Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell MP has hosted the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, Her Excellency Mrs Ardi Stoios-Braken, for a two-day visit to the Nicholls electorate, celebrating the deep agricultural, cultural and economic ties between the Netherlands and the region.
The visit highlighted the contribution Dutch families and businesses continue to make across the region, from protected cropping and dairy to horticulture, food manufacturing, regional education and community life.
“The Dutch community has been part of the fabric of this region for decades, and what they have built here is extraordinary,” Mr Birrell said.
“From dairy farms and glasshouses to orchards and food manufacturing, Dutch families and businesses have brought world-class knowledge, enterprise and a genuine commitment to our region,” Mr Birrell said.
“This visit was a chance to celebrate that contribution, but also to strengthen the knowledge sharing between our two countries.”
“The Netherlands is a global leader in agriculture, protected cropping and water management, and our region has practical experience on the ground in food production, irrigation and regional education. There is a lot we can learn from each other.”
The program moved from discussion to practical examples, with the Ambassador visiting Dutch-linked businesses across protected cropping, dairy, horticulture and food manufacturing.
At Aussie Pride Produce near Tallygaroopna, Rob Rutten and Ilse van Lipzig showed the Ambassador their Venlo-style glasshouse, where they grow hydroponic lettuce, basil and other leafy crops.
At Toorangie Pastoral near Numurkah, Monique Bryant, formerly Tielen, and Mark Bryant walked the Ambassador through their 800-cow dairy operation, including the onsite compost facility they’ve developed as part of their long-term investment in the farm.
The visit also included a conversation with Megan Hodge, Rabobank’s Shepparton Branch Manager, noting that Rabobank itself began in the Netherlands as a cooperative agricultural bank formed to support farming communities, reflecting the deep and ongoing links between Dutch finance and Australian agriculture.
The delegation also visited Katunga Fresh, one of Australia’s largest tomato operations, founded by Marjan and Peter Van den Goor.
At Seeka Australia in Bunbartha, Jonathan Van Popering and the team showed the delegation through orchard and packing operations, including kiwifruit, nashi pears and stone fruit.
Noumi showed the delegation the lactoferrin it produces and exports to the Netherlands, a strong example of value-added dairy trade between Nicholls and the Netherlands.
“Nicholls and the Goulburn Valley is one of Australia’s great food-producing regions, and Dutch families and businesses are a significant part of that story,” Mr Birrell said.
“Families like the Van den Goors, Ruttens, Tielens and others came here, backed this region and built something lasting.”
The visit also included a stop at Daimler Trucks Shepparton, where the Ambassador toured the facility and met with staff.
David Warren, General Manager of Daimler Trucks Shepparton, said the visit meant a great deal to the team.
“We feel privileged to have Her Excellency come to see us at Daimler Trucks Shepparton and to recognise our employees,” Mr Warren said.
“John De Haan was probably the most excited of anyone, and you would have heard him speaking Dutch out the front.”
“It really flowed through the whole team and created a fantastic atmosphere.”
“High-level officials visiting us does not happen every day, and it means a lot.”
The Ambassador also met with Committee for Greater Shepparton to discuss economic growth, regional investment and opportunities for stronger ties with the Netherlands.
Committee for Greater Shepparton Chief Executive Officer Lindy Nieuwenhuizen said the visit was a reminder of the personal connections many people in Shepparton have to more than one country and culture.
“Meeting the Ambassador was a lovely reminder that you can cherish the country where you were born and raised, while also valuing the countries and cultures that shaped your family heritage, and that you can be proud of both,” Ms Nieuwenhuizen said.
“This is a feeling that so many people in Shepparton know well and experience every day.”
“Alongside discussing our deep economic ties and opportunities for future knowledge sharing, we also talked football, from the local Dutch community’s role in establishing Shepparton’s early clubs to the way the world game continues to unite diverse communities here and across the globe.”
The program also included the launch of the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project Food Ladder initiative at Gowrie Street Primary School, a place-based, curriculum-linked program giving students hands-on experience in food production, sustainability and agriculture.
The Ambassador also visited the Shepparton Education First Youth Foyer and Shepparton Art Museum.
The visit also included a small Dutch community lunch at Emerald Bank with some of the region’s well-known Dutch locals, followed by a visit to the windmill and, naturally, a liquorice tasting.
The Ambassador also recorded an interview with Margaret Newey, the long-time host of Radio Netherlands on ONE FM 98.5 Shepparton, who is approaching 90 and still helping keep Dutch language, music and community connection alive on local radio after nearly 30 years on air.
“Nicholls is one of the most culturally diverse electorates in regional Australia and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Mr Birrell said.
“This visit was a reminder of everything the Dutch community has contributed to our region, from agriculture and business to language, culture and community life.
“It also showed the value of strong international partnerships built on shared values, practical expertise and world-class knowledge.”