JULIE Taylor was born and educated in Rutherglen until she went to boarding school. After a period of 40 years away from the town, the local resident returned nine years ago with her husband Ken, and bought their home from Julie’s father, Hec Francis, as part of a family succession plan.
What did you do workwise as a career and what do you do now?
I was a primary teacher in both Melbourne and rural schools for nearly two decades, working both permanently and casually.
My family run a multigenerational farming business which means one does what one needs to do - managing the finances, working with rural professionals, marking lambs, supplying meals to employees, escorting machinery throughout NSW and Victoria and being an ambassador for the agricultural community.
What brought you to your career and later role in farming?
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I became a teacher because I received a scholarship to go to teachers’ college. I could be financially independent and be trained in excellent people skills.
I became a farmer because I married one. I am now a strong advocate for agriculture. I grew up in the transport industry, married into the farming industry and understand the ebbs and flows of the economy and Mother Nature on businesses, families and rural communities.
What did you love about your teaching career and what do you love about farming?
I loved seeing children learn. I also loved to give them some of the tools needed to negotiate their path through life.
As a farmer working with my family, knowing we are contributing to food security, caring for the land, and building a sustainable business, is a privilege. To see Australian agriculture evolving into the most efficient farming system in the world, with resilient, courageous and creative people, fills me with pride.
What do you do in the community?
Growing up in Rutherglen meant one helped our community when needed. It is a great way to meet people, share your skills and learn new ones. I am currently involved with the Rutherglen Historical Society, The Rutherglen Reserve Committee and the Rutherglen Wine Bottle Committee of Management.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Health. The waiting times to see GPs, specialists and dentists in rural areas is totally unacceptable.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Misinformation and straight out lying by many involved in the media and political systems throughout the world.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would take my great, great, great grandmother, Julia Francis, on an e-bike ride on our cycling paths, stopping for coffee, wine and food when we felt the need and browsing in the beautiful boutiques of Rutherglen. The Rutherglen Common School Museum would give her an idea of how life has evolved, followed by a cycle around Lake King to see the sculpture and stories of Tommy McCrae (Yackaduna) and his famous Indigenous art. He was born near Wahgunyah in 1835 and died in 1901. Our day would conclude at the Rutherglen Wine Bottle, taking in the sunset.
Julia, aged 23, bravely stepped onto a wooden ship to sail to Australia the day after her marriage. I hope I have inherited some of her courage and sense of adventure.
What book are you reading?
‘Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life’ by Australian author Anna Funder.
