The Ball was held on Saturday 25 November at Warrnambool Racecourse’s Matilda Rooms.
LET'S TALK's Executive Officer Alex Mellert said it was great to see so many farmers come together to spend an elegant night out supporting mental health.
"The support we felt on the night for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health was overwhelming and shows how important this topic is to the farming community."
"We are incredibly thankful to the WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network leadership team for choosing LET'S TALK as the charity for this year and everyone who attended for making this an amazing event," she said.
"We also want to say thanks to Lely for their generous sponsorship and the businesses for donating items for the auction, without whom the night would not have been possible."
The first item on the night’s agenda was the charity auction. After some stiff competition, three generous bidders successfully walked away with great prizes: a two-night stay in the Grampians, a two-night stay in Port Fairy, and a prized heifer.
It was then on to the main charity raising event of the night – the highly anticipated raffle to win a trip to the Netherlands, which was provided by Lely.
The winner was Terang dairy farmer Oscar Baxter. Oscar was there on the night to hear his name called.
“I didn’t think I was going to win. I had two tickets before the ball and ended up buying three more tickets on the night. One of the tickets I brought on the night was the winner!” Oscar said.
Oscar has recently taken on a farming management opportunity and is looking forward to the trip. The prize included return airfares to Amsterdam, a week’s accommodation, itinerary of farm visits as well as behind-the-scenes access to Lely Headquarters.
“I’m excited about this once in a lifetime experience – going and seeing the different ways of farming, the barn-style indoor cow system and the different rules and regulations,” Oscar said.
“It was a great night, and it was so good to see everyone dig deep to raise such a big amount for a great charity.”
The night was a great success, with thanks going to Lely – the events exclusive sponsor – and the businesses who donated the auction items: Grampians Villas, Audley’s Accommodation and Emu Banks Holsteins and Jerseys.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the night a success, including the WestVic Dairy Young Dairy Network Leadership Team, which did an excellent job organising the event. Also, thank you to Charles Stewart and Co. auctioneer Lochae McLauchlan, as well as everyone who purchased a raffle ticket and came along on the night.
