The South West Dairy Ladies Luncheon celebrated its 20th anniversary with over 300 people in attendance.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
The South West Dairy Ladies Luncheon has celebrated its 20th anniversary by honouring the farmer who instigated the event.
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More than 300 guests were on hand to see a presentation to Dixie farmer Barb Collins, who worked for WestVic Dairy and came up with the luncheon idea.
Guest speaker at the luncheon for 2026 was Michelle Payne.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
“It was a drought at the time and women were feeling left out,” Mrs Collins said.
“There were events to support men, but there was nothing happening for women so we organised some funding and got it started.”
Renne Predergast, Michelle Lyons and Megan Berry.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
Denise Drysdale was guest at the first luncheon held in Terang and it set the tone for future events.
“I’ve always followed its progress and it has turned into an amazing event,” Mrs Collins said.
Barb Collins and Liza Fahy.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
Member of the organising team Liza Fahey made the presentation and said the event wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Mrs Collins.
Jo Stephens and Judy Kent.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
“Barb was at WestVic Dairy when I started and she was a great support who helped make me the person I am today,” Mrs Fahey said.
“The luncheon wouldn’t be the event it is if Barb hadn’t got it started.”
This year’s luncheon at Deakin University in Warrnambool followed the theme `Come Along for the Ride’ and featured guest speaker retired jockey and first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, Michelle Payne.
Rochelle Pekin and Anna Kenna.
Photo by
Rick Bayne
Ms Payne was at home among the dairy farmers.
“We had a dairy farm from when I was 7 to about 15,” she said. “Dad had the younger five kids up there helping every day. We had a roster and we all had to help out in the morning and at night.
“I have a real appreciation for how tough it is. There’s no day off and you have to work really hard.
“I have unbelievable respect for dairy farmers.”
During a question-and-answer session, Ms Payne spoke about the need for resilience, no matter what your industry.
“We all go through tough times but it’s important to stay positive through them.
“It can be really hard but it makes a world of difference in getting through to the other side if you can stay positive.”
Current organising committee chair, Anna Kenna, said the luncheon remained a popular and important event on the calendar.
“It’s so important to get women off the farm and come together to enjoy a day out and listen to some great speakers,” she said.
“We sold out in four days and still have a waiting list. It’s an event that people mark off in their calendar and look forward to every year.”
Mrs Kenna said that there was an upbeat atmosphere at the luncheon.
“Like always; there are some people that are happy with the way things are going, and some that aren’t,” she said.
“We know there are ups and downs in dairy and there can be tough some seasons, but it’s a great lifestyle for bringing up our kids and overall, most people in the industry are very positive.
“This season is better than last year. It’s a bit wet but you can make more money in mud than you can in dirt.”
The event is organised by an independent committee, supported by WestVic Dairy and Dairy Australia.
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