The 2025 Gippsland Jersey Farming Conversations Calendar was launched last week at Gippsland Jersey’s on-farm factory in Lakes Entrance, shining a spotlight on inspiring stories of resilience and determination within the Gippsland dairy farming community.
This year’s edition features a range of powerful stories, including a young farming couple in their early 20s balancing parenthood with running a dairy, a survivor of a life-changing farming accident, a retiring solo female farmer, a widow who tragically lost her husband in the Mirboo North storm, and families navigating the complexities of modern dairy farming.
Among them is Swan Reach’s Wayne Cunningham, a fifth-generation farmer who exemplifies innovation and perseverance. Managing 600 acres in Swan Reach and 85 acres in Bruthen, Wayne transitioned to organic farming over two decades ago, revolutionising his operation.
After noticing health issues in his herd and rising input costs, Wayne and his father, Harry, turned to mineral-based, natural solutions, breathing new life into their farm.
“Now in its eighth year, the calendar has grown from a platform for mental health awareness to a celebration of personal wellbeing and self-care in the farming community,” coordinator of the event and co-founder of Gippsland Jersey Sallie Jones said.
“Farmers are increasingly recognising the importance of identifying fatigue, setting boundaries, and stepping back when needed to protect their mental health.”
Continued page 4
From page 1
The launch also announced an exciting new initiative, the upcoming opening of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in East Gippsland.
This free service, tailored for individuals aged 26 and over, will offer telehealth, outreach, and in-person appointments, providing vital mental health support to the East Gippsland community.
Every dairy farmer in Gippsland will receive a copy of the calendar via their milk tanker over the next week.
Calendars are free and available via the Gippsland Jersey website.
