Dairy Program
2005 - 2007

Building on the initial success and support of the broadacre project, a push was instigated to extend the SFF program to the Victorian Dairy industry.  Support and funding was provided to develop the research potential of the SFF program through ten major dairy regions throughout Victoria and encompassed over 210 dairy farm families.  The SDFF program, as it thus became was delivered to eleven (11) groups of dairy farm families over three years.

The program encompassed an annual workshop, newsletters, industry association involvement, pre and post knowledge surveys, personal action plans and measurements of clinical indicators.  The program collected the necessary research data to enable an insight into the relationship between dairy farmer health and dairy farm sustainability.  The program has also highlighted the links between health, stress, injury, rural isolation and employment in the dairy industry.

The program was the first Major Community Development Project to receive funding from the Gardiner foundation and it promised to be be a very important piece of research for dairy farmers and their families.  This particular program identified the need for strong intersectoral collaboration.  Partnerships were developed with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), LaTrobe University Bendigo, WestVic Dairy, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Colac Area Health Service, United Dairy Farmers of Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation.

The Sustainable Dairy Farm Families program ran between 2005 and 2007.

Credit must be directed to the following organisations for their support and dedication to the promotion and improvement of Dairy Farm Family Health, Well-Being and Safety: