Graeme Stoney and Bruce McCormack

The Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria welcomed a new president, with Merrijig farmer Bruce McCormack stepping into the chair.

Mr McCormack’s family has an association with the High Country that stretches back longer than the MCAV itself, with five generations of McCormack’s before him having run cattle into the hills around Mansfield.

“I’m am very proud, and very humbled, to be taking on the president’s position,” Mr McCormack said.

“This organisation means a lot to me, my family and my way of life.”

Mr McCormack runs a commercial Angus operation from the family property, Leonora, with his cattle grazing the country around Mountain Number Three and the King Valley every summer.

“We’ve been doing this for nearly 200 years – in December this year my son, grandchildren, family and I will all saddle up and ride out again; it’s a part of who we are, and it’s why we have such a strong connection and affinity with the bush around us.”

Mr McCormack takes over the reins as MCAV president from fellow Merrijig Mountain Cattlemen, Graeme Stoney.

Mr Stoney has long been at the forefront of the MCAVs fight. He was a key player in the successful petition to retain grazing when the Alpine National Park was formed in 1989 – and has been part of the ongoing fight to return cattle to the Park when the Government removed them in 2005.

Mr Stoney has also been a firm believer that fuel loads in the bush are at dangerous levels, and has called on the government multiple times to heed indigenous advice on traditional burning methods.

“I will, of course, continue to remain involved with the MCAV,” Mr Stoney said.

“Our work is far from finished – we want to see action on fuel loads, deer numbers, bush access, brumbies, Parks promotion and so much more – the MCAV is about managing the State Forest and National Parks that both benefit the land and the people who visit.”

Both Mr McCormack and Mr Stoney will be at the MCAV’s annual Get Together, scheduled to be held in their home town of Merrijig this coming January.

“This will be a great opportunity for us to really showcase what we, as an organisation, are all about,” Mr McCormack said.

“From celebrating the history of our pioneers to horse racing through the bush, the Get Together is a family friendly weekend where even the dog is invited.”