Gardiner Foundation

05/06/2026

The Gardiner Alumni Network is live.

If you've been part of a Gardiner funded opportunity, there's a place for you in a growing community of Victorian dairy leaders.

Connect with peers across the industry. Sit on grants panels. Mentor the next generation. Stay close to the work.

Register now or share with someone you know should be part of it: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/alumni/

02/06/2026

Gardiner Foundation is proud to support the Stepping Up into Community Leadership program, run by Leadership Great South CGardiner Foundation is proud to support the Stepping Up into Community Leadership program, run by Leadership Great South Coast.

This 10-day program is designed for people in south west Victoria who are new to community leadership, looking to build their skills, or wanting to deepen their connections across the region. It runs July to November across Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Corangamite Shires and Warrnambool City.

EOIs are open now and close 15 June with over $30,000 in scholarships available.

If you're in the dairy community and this sounds like you (or someone you know), it's worth a look: https://www.lgsc.org.au/stepping-up-into-community-leadership

01/06/2026

The 2026 VFF UDV Conference is off to a great start in Ballarat, with Gardiner alum and rural podcasting specialist Kirsten Diprose leading proceedings as MC for the day.

We're proud to be sponsoring this important event, which brings together dairy farmers, industry leaders and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Victoria's dairy industry.

From innovation and profitability to sustainability and leadership, it's great to see the industry coming together to share ideas, strengthen connections and help build a strong future for dairy.

25/05/2026

When dairy farmers are constantly managing day-to-day pressures, taking the time to step back and plan for the future can be difficult.

That’s why programs like Our Farm, Our Plan matter.

Developed by Dairy Australia and proudly supported by Gardiner, the program has helped more than 1,450 farmers nationwide build clearer business goals, strengthen decision making and improve resilience through practical strategic planning support.

For many participants, it’s been the first time their long-term vision for the farm has been properly mapped out on paper, with ongoing one-on-one support helping turn plans into action.

Stories like this show the impact of investing in people, businesses and the long-term future of Victorian dairy communities.

Explore our Impact Report and see how that impact continues to grow. 👉 https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/about/our-impact/

18/05/2026

Big things are ahead for Victorian dairy.

Introducing the Elevate Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), a group of experienced dairy farmers and industry leaders helping shape the future of innovation adoption in Victoria.

Made up of seven active dairy farmers and experts spanning veterinary science, agribusiness, finance, research and governance, the IAC will help identify the industry challenges that matter most and assess proven innovations from around the world with the potential to deliver real impact on farm.

From reviewing innovators to participating in the Innovator Roadshow and guiding adoption support, the Committee brings deep industry knowledge, practical experience and strong networks to the Elevate Dairy program.

Their focus is simple: connecting Victorian dairy farmers with innovations that improve profitability, productivity and long-term sustainability.

Learn more: https://elevatedairy.com.au/2026/05/16/introducing-the-elevate-dairy-industry-advisory-committee/

13/05/2026

🐄 We're hitting the road again! Elevate Dairy, powered by Gardiner Foundation, will be on the ground at both Raising the Roof and the UDV Conference to listen, hear about what's important to you, what challenges you're facing and connect around what's next for hashtag dairy.

👉 If you're a dairy farmer, we'd love to connect. Come and say hello to the Elevate Dairy team Donna Gibson, Jolien Paalman and Ming Fung Chua.

🔗Learn more: www.elevatedairy.com.au
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11/05/2026

Two grant programs. One goal: Stronger dairy communities.

Gardiner Foundation has opened the 2026 Community Collaborative Grants and Community Development Grants, supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen connection, resilience and long-term prosperity across Victoria’s dairying regions.

Funding available:

• Up to $75,000 over three years through the Community Collaborative Grants

• Up to $10,000 through the Community Development Grants

From grassroots community projects to larger collaborative initiatives, these programs back local organisations creating meaningful impact in dairy communities.

Learn more and apply: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/news/gardiner-foundation-opens-2026-community-grants-across-victorias-dairy-regions/

07/05/2026

Proud to partner with the 2026 Victorian Farmers Federation UDV Conference, bringing Victorian dairy farmers together to tackle the big issues shaping the future of the industry.

From profitability and innovation to policy, leadership and the next generation of dairy advocacy, this year’s conference will create important conversations for the sector and the communities that rely on it.

📍 Goods Shed, Ballarat

📅 31 May-1 June 2026

We look forward to being part of the discussion alongside farmers, industry leaders and innovators from across Victoria.

Find out more and register here: https://vff.org.au/event/2026-vff-dairy-conference/

06/05/2026

The Gardiner Foundation Board and Team has been on the ground in Gippsland this week, visiting dairy farms and hearing directly from the people shaping the future of Victoria’s dairy industry.

From pasture-based family operations to robotic milking systems and cutting-edge genetics, the visit highlighted the innovation, leadership and resilience driving regional dairy communities.

A big thank you to Damien and Trudy Murphy for welcoming us to their DeLaval robotic milking operation at Dumbalk North and sharing insights into innovation and technology adoption on farm.

Thank you also to Maree Dennan of Leongatha South, whose family’s connection to Gardiner includes daughter Sage receiving a 2026 Gardiner Tertiary Scholarship as she pursues studies toward veterinary medicine.

And to Graeme Nicoll and Gillian Hayman at Fish Creek, thank you for sharing your perspectives on sustainability, resilience and the future of the Australian dairy industry. Graeme’s longstanding industry leadership and Gillian’s extensive experience in natural resource management and agricultural extension made for valuable discussions.

The Board and Team also visited Jelbart Dairy, where Tim Jelbart shared insights into large-scale dairy operations, genetics, innovation, including work leading the national ImProving Herds project.

Thank you to all the farmers and families who opened their gates and shared their stories, challenges and ambitions for the future of dairy.

05/05/2026

Great to see the impact of the Picasso Cows program continue.

Proud to have supported this program over many years, building early understanding of dairy and where food comes from.

Take a look: https://www.dairy.com.au/education/teachers/picasso-cows

The Picasso Cows Program is launching for Term 2 in 52 schools across NSW, VIC and SA!

This hands-on program helps students explore where their food comes from while getting creative with dairy-inspired art.

A huge thank you to Gardiner Foundation, who are partnering with the Picasso Cows program for a third year to help extend the program’s reach and impact.

Learn more: dairy.com.au/education/teachers/picasso-cows 🐄🎨