- Published:
- Monday 31 August 2026
A Cudgewa dairy farmer and dedicated community volunteer has become the first ever woman to be crowned Footy's Favourite Farmer.
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Steve Dimopoulos today announced Elise Hill as the 2026 winner of the annual competition, which recognises Victorian farmers who go above and beyond for their local sporting community.
This local hero has made an extraordinary contribution to the Upper Murray community, where she balances life as a dairy farmer with extensive charitable work and numerous volunteer roles at the Cudgewa Football Netball Club.
As the grand prize winner, Elise has secured $10,000 worth of safety improvements for her farm and a further $10,000 in safety upgrades for the club.
Elise has been a driving force behind the Cudgewa Blues, volunteering as a first aider, trainer, fundraiser, committee member, and umpire. She is also a source of support for locals experiencing mental health challenges.
This year’s Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition attracted nominations from across Victoria, including fellow finalists, Aydan Garrett from the Latrobe Valley and Tania Staley from South Gippsland.
Aydan, a cattle farmer and former full-forward at Rosedale Football Netball Club, suffered a life-changing farm incident in 2020 but is now back at work and has channeled his passion for local sport into coaching.
Dairy farmer Tania is admired for her industry contributions, including empowering multicultural farm workers, farmer education, as well as her dedication to the Toora Football Netball Club.
The monthly winners each received a farm safety package valued at almost $2000, an OHS essentials workplace safety consultation and sporting equipment for their local club.
The competition is one of the many initiatives delivered through WorkSafe’s long-running 25-season partnership with AFL Victoria, backing country football and netball clubs, while championing workplace safety.
Since 2002, WorkSafe has visited 139 local football-netball clubs across Victoria and provided 192 Club Safety Fund grants, helping local clubs upgrade their facilities and improve safety for players, volunteers and supporters.
Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Steve Dimopoulos
“Elise’s impact in the Upper Murray is felt by many and this is a well-earned recognition of her contributions to the community.”
“Labor is proud to support initiatives like Footy's Favourite Farmer, that celebrate community leadership while
helping make Victorian farms and sporting clubs safer places for everyone.”
Quotes attributable to WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Cathy Henderson
“We know the strongest communities and safest workplaces are built on people who genuinely care and look out for one another, which is exactly the spirit that Elise embodies and why she is such a worthy winner.”
Quotes attributable to Footy’s Favourite Farmer Elise Hill
“This prize money will bring definite benefits for everyone. We can always find safety improvements on the farm such as guards on tractors and rollover protection systems for our motorbikes. At the club, we could upgrade our timekeeper's box and make it safer for volunteers."