, capital planning, audit management and regulatory compliance.
She is known for her disciplined financial stewardship, board level insight and commitment to transparent, accountable operations. With a strong appreciation for agriculture and regional development, Sandra is passionate about supporting organisations that strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Newcastle.
Nathan has over 25 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and policy development, including 14 years working in strategic policy and regulation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) in Canberra.
Growing up in Kyabram, Victoria, Nathan’s early exposure to the local dairy and horticulture industries instilled in him a lifelong passion for supporting farmers and rural communities.
Nathan’s experience includes working as an advisor with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry at Parliament House, Canberra. Additionally, working on high-profile government taskforces, including the Dairy Code of Conduct Taskforce, Levies Modernisation Taskforce, Regional Investment Corporation, Sugar Code of Conduct Implementation and Review Taskforce, and the reform of the Organic Exports Program.
Nathan holds qualifications in Business Management (Monash University), Project Management (CIT) and with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has extensive training in standards, regulation, administration and government, including as Lead Food Safety Auditor.
Justin has nearly 35 years’ experience in policy development, implementation and advocacy for the Australian livestock industry. He has been the Executive Director for Cattle Council of Australia, Chief Executive Officer for Red Meat Advisory Council, the Chair of Animal Health Australia’s Industry Forum and the Chair of the Advisory Group for the University of Queensland’s The Animal Welfare Collaborative.Â
Justin has been a director of his own consulting company since 2002 and has, among other things, been engaged as an Advisor to peak national livestock bodies on matters of animal health, welfare, biosecurity and industry systems. His current primary advisory role is with Australian Dairy Farmers.
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