PLC Livestock Team celebrates success, service and the future

The 2026 PLC Armidale Livestock Team with guest speaker Maddie Davidson and team co-managers (and Guyra landholders) Tim Light and Briony Looker.

09th Jun 2026

A Guyra family’s generosity was among the highlights celebrated at PLC Armidale’s annual Livestock Team Celebration Dinner, where students, families and industry supporters gathered to recognise another successful year of achievement, service and leadership.
More than 80 guests attended the event, which showcased the impact of the 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, PLC Armidale students have now raised more than $110,000 for life-saving heart disease research.
This year’s charity steer, Supple Basil, was generously donated by Guyra producers Ben and Leanne Rumbel, continuing a tradition of strong support from New England livestock families.
Representing the Foundation, Caitlin Mackie thanked students and supporters for their contribution and shared updates on the groundbreaking research being funded through the partnership.
PLC Armidale Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor said the initiative demonstrated the broader purpose of the College’s livestock program.
“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,” Mrs Taylor said.
The evening also recognised individual achievement, with Glen Innes student Annie Wake announced as the inaugural recipient of the All-Round Stockwoman Award.
The peer-nominated award recognises leadership, sportsmanship, work ethic and contribution to the team, with Annie receiving a bespoke Kidman Hat donated by Australian businesswoman and agricultural leader Gina Rinehart.
Guests also heard from keynote speaker Maddie Davidson, a rising stock and station agent with Nutrien Boulton’s in Walcha who is nearing completion of her qualifications while building a reputation as a livestock auctioneer in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Drawing on her own experiences, Ms Davidson encouraged students to embrace opportunities and trust in their abilities.
“If there’s anything I’d like you to take away tonight, it’s this: back yourself early,” she said.
“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.”
She said confidence was developed through action rather than waiting until the timing felt perfect.
“Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight. Confidence is built by doing things before you feel ready,” she said.
The PLC Armidale Livestock Team remains one of the College’s flagship programs, providing students with practical agricultural experience, leadership opportunities and valuable industry connections.

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PLC Livestock Team celebrates success, service and the future

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