Originally published by New England Times
08.06.2026
PLC Armidale’s Livestock Team has celebrated another year of achievement, recognising the young women who continue to make their mark in the agricultural industry while contributing to causes beyond the show ring.
More than 80 students, families, staff and industry supporters attended the college’s annual Livestock Team Celebration Dinner, where stock and station agent Maddie Davidson encouraged students to back themselves and embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared.
PLC Armidale’s Livestock Team has celebrated another year of achievement, recognising the young women who continue to make their mark in the agricultural industry while contributing to causes beyond the show ring.
More than 80 students, families, staff and industry supporters attended the college’s annual Livestock Team Celebration Dinner, where stock and station agent Maddie Davidson encouraged students to back themselves and embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared.
“Apply for the job, take the opportunity, speak up, have the conversation and put yourself in the room, because the people doing amazing things are rarely the people who felt 100 per cent ready.”
Davidson said one of the greatest lessons she had learned was that success often comes from stepping outside a comfort zone.
“Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight. Confidence is built by doing things before you feel ready,” she said.
PLC Armidale Principal Nicola Taylor said Davidson’s message aligned strongly with the college’s commitment to equipping young women of character to lead lives of significance.
“Maddie’s story demonstrated the courage, resilience and determination required to pursue a passion and create opportunities,” Taylor said.
“These are qualities we actively foster through our livestock program and broader co-curricular experiences.”
The evening also highlighted the impact of the PLC Armidale Livestock Team’s long-standing partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
Through the annual preparation, showing and auctioning of a charity steer at the Sydney Royal Easter Show — this year’s steer, Supple Basil, donated by the Rumbel family of Guyra — the team has raised more than $110,000 for heart disease research.
Representing the institute’s foundation, Caitlin Mackie addressed guests and provided an update on research being supported through the students’ fundraising efforts.
Taylor said the partnership demonstrated the value of service learning and the difference young people could make in the broader community.
“Our students understand that agriculture is about more than production and competition. It is also about contributing to something bigger than themselves and using their skills and opportunities to create positive change,” she said.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural All-Round Stockwoman Award, a peer-nominated honour recognising leadership, sportsmanship, work ethic and contribution to the team.
The award was presented to Annie Wake, of Glen Innes, who received a bespoke Kidman Hat donated by Australian businesswoman and agricultural leader Gina Rinehart.
Co-Livestock Team Manager Briony Looker said the peer-nominated award reflected the values underpinning the Livestock Team.
“Technical skill is important, but so too are character, teamwork and the willingness to support others,” Looker said. “Annie embodies these qualities and is a worthy inaugural recipient.”
The PLC Armidale Livestock Team remains one of the college’s flagship programs, providing students with hands-on agricultural experience, leadership opportunities and strong industry connections.
As the evening concluded, students were reminded of Ms Davidson’s final message.
“Agriculture needs passionate, capable people, and there has never been a better time for young women to step forward and make their mark.”
For PLC Armidale’s young women, that mark is already being made — in the show ring, in the community and in the future of Australian agriculture.
