Three decades of dedication to Angus Youth recognised with Stewart Award
After more than 30 years of supporting, mentoring and encouraging young people in the Angus breed, Willie and Joanne Milne, of Glenrowan, Victoria, have been recognised as recipients of the 2025 Angus Australia Stewart Award.
The award, which recognises outstanding voluntary contributions to the Angus Youth Program, acknowledges the couple’s remarkable commitment to creating opportunities for young people and fostering the next generation of Angus breeders and beef industry leaders.
Presented at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show, the recognition celebrates a contribution spanning more than three decades of Angus Youth National Roundups, countless hours of volunteering and a genuine passion for sharing their knowledge and experience.
For Willie and Joanne, involvement in the Angus Youth Program began in the early 1990s, supporting their own children as they participated in youth activities. Long after their children had completed the program, the couple continued to give their time, encouragement and expertise to successive generations of young Angus enthusiasts.
A lasting contribution to Angus Youth
In nominating the couple for the award, Stewart Cluning described Willie and Joanne as the embodiment of the quiet achievers who have helped make the Angus Youth Program what it is today.
With almost 50 years of involvement in the Angus seedstock industry, the Milnes have become familiar and respected faces throughout the Angus community, particularly at the National Roundup.
Together, they have contributed to the success of countless youth events, combining Willie’s extensive cattle knowledge, judging experience and show ring skills with Joanne’s organisational abilities, hospitality and unwavering support for participants.
Willie has generously shared his knowledge of cattle assessment, phenotype and show ring preparation, taking particular pleasure in helping curious young people develop their skills and confidence.
Joanne, meanwhile, has been equally instrumental behind the scenes, ensuring activities run smoothly while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for young participants.
As Stewart reflected in his nomination, Joanne never forgets a child she has met at a Youth Roundup, while Willie is always willing to spend time talking cattle with young people eager to learn from his experience.
Building connections across generations
Beyond their contribution to Angus Youth, Willie and Joanne have played an important role in the wider Angus seedstock industry.
Willie’s career has included managing Tibooburra Angus Stud during the 1990s before establishing Alpine Angus in 2000. Over the past 15 years, he has continued to support emerging Angus operations throughout Victoria in a stud advisory capacity, generously sharing his knowledge with fellow breeders.
The couple also managed the North East Victorian District of Angus Australia for many years, contributing their time and energy to supporting members and strengthening connections across the region.
Their involvement was particularly valuable when the Angus Youth National Roundup was held at Wodonga, where they worked tirelessly to ensure events were well organised, educational and memorable for participants.
Over the years, Willie and Joanne have hosted and supported dozens of young people through the Angus Youth Program, many of whom they continue to encounter at the Melbourne Royal Show, bull sales and industry events as their careers progress.
These lasting connections are perhaps the greatest testament to their contribution, demonstrating how the encouragement and guidance offered to young people can have an influence well beyond their time in the show ring.
A legacy of generosity and mentorship
The 2022 Angus Youth National Roundup at Wodonga marked a fitting conclusion to Willie and Joanne’s three decades of active Roundup involvement.
After years of volunteering, mentoring and helping to deliver the event, the couple stepped back from their roles to make way for the next generation of helpers.
While their time in the Roundup arena may have come to an end, their influence continues through the many young people they have supported and the relationships they have built throughout the Angus community.
Their recognition with the Stewart Award reflects not only the longevity of their service but also the generosity, reliability and genuine care they have shown to generations of Angus Youth members.
Angus Australia congratulates Willie and Joanne Milne on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their outstanding contribution to Angus Youth and the wider Angus community.
About the Stewart Award
Established in 2001 as the Angus Youth Helper of the Year Award, the Stewart Award was renamed in honour of Bruce and Pat Stewart of Dunlop Park Angus, Tasmania.
Bruce and Pat were tireless supporters of the Angus Youth Program, travelling annually to Wodonga to assist with the Angus Youth National Judging Competition and volunteering their time across every aspect of the event.
The award continues their legacy by recognising individuals whose dedication, generosity and voluntary service have made an outstanding contribution to the Angus Youth Program.
Recipients are selected by the Angus Youth Consultative Committee in recognition of their commitment to supporting young people and strengthening the future of the Angus breed.
