Two hundred and fifty of Australia’s leading dairy representatives from across the whole value chain, gathered in Melbourne on 27 November 2015 for the
annual Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Leaders Breakfast.
Centred on the theme “The dairy domino effect: leading healthy, sustainable, profitable communities”, the event explored the interdependent nature
of dairy’s future success and building recognition for the industry’s social and economic value.
Guest speaker and rural sociologist, Dr Neil Barr told industry leaders that the decline in farmer populations over the past decade posed no threat to
the future of Australian dairy.
“Dairying is the future for young farmers in Australia. The demand for opportunities is there, the industry just needs to work on developing the pathways
to get them involved.”
Dr Barr also highlighted that developing the amenities of dairying towns and encouraging investment in recreational facilities, would be key to retaining
skilled workers.
Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell highlighted that new opportunities for growth and prosperity brought with them the responsibility to demonstrate dairy’s
value to people, the land, livestock and the global community.
“The extent to which the Australian community understands the story behind the tubs of yoghurt and flavoured milk in their fridges will directly impact
their trust and investment in our industry’s future. We need to share our industry’s story with our communities, our consumers and our customers if
we are to achieve our 2025 Dairy Vision: prosperous, trusted and world renowned for nutrition,” Mr Campbell said.
“Collectively, dairy demonstrates its value through initiatives such as the Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, as well as the search for the Legendairy Capital.
It is essential that our industry continues to build on such initiatives.”
Guests also heard from a panel including Senator Richard Colbeck, Corangamite Councillor Chris O’Connor, CEO of Bega Cheese Barry Irvin, Co-owner of Myrtleford
Butter Factory Naomi Ingleton and Gipps Dairy Director Dr Sinead De Gooyer.
Dr Sinead De Goyer discusses farmer health as an integral part of sustainability with the ADIC Leader’s Breakfast Panel.
Outgoing ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, ADIC Deputy Chair, Robert Poole, Incoming ADIC Chair, Simone Jolliffe and Senator Richard Colbeck at the ADIC Leaders’
Breakfast.