Ginny Stevens

FOUNDER & AMBASSADOR

Growing up on a farm in Tasmania and now living on a farm in Mangoplah in the NSW Riverina Ginny understands the unique challenges farmers face in maintaining their fitness and well-being.

Where it all began

Active Farmers was established to address the alarming mental health statistics in regional Australia. Ginny's goal was to bring communities together through regular group fitness classes in a fun and interactive environment. These classes mimic the 'team sport effect,' fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Our Vision

Since being granted charity status in 2018, our vision has remained steadfast: to build stronger and more resilient farming communities.

Led by a dedicated board, a small team of staff, numerous volunteer committees, and 30 qualified personal trainers, Active Farmers now serves 42 small farming communities across the country. Our trainers conduct over 250 classes per month, engaging more than 1,500 participants, to improve the health and well-being of their communities.

  • Our goal is to continue growing, serving more small farming communities, and ultimately saving more lives through a proactive, grassroots approach to health.

Introducing Our Board

  • Judy Hargrave

    Board Chair

    Judy retired back to Melbourne in 2018 after practising law as a corporate counsel for multinationals for over 30 years in Australia, Hong Kong, and Latin America.

    Since returning to Australia Judy has worked with a few Not For Profit Organisations in different capacities from hands-on operational activities, to mentoring, to Board membership. She is also on the Board of another social enterprise, For Change Co Ltd, which provides pathways out of homelessness for youth.

  • Jeremy Hutchings

    Board Member

    Jeremy, with a lifelong passion for agriculture, brings extensive experience as a leading company strategist and business coach to his role as Managing Director of Farm Owners Academy. Raised on a productive mixed farming enterprise in Yerong Creek, NSW, he studied Agricultural Science, Economics, and Trade, and built a career in farm and agribusiness consulting. Now residing with his wife Jane and four children on a farm near Cootamundra, NSW, Jeremy has well-established business acumen and a strong background in strategy, growth, and performance management.

  • Neil Brown

    Board Member

    Neil is a CPA and Director of Gardner Brown Accountants, specialising in business accounting services for the past eight years. With over 20 years of experience in Banking and Financial Services, Neil grew up on a mixed farm between Tarcutta and Borambola.

    He began his career with Macquarie Bank in the Funds Management Group and then worked at the Royal Bank of Canada in Sydney on the Securities Lending and FX trading desk. Neil and his wife spent 18 months in Toronto working on the stock lending desk with RBC before returning to the Wagga area.

  • Joe Briggs

    Board Member

    Joe is a mixed irrigation farmer from Coleambally, NSW. He is a member of the Southern Valley Cotton Association, President of the Coleambally Community Gym, member of Apex, and committee member for the Coleambally Demonstration Farm.

    He is a prominent supporter of Active Farmers who has participated in the inaugural 'Ride For Resilience' as well as instigated the Coleambally Active Farmers community and the successful running of the Coleambally Active Games held annually in March.