The first life memberships were presented on April 21, 1979, during a season break-up presentation and party at Pat and Rose Neris’ La Fontana (now Horsham Sports and Community Club).  

The first three awards were presented to Mr Keith Ellis, Mrs Maureen Ellis and Mrs Terry Griffin.

The club now has 15 life members.

Thanks to new president Terry Arnel for his help in completing the project.

The life members can be proud of their work over many years.

Congratulations to you all. You can now admire your names on the new board.

NORM GRIFFIN

Horsham

VICTORIAN farmers applaud Coles’ decision to set up a support fund for farmers hit by processor cuts to their milk price.

Last week, I contacted Coles managing director John Durkan to discuss a range of support measures, including delivering a share of milk sales revenue to a support fund for dairy farmers. 

It’s great to see Coles responding to the call with a practical move that shows they appreciate the need to support farmers.

It’s a credit to Mr Durkan that he’s stepped up to the mark and acted quickly to establish the fund, injecting $1-million of Coles’ money to get it started.

The new initiative will be similar to arrangements Coles has in South Australia and Western Australia, where a share of branded milk revenue goes to projects that support local dairy farmers.

Coles will establish an independent committee to oversee the fund.

The federation and its dairy section, the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, look forward to sitting on the fund’s advisory committee.

The dairy industry, like all agricultural industries, is vitally important to the Australian economy, so this initiative is about consumers and industry coming together to support farmers.

We believe the plan is positive news for the industry during an otherwise difficult time.

PETER TUOHEY

President, Victorian Farmers Federation 

CUTTING the state’s agriculture budget has hurt communities preparing for a dairy industry crisis while recovering from drought.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford last week admitted the agriculture output budget had been cut by $36.1-million – or nine per cent – since the 2015-16 state budget.

The slashed budget sent a clear message to farmers in dire need of support after this month’s dramatic milk price cuts following one of the driest periods on record.

The price cuts from Murray Goulburn and Fonterra have left dairy farmers in a crisis and communities will feel the effect across the region.

When these farmers struggle and lose money, there’s less spending and all of western Victoria experiences the economic impact.

We now learn that the minister, who was unprepared for the dairy crisis and did not respond to the warning signs, has allowed $36-million to be torn from the agriculture budget.

This revelation has added insult to injury and tells regional communities loud and clear that the Andrews government doesn’t care about farmers or country Victoria.

It’s sad but true - the further you are from Melbourne, the less attention and spending you get from this government.

SIMON RAMSAY

Member for Western Victoria