BANGOR’S MATT DUNBABIN
NAMED 2015 AUSTRALIAN FARMER OF THE YEAR
TASMANIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
Seventh generation Tasmanian farmer Matt Dunbabin has been named 2015 Australian Farmer of the Year at the sixth annual Australian Farmer of the Year Awards, hosted by Kondinin Group and ABC Rural. Matt also collected Diversification Farmer of the Year at the Sydney awards ceremony last night.
Matt is a seventh generation Tasmanian farmer at the Bangor property at Dunalley in south east Tasmania, where his family have farmed since 1890. He lives with his wife Vanessa and three children on the 6200 hectare property with enterprises including a superfine merino flock for fine wool production, prime lambs and beef cattle for meat, cropping, and a cool climate vineyard.
In 2014, Bangor diversified into food and wine tourism when they opened Bangor Vineyard Shed. ‘The Shed’ offers Bangor’s wine, and a range of local Tasmanian produce, showcasing stories behind the people and produce of the local region.
“With such a range of outstanding farmers at last night’s awards ceremony, it was an honour to be recognised for what we do. This award is for the whole Bangor team.” said a humbled Matt of his award recognition. “I think all farmers are innovative. Farming is both challenging and exciting, and what Australian farmers do well, is play to the strengths of their farming systems to produce outstanding food and fibre.”
Tasmania punched above its weight at the awards, taking out four of the 10 categories. Other winners included honey producer Lindsay Bourke named Biosecurity Farmer of the Year and Brian and Michele Lawrence, claiming Dairy Farmer of the Year title.
“Tasmania is a wonderful place to farm, with a lot of optimism in the industry and a lot of farmers doing great things down here,” added Matt who was one of 26 finalists nominated in nine categories for the 2015 awards.
For interview contact: Matt Dunbabin , Bangor, Dunalley, Tasmania Ph: 0438 535 788 www.bangor.com.au
