Gerard Hines

Why did you decide to partner with Active Farmers?

As our company are the founding Sponsors of Active Farmers, I felt that to best reflect our companies and my commitment to the cause, and to ensure Ginny had enough support and ability to fundraise effectively into the Agri sector, especially during the Not For Profit (NFP) establishment phase, it would be a very worthwhile thing for me to be involved in and to further contribute to. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up on a 4th generation family farm at Wallendbeen in Southern NSW, attended Orange Ag College, and always thought I would also be a farmer. I had a nasty accident in 1987 which resulted in me taking some time out from the farm, and I pursued an opportunity in the agri services space with a local fertiliser company. I really enjoyed the retail and distribution sector, and then was fortunate to have the opportunity to get into my own small business with some experienced industry participants. Nearly 30 years later I am still loving the challenges and opportunities to work with great colleagues to create and build a broad and diverse agribusiness (Delta Agribusiness) that focuses on rewarding shareholders, developing career opportunities for our people, and contributes strongly to adding value to our customers, communities, and profitable and sustainable agriculture.   

What do you love about Regional Australia?

I love the authenticity, diversity, sense of humour and resilience of rural people. Farmers and rural communities are very innovative, have a deep and strong commitment to not only being a critical provider of food and fibre, but are passionate about the communities they are a part of, genuinely care for each other, and are trusting and honest people striving to make a difference for their families and communities.

Why is it so important that Regional Australians have access to services that are abundant in the city?

There will always be a trade off between what’s possible from a services perspective in a large city, that also comes with all its intensity, stress, affordability and other issues, compared to living in the relaxed, peaceful regional areas with reduced infrastructure and services. The main reason Ginny created Active Farmers was to recognise and address the rising prevalence of  a declining mental wellness and the prevalence of rural suicide which is on the rise. Farming is getting more and more isolated with increased automation and improved technologies, which is great for efficiencies, but detrimental in some ways for health, fitness and emotional wellbeing. Its very important to recognise the pressure points, and to find ways to fill the gaps where possible in these rural and remote areas to help address this trend by providing qualified support and resources around fitness and well-being.  Just bringing people together regularly with a common purpose so they can communicate and discuss there issues is a major step in the right direction, and Active Farmers is one such initiative that is making a difference.  

Why did you decide to become a Patron?

I was kindly asked by Ginny, and I feel honored to be invited to be a patron, and gratefully accept this position.  It will also allow me to remain connected to Active Farmers in a very meaningful way, and continue to hopefully be an influencer and supporter for healthy and happy rural communities.

What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a Patron?

It’s a honor to be invited, and I would encourage anyone to accept such a privilege.

Emma Rossi

Emma spent nearly two decades reporting for news and current affairs on national television, a job that took her overseas as a foreign correspondent, across Australia as a reporter, and into the lounge rooms across the world as a news presenter.

Emma has been an Australia Day Ambassador for the NSW Premier and Cabinet since 2013, and was instrumental in the establishment of Mary’s House, a refuge in Sydney’s lower north shore for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Today Emma is the Director Of Strategic Communications at ACCC.

Why did you decide to join the Active Farmers board?

I feel passionately about regional and rural Australia. There is a lot of research that those in remote and regional areas have reduced access to healthcare and higher rates of ill health. It’s such a joy to be involved in Active Farmers because it has the blessed triumvirate: exercise, community and stretching our brain.

What do I love about regional Australia?

I could ride a horse before I could ride a bike. My family had a farm in the Pilliga and that’s where I learnt to conserve water, ride muster and preg test a cow. I attended pony club and have encouraged my kids to do the same including week long live in camp. I love the smell of the bush, the sounds of bird warnings, cattle bellows and frogs in freshwater creeks. Most of all I love the people: their gentle ribbing, innovative thinking and generosity of spirit.

Why is it so important that Regional Australian’s have access to services that are abundant in the city?

I live in Sydney and there seems to be a gym in every second block in the city. In the country? Very little. That’s where Active Farmers group fitness classes are so terrific because they get us moving, while bringing people together in wonderful physical networks. The mental health improvements are a brilliant bi product!

Why did you decide to become a patron?

I think what Active Farmers is achieving is so important. I decided on more than a one off donation. I hope to enable Ginny and team to have confidence to grow and prosper.

Nerida White

Nerida has been a part of the Active Farmers family since the beginning and has worked tirelessly as a Board member to help us build a great foundation. She has supported Active Farmers wholeheartedly and has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. In addition to this, Nerida has also demonstrated support by contributing financially, and has always gone above and beyond her role as a voluntary Board member. Nerida recently retired from the Board but has left a lasting legacy that we will continue to build upon well into the future. In recognition of all Nerida has done for Active Farmers over the years it makes perfect sense that we welcome her as our newest Patron. Thank you Nerida!

In her own words…
Growing up on a sheep, cattle and wheat property on the Murray River in NSW, I caught fish in the lagoon and had them for dinner the same night, collected mushrooms in the rain, helped out in the sheep yards, sold oranges from our grove and manure from under the shearing shed for pocket money, learned the piano and played tennis.

But I know there were many trials and tribulations, among them flood, drought, fire and banks!

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, I worked in education (mostly in rural Victoria) and politics before nearly two decades as a corporate communications and regulatory affairs executive in Australia, Switzerland and Hong Kong.

Before the invention of ‘the gap year’, I spent 12 months in 1980 as cook for a camping tour company across Europe in charge of three meals a day for up to 56 people. And a stint in Harrod’s Dairy Produce over Christmas when you could buy 125g of cheese and have it delivered to your home around the corner in central London!

Having ‘retired’ I am now actively involved in the operation of a small mixed farming partnership in western Victoria.

Involvement with Active Farmers

Introduced to Ginny through a family connection, we worked closely together on refining the rationale, framework and strategies for establishing Active Farmers as a not-for-profit.

Although an urbanite for most of my adult life, including stints in Switzerland and Hong Kong, Ginny’s purpose, passion and determination to make a lasting difference in small farming communities was infectious and contagious. And Ginny’s vision of regular local group fitness classes to build stronger and more resilient farming communities was a no-brainer.

Joe Briggs

Joe Briggs has had significant involvement with Active Farmers over the past 2 years, including an enormous effort in raising funds for Active Farmers during the inaugural Active Farmers 'Ride For Resilience' in 2019. More recently, Joe’s contribution to Active Farmers has been behind the scenes as he joins us as our newest Board member. We are now honoured to appoint him as an Active Farmers Patron in acknowledgement of his huge and continuing contribution.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a 5th generation farmer from Coleambally in NSW where we run a mixed irrigation property. I love to support my local community and I'm involved with a number of local groups including our Community Gym, local Apex and of course Active Farmers. When I get time, I like to travel and I also have my pilots licence so I like to get out for a fly too.

When did you first become involved with Active Farmers?

I initially became involved when I heard about the Active Farmers fundraising event, the 'Ride For Resilience' held in 2019, which was a 400km plus bike ride from Forbes to Mangoplah. I’m not a cyclist but I decided to take on the challenge as I needed something to take my mind off the severe drought we were in at the time. I remember agreeing to do it before I’d even bought a road bike! My involvement with Active Farmers has kept rolling from there with helping to bring Active Farmers to my home town, and now also as a Board member.

Why is it so important that Regional Australians have access to services that are abundant in the city?

I think it’s important because we shouldn’t miss out on the same opportunities just because we are isolated. We should have as much access to services as possible, especially health services.

What does it mean to you to become a Patron of Active Farmers?

I was unexpectedly asked to be a Patron. My contribution to Active Farmers has not been for personal recognition. I’ve involved myself because I believe in what Active Farmers is about. I’m very humbled to be asked and recognised for my contribution in this way.