Elise Hill was nominated for her extraordinary contribution to the Upper Murray community, where she balances life as a dairy farmer with extensive charitable work and numerous volunteer roles at the Cudgewa Football Netball Club.
As this year’s winner, Elise has secured $10,000 worth of safety improvements for her farm and a further $10,000 in safety upgrades for Cudgewa FNC.
The annual competition, run by WorkSafe in partnership with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, recognises Victorian farmers who go above and beyond for their sporting clubs and communities.
For years, Elise has been a driving force behind the Cudgewa Blues, volunteering as a first-aider, trainer, fundraiser, committee member, roster co-ordinator and umpire.
She’s also become a trusted source of support for locals experiencing mental health challenges.
Elise said helping others had always been part of life in the Upper Murray.
“For a lot of us around here it’s never been about awards or recognition,” she said.
“We all pitch in and help others however we can, because that’s what being part of a community means.”
Earlier this year, Elise and her husband stepped in to support the family of a local farmer who tragically died following a quad bike rollover, helping maintain dairy operations and care for livestock.
This year’s Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition attracted nominations from across Victoria, with finalists each receiving a farm safety package valued at almost $2000, an OHS Essentials workplace safety consultation and sporting equipment for their local club.
8°C