Dairy producers encouraged to cast a vote for the future

A ballot that could change the future of dairy industry representation is being held in New South Wales. Eligible dairy farmers are encouraged to vote in a ballot that seeks to alter the trustee of the Graham Park Dairy Trust from NSW Farmers Association to Dairy Connect NSW.

Dairy Connect is an initiative of the NSW dairy industry, supported by Dairy NSW, Dairy Industry Conference (DICon) and the dairy committee of the NSW Farmers Association. The not-for-profit organisation was established to be a single, unified voice for the NSW dairy industry, working to support, promote and advocate for the interests of dairy farmers, milk vendors, processors and manufacturers.

Dairy Connect says it will “reunite the once-powerful NSW dairy industry by enabling all sectors to again work together in practical and sustainable ways”.

“We have developed a robust business case and proven we are already making a significant difference. The response has been overwhelmingly supportive for our objectives, right across the industry,” says chairperson of Dairy Connect NSW and dairy producer Adrian Drury.

“We share the objectives of the Graham Park Dairy Trust and will build on its intent. We represent the future of the NSW dairy industry and everyone we have spoken to or met with understands how vital this work is,” said Adrian. “Our industry is at a crossroads - the time is now.”

“We encourage all producers who have received the ballot to now have their say,” said George Davey AM, dairy industry leader and former NSW Dairy Corporation general manager.

Postal ballot forms have now been distributed to eligible NSW dairy producers. The ballot papers must be returned and postmarked before 5 pm on Thursday 18 October. The results of the ballot will be announced in late October.