MORE than 330 south west dairy farming women attended sold-out annual South West Dairy Ladies Luncheon in Warrnambool on August 17 making it a sold-out success.

The event is the largest in the region for women in dairy and provides an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to connect.

South West Dairy Ladies Luncheon committee member, Belinda Doolan said, “the Ladies Luncheon gets women in dairy off the farm and brings them together”.

“We can be neighbours and milk next door to each other but never see one another,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity to check in and to share our successes and have a laugh.”

Attendees heard from a range of guest speakers, including broadcaster, TV presenter, journalist and writer, Myf Warhurst.

“I was born in Portland,” Myf said. 

“So, it’s lovely to come back to the region and connect with local women.

“I love a long lunch celebrating other people’s hard work.”

Myf regaled attendees with tales of her childhood, speaking of her time growing up in the Western District.

She spoke of the huge move to the city to pursue a ‘nontraditional’ career, and the excellent base being a country kid gave her for her successes in life.  

Westpac, national general manager for regional and agribusiness, Peta Ward, spoke on the importance of supporting and acknowledging the vital role women have in the dairy industry.

Attendees also heard from local businesswoman, Caroline Simmons, who along with her partner Tim established and developed the now famous Timboon Fine Ice-Cream company in 1999 using fresh milk that comes from the Doolan family farm down the road. 

Farm business consultant Fiona Smith spoke about the Dairy Australia Our Farm, Our Plan program and the importance of setting long term goals to improve business performance.

The variety of speakers resulted in great discussion, and those in attendance took the opportunity to catch up with friends and fellow dairy industry women over a delicious lunch and drink or two. There were several local market stalls to browse, with everything from crockery to local artworks on display.  

This was the 13th annual Ladies Luncheon, which has gone from strength to strength over that time.

Since its inception, it has been organised by the South West Ladies Luncheon Committee with the support of WestVic Dairy, and is a day not to be missed in local ladies calendars.

The Ladies Luncheon would not be possible without the generous support of local organisations through sponsorship, gifts, hampers, and lucky door prizes.