Community
6 December, 2024
Ball celebrates community and charity
DAIRY farmers from across the south-west have gathered at the Warrnambool Golf Club to celebrate the industry while raising money for local charity, the Neil Porter Legacy Foundation.
The annual Dairy Farmers’ Ball was held last Saturday, November 30.
A highlight of the evening was the drawing of a major fundraising raffle, a trip to the Netherlands courtesy of sponsor Lely.
This was won by Purnim dairy farmer Renee Mugavin, who will fly to Amsterdam next year to spend a week in the Netherlands.
Her busy itinerary will include farm visits and a behind the scenes tour of Lely headquarters.
Renee was thrilled when she heard her name called out of the raffle draw.
“I did not think I would win at all,” she said.
“I thought I’d get three raffle tickets to support a good charity, and was so excited when my name was called.
“I’m going to see things I’ve never seen before on the other side of the world; on the farm where I work, we don’t have robots so I can’t wait to see the Lely machines.”
Renee said she was also looking forward to seeing how things are done in the Netherlands and the farming systems in place.
“I’ve never been overseas and I’m so excited.”
Renee works on a dairy farm in Purnim and has been there for nearly six years.
“I made the decision to make dairy farming my career because I’m passionate about it and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done; it’s so much fun,” she said.
“That’s why it’s so great I’ve won on a night where we are supporting the Neil Porter Legacy Foundation.”
The Neil Porter Legacy Foundation champions career education in south-west Victoria and highlights the significance of all careers, including dairy farming.
Neil Porter Legacy Foundation representative Matt Porter said he was grateful for the support of WestVic Dairy and its Young Dairy Network Leadership Team.
“The foundation relies on generous community support to continue its work so we’re very grateful for the donation from this event,” Mr Porter said.
“We are even more grateful for the opportunity to showcase the important work the Neil Porter Legacy Foundation does to encourage students to pursue their interests and industry of choice.”
The Dairy Farmers’ Ball is an event initiated by the WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network Leadership Team.
The Young Dairy Network’s purpose is to connect, develop and support young people to excel and prosper in their dairy careers through engaging events and programs.
