News

Stanhope’s LEGENDAIRY effort recognised in Parliament

17 November 2015

 

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan has congratulated the community of Stanhope on being named Australia’s first LEGENDAIRY capital.

Ms Ryan commended Stanhope in Parliament yesterday on being chosen above 39 other towns across Australia to receive the coveted title.

Ms Ryan said the LEGENDAIRY status was awarded by Dairy Australia after a search for the nation’s most vibrant and resilient dairying communities.

“Stanhope was founded as a soldier settlement during the First World War. As the home of Australia's 18th Prime Minister John 'Black Jack' McEwen, the town is synonymous with The Nationals and has a special place in the history of our party,” Ms Ryan said.

“The community has weathered its fair share of challenges in recent years including a decade long drought and the unbundling of water rights driven by the Bracks and Brumby Governments which has seen thousands of megalitres of water leave the district. 

“Against the odds, Stanhope is still a close-knit, community minded town, with dairying at its heart.

“The community has been recognised because of the willingness of its residents to chip in and help each other out and its ability to rise above the tough times it has faced in recent years.”

Ms Ryan said Stanhope residents will use the grant of $10,000 towards building a playground at the Stanhope Recreation Reserve which has been identified as a need by the community for many years now.

“I congratulate the entire community of Stanhope - but in particular Andrew Hipwell and Kerry Gray who have been instrumental in driving this application,” Ms Ryan said.

“I cannot think of a community more worthy of the title of LEGENDAIRY capital of Australia.”

To find out more about the community of Stanhope and hear from some passionate locals video: www.legendairy.com.au/dairy-talk/Stanhope/video

For more information on Australia’s LEGENDAIRY Capital 2015 visit: www.legendairy.com.au/dairy-talk/capital