Who we are

The New South Wales Highland Breeders Group is a vibrant community of Highland Cattle enthusiasts, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Highland Cattle in New South Wales.

We are a Regional Breeders Group and sub-committee of the Australian Highland Cattle Society (AHCS).

Our core focus is on education, promotion, and fellowship among breeders, enthusiasts, and the wider community. We strive to foster a supportive network that encourages best practices in breeding and husbandry, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Highland Cattle breed in NSW.

Through various initiatives such as workshops, events, and informational resources, we aim to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of Highland Cattle, showcasing the unique characteristics of the breed.

Welcome to our community!

In September 2024, several AHCS members from NSW hosted a Zoom catch up, inviting all AHCS members in NSW to discuss revitalising the NSW Regional Breeders Group (which had been inactive for many years). During this meeting, attendees discussed redefining the purpose of the NSW Highland Breeders Group, and what our active breeders group would look like.

Our purpose: “To be an active and engaged Regional Breeders Group, that provides education & fellowship, and promotes Highland Cattle, across the state of NSW.”

Following the Reinvigorate NSW Highland Breeders Group meeting, attendees formed a committee to further develop and plan activities for the group.

In October 2024, the committee distributed a survey to AHCS members in NSW, to find out what NSW members want from the group. The results of the survey have been used to direct our planning - based on the survey, the committee prioritised the following points:

  • An events calendar, including:

    • Zoom webinars on topics most popular in the survey, to provide members with education and support

    • In-person events - Field Days and Handling Clinics

  • Organising a NSW State Show

  • Promoting the breed via presence at regional shows / festivals

  • Educational resources and support for AHCS members in NSW

  • A website for the NSW Highland Breeders Group

  • Social media communication and engagement

  • Planning the 2026 Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc National Show (to be located in NSW and hosted by the NSW Breeders Group)

The NSW Highland Breeders Group has adopted the existing NSW Highland Cattle Breeders Group on Facebook.

  • We’ll be posting regular updates - please join the group to keep up to date and network with other breeders.

  • Remember to read the group rules carefully. This group was designed to be inclusive, inviting and safe for all AHCS members and the general public to participate in.

Our Breeders Group and events are open to everyone who is interested in Highland Cattle - from any state, both AHCS members and non-members. We encourage anyone who is interested in being involved to register for our mailing list through the website.

Meet the NSW RBG Committee

  • Jeanette Rawlings

    President
    AHCS Councillor

  • Sarah Vaughan

    Vice-President
    AHCS State Representative NSW

  • Sophie Rice

    Treasurer
    AHCS member

  • Brad Crompton

    Committee Member
    AHCS Councillor

  • Catherine Hardy

    Committee Member
    AHCS Member

  • Hugh Hayden

    Committee Member
    AHCS Member

  • Jenna McAtamney

    Committee Member
    AHCS Member

  • Andrew Rawlings

    Committee Member
    AHCS State Representative NSW

  • Mollie Agostino

    Committee Member
    AHCS Councillor

  • Vanessa Ashfield

    Committee Member
    AHCS Member

  • Jane Komacha

    Committee Member
    AHCS State Representative NSW

What we do

  • We host several in-person events each year, which rotate through regions of NSW so that all members have access to events in their region. Each Field Day has a focus topic. Field Days are hosted by members and are an opportunity to learn about Highland Cattle as well as network with other breeders.

  • Handling Clinics are practical, hands-on events where participants learn all about safely handling Highland Cattle. Each clinic can focus on a different topic - like general handling skills, moving cattle through the yards, halter training, cattle show presentation and show skills.

  • The NSW Highland Breedrs Group hosts regular virtual workshops via Zoom.

    Each of Virtual Workshop covers a different educational topic relating to Highland Cattle, with guest speakers and presenters.

  • NSW Highland Breeders Group members are involved in actively promoting our breed through exhibition at community events and agricultural shows.

Join the NSW Highland Breeders Group