South-west dairy farmers Craig Dwyer, of Bullaharre, Lisa Dwyer, of Hawkesdale and Harper Kilpatrick from Koroit, were elected as supplier directors for the western region on Tuesday. 

The candidates said they believed a “strong Murray Goulburn” would benefit the industry.

The election follows a profit downgrade, deep cuts to farmgate milk price payments and the introduction of the Milk Support Supply Package (clawbacks) which left many in the dairy industry feeling frustrated. 

Mr Kilpatrick said he was very humbled with his election and recognised the role – representing suppliers and shareholders – would be challenging.

He urged anyone thinking of leaving the company to think twice. 

“Historically, Murray Goulburn has underpinned the milk price for all other companies,” Mr Kilpatrick said. “It’s important for all dairy farmers that the cooperative remain strong.”

Mr Kilpatrick said having a company that was profitable and able to deliver a good milk price was one of the most important things with his role to “effectively guide management” decisions.

“After that it's (important for MG to be) operating in a cooperative manner where suppliers’ needs are heard.”

Mr Dwyer was also humbled by his election and said he hoped to make a difference by influencing positive changes in communication, the way pricing was structured and a future market with less volatility. 

“Whether the information is good, bad or otherwise, (good communication) will let (suppliers) feel their voices are heard – no matter how much milk they supply,” Mr Dwyer said. 

“Murray Goulburn has four new directors so change is happening and I believe it to be beneficial for the future of the dairy industry.”

Ms Dwyer was unable to be contacted, however in a letter to suppliers and shareholders she said the destiny of Murray Goulburn rested with dairy farmers. 

She said the cooperative underpinned the success of “every dairy farming family in the nation” and she promised to help build “a renewed MG” with determination to make a difference. 

“I do not underestimate the challenge that MG has before it,” she said. “And (I will be) dedicated to the responsibilities the role of a director… brings.”

The new directors join Kelvin Jackson, Toora – elected in the Gippsland region – to be officially endorsed at Murray Goulburn’s annual general meeting late in October.