Celebrating women leading the herd at the Melbourne Royal Show
11 Sep 2024 / Melbourne Royal Competitions, Melbourne Royal Show
Exceptional female competitors in the Beef Cattle Competition at the Melbourne Royal Show have long set the standard for dedication, expertise, and passion, breaking barriers and setting new standards in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Their success stories are not only a testament to their hard work and perseverance but also an inspiration for future generations of cattle exhibitors. Meet three women who’ve played a pivotal role in shaping the beef industry.
Pictured: Noelene King OAM
Noelene King OAM
Noelene King was introduced to the Melbourne Royal Show as a young girl, hand in hand with her father who was a prominent dairy cattle steward.
Following in her father Jack Rae’s footsteps, Noelene King has been a familiar face on various committees, including the Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle and Beef Carcase Committee , where she was one of the few women involved. Her passion for agriculture and youth development was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
For 12 years, Nolene served as Chair of the Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle and Beef Carcase Committee and worked tirelessly to improve the show offering and mentor young stewards.
“I receive great joy watching the achievements of many young people I have mentored,” Noelene said. “Seeing them exhibit and judge around the country and handing on the baton to the next generation who will continue to uphold the pursuit of excellence in the show ring.”
Noelene successfully operates two farms in South Gippsland breeding Stud Charolais and fattening commercial Angus and Hereford – and her love for the Melbourne Royal Show remains strong.
“What I love about the Melbourne Royal Show is the opportunities available to network with your fellow cattle breeders, witnessing the joy the next generation of young farming people get from interacting with like minded people and the carrying on of a 175 year old tradition plus educating our city cousins on the importance of agriculture.”
Gina Ryan
Together with her late husband, Mel Ryan, Gina Ryan embarked on a remarkable journey exhibiting cattle from renowned studs including Penbro Park, Glenburn, and their own Glenview Del Stud.
For 13 years she was a popular figure in the junior handler competition and was ‘shed captain’ for six years, pocketing valuable experience in judging roles.
“I have a great love of the Melbourne Royal Show and meeting interesting people from all walks of life. I take great delight in dealing with the children who attend the Show,” Gina said.
Gina’s contributions to the Melbourne Royal Show were recognised with the President's Medal in 2001 and induction into the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Beef Cattle Hall of Fame in 2019. She cherishes countless memories of the Show, including winning the title of Most Successful Exhibitor in 1990 and shining in the captivating Parade of Champions in 2000 with a Simmental heifer named Tilly, bred and owned by Glenview Del Simmentals. She was never beaten in the show ring.
“ I have experienced much joy and pride in doing my very best at getting my cattle for showing to peak condition,” Gina said.
“The end result is that I have had much success in the judging ring and with our breeding programme.”
Gina Ryan (middle) at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2006 with her sister Louise and her father.
Pictured: Robyn O’Leary
Robyn O’Leary
Robyn O’Leary was inducted into the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Beef Cattle Hall of Fame in 2017, a fitting tribute for the much-loved agricultural teacher at Finley High School.
Since 1994 she has been accompanying students to the Melbourne Royal Show in the cattle, sheep, carcase and cattle and poultry competitions.
While it’s a highly decorated school, in 2022 her students won the coveted Bott-Burtson trophy for the Most Successful School, paraded the shows Supreme Champion Poll Dorset Exhibit, Senior Champion Shorthorn Bull and the Grand Champion Carcase in the Beef Carcase competition – a year you ‘mostly dream about’, Mrs O’Leary reflected. She’ll be back to contest the title again at this year’s show.
Tiffany Maestrale
Passionate about driving change through mentoring the next generation of wool enthusiasts is a school student from Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula who will represent the state of Victoria in the prestigious national finals for Merino fleece judging later this year.
“I have competed in the Young Judges competitions around Victoria since I was involved with my school's sheep show team. I have had experience in some wool sheds, classing and skirting Corriedale wool,” the year 11 student said.
Her journey began with the Flinders Christian Community College Sheep Show Team, where she served as captain for three years and now mentors young competitors. Tiffany is in her second year of completing a Certificate ll in Agriculture.
Pictured on right: Tiffany Maestrale at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show