Matthew george young stockman award
Honouring Matthew George: Inspiring the Next Generation
Matthew was like a sponge when it came to genetics. He would study every stud sale catalogue, American and Canadian Angus Journals and kept them as a ready reference.
When Matthew went to a Stud cattle sale he would already have chosen the cattle he would like to purchase. He wasn’t successful in purchasing all the cattle he liked because the ones he had selected usually went for the highest prices.
Matthew’s dream was to travel to Canada on a working holiday. He wanted to stay at some of the Stud ranches where they welcomed the help and in exchange gave you a first-hand experience on how their operation worked. Matthew really wanted to see the Angus genetics in Canada as he believed this was where his own Angus Stud would benefit the most. His quest was to find the magic genetics that would elevate his Stud Stock to be the breeding stock that other cattle breeders wanted to place in their breeding herds.
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Following Matthew’s death, the Angus cattle family of Australia rallied together, along with local business from Beaufort and Ballarat area in Victoria, to form The Matthew George Young Stockman Award in his memory.
In September 2008, a Dinner and Auction was held following the Angus Judging Day at the Royal Melbourne Show (one of Matthew’s favourite arenas). It was an euphoric night, with donations ranging from elite Angus semen, embryos and heifers, travel vouchers, tanks, 4WD motorbike sprayers, farm clothing and bus hire to a cruise down the Yarra River, as well as many other items being put up for auction.
The Chiller family hosted the Dinner and Auction at the Treacy Function Centre in Parkville, Padthaway Estate provided the wines, and many of Matthew’s school friends donated their time to wait tables and serve drinks. For many of Matthew’s family and friends and his Angus cattle family, it was a night everyone thought might be sad, but instead, the atmosphere in the room was electric and helped play a part in the grieving process for many who were there that night. The auction raised close to $90,000 for the establishment of the “Matthew George Young Stockman Award.”
With the help of The Ballarat Foundation, the Matthew George Young Stockman Award Sub-Fund was established. The Ballarat Foundation manages the applications and distribution of funds to the successful applicants, following recommendations from the Award Judging Panel.
2025 Winner announced
Carlie Mackelmann announced as the recipient of the 2025 Matthew George Young Stockman Award, presented on Friday 3 October at the Royal Melbourne Show.
Previous Winners of the Matthew George young stockman award
Matt Cooney - 2024
Matt Cooney’s Young Stockman journey spanned ranches, show rings and genetic hubs across three continents, deepening his knowledge and passion for cattle breeding.
Lochie McLauchlan - 2023
After the pandemic pause, Lachie McLauchlan became the first recipient of the Matthew George Young Stockman Award in 2023, marking a proud return for the program.
Lachlan Trustum - 2019
Lachlan Trustum embraced the chance to travel across Texas, gaining hands-on experience with leading Brangus breeders and deepening his knowledge of genetics, ranch operations and the international cattle industry.
Lilli Stewart - 2019
Lilli Stewart travelled across 11 states and provinces, staying with 15 family-run operations and gaining invaluable experience that has shaped her future in the Australian beef industry.
Jack Nelson - 2018
Jack Nelson’s Canadian and U.S. adventure took him from embryo transfers and show team prep to ranch tours, cattle sales and Ag in Motion, where he gained hands-on experience and lifelong connections.
Aimee Bolton - 2017
From Agribition to embryo transfer tours, Amiee Bolton immersed herself in North America’s leading ranches and show rings, gaining hands-on skills, friendships and insights that will shape her future in the beef industry.
Caitlin Chester - 2017
Caitlin Chester embraced the opportunity of a study tour in the United States, gaining invaluable insights and connections that have strengthened her commitment to the future of the beef industry.
Natalie Grylls - 2016
Natalie Grylls was awarded the Matthew George Young Stockman Award, giving her the chance to honour her late friend’s memory with a six-month study trip to Canada to explore the Angus cattle industry.
Jake Taylor - 2015
Jake Taylor’s U.S. adventure took him from dairies and ranches to major cattle sales and industry events, where he gained new insights and was deeply thankful to those who made the trip possible.
Josh McRae - 2015
In 2015, Josh McRae travelled to Canada where he experienced ranch life, the Calgary Stampede and holistic farming practices, returning home with new skills, fresh ideas and lasting memories.
Jackie Elliott - 2014
Jackie Elliott travelled to Canada where she gained hands-on experience across a range of cattle operations, from feedlots to breeding programs, while learning from industry leaders and generous host families.
Kate Henne - 2013
In 2013, Kate Henne was awarded the Matthew George Young Stockman Award and later used it to visit Canada in 2015, where she toured cattle breeding operations, feedlots and major industry events.
Shannon Lawlor - 2013
Shannon Lawlor travelled across the United States and Canada to study leading cattle breeding programs, research centres and shows, gaining knowledge and connections to bring back to Australia.
Cameron Cutler - 2012
Cameron Cutler travelled across the United States and Canada, gaining hands-on experience with leading cattle studs, embryo programs, breed societies and feedlots while building international connections in the beef industry.
Tahnee Manton - 2011
Tahnee Manton spent 11 weeks in the US exploring breeding operations, research centres and beef promotion at MLA, all while soaking up cultural experiences and learning about abattoir technology.
Rachel Wheeler - 2010
Rachael Wheeler travelled through Mexico and Canada for four months, gaining hands-on experience in purebred and commercial operations, major shows, feedlots, embryo and AI programs and branded beef marketing.
Clare Bruggemann - 2009
Clare Bruggemann travelled to Canada as the first Matthew George Young Stockman Award recipient. Here she immersed herself in breeding operations, networked with leading industry professionals and returned home enriched with knowledge and lasting connections.
