This ISN'T JUST A TAX. IT'S THE LAST STRAW

sallie@gippslandjersey.com.au (Sallie Jones) — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:52:30 GMT

Today, I marched.

Not for headlines. Not for politics.

I marched because I know what it feels like to lose someone when they found the burden too hard and I truly feel this "levy" will make the burden too hard for some.

In 2016, I lost my dad to suicide.

He was my hero. A proud dairy farmer. A man who often pulled 18-hour days. He was big in frame, big in heart—passionate, logical, brave, entrepreneurial, and kind. He loved a good story, was hugely empathetic, and always generous. But when it came to government overreach? He saw red.

There are many stories when my dad saw injustices and he had no choice but to act. Some he won, others he lost. But he had no regrets.

Back then, I didn’t fully understand the weight he was carrying. I probably didn’t show much support. We’d roll our eyes at his passionate phone calls and conversations or the way he’d sometimes give it to the people in ivory towers.

Now that I’m in my 40s, I get it...............I really get it.

All those years of fighting to keep the farm going, dealing with red tape, battling isolation, family pressures… it wore him down. He didn’t have a tribe or hobbies to burn off the stress.

And in the end the burden got to much for him and it took him.

If Dad were here today, he would’ve been front and center at the protest. Loud, fueled with passion and a want to correct the injustice and ease the burden unfairly put on his fellow farmers. He would’ve had the biggest sign and likely even grabbed the megaphone!

And he would’ve been proud—proud to see farmers rise up together. No more quiet suffering. No more just accepting a decision made without consulting all the stakeholders.

Experience the Lakes Entrance Dip This 2025 Winter Solstice

Holla Koala — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:41:46 GMT

Dive into an invigorating experience this winter solstice, where mental clarity meets community spirit.

🎉 FREE Matcha + WIN a Road Trip to the Farm!

Holla Koala — Thu, 15 May 2025 02:20:27 GMT

🎉 FREE Matcha + WIN a Road Trip to the Farm!

Ritchies CEO, Fred Harrison is backing in the small guys!

sallie@gippslandjersey.com.au (Sallie Jones) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:57:16 GMT

Gippsland Jersey Blog

This ISN'T JUST A TAX. IT'S THE LAST STRAW

Experience the Lakes Entrance Dip This 2025 Winter Solstice

🎉 FREE Matcha + WIN a Road Trip to the Farm!

Ritchies CEO, Fred Harrison is backing in the small guys!

Fred Harrison of Ritchies IGA, championing the small guys 🥛🥇💛