The Ballarat Foundation has named Invergordon’s Carlie Mackelmann the 2025 Matthew George Young Stockman Award recipient.

The prestigious award includes a $5000 scholarship for Carlie, 23, to pursue agricultural study overseas.

Created in memory of Matthew George, a passionate young cattleman from Ballarat whose life was tragically cut short in 2007, the award recognises outstanding young stockmen and women who display the same values of commitment, compassion and leadership Matthew was known for.

Carlie’s dedication to the agricultural industry and strong leadership qualities impressed the judges, earning her a place among an inspiring group of past recipients who continue to make a positive impact in the livestock and farming sectors.

Ballarat Foundation chief executive officer Andrew Eales said the award was a fitting tribute to Matthew’s legacy.

“The Matthew George Young Stockman Award is not only about recognising skill and achievement, but also about encouraging young people to carry forward the values Matthew lived by — hard work, generosity and care for both animals and community,” Mr Eales said.

“Carlie embodies these qualities and we are delighted to celebrate her success.”

Carlie said she was thrilled to be recognised and was already planning how she would make the most of the opportunity.

“I was very excited. It’s such a good opportunity to be given,” she said.

“I’m planning to go to the United States, maybe Canada. I’ll probably head off in January, which means I’ll be going from our hot summers into their freezing winter.”

Despite her impressive resume, Carlie said applying for the award was a last-minute decision.

“I was encouraged by a couple of people close to me and it was my first time applying, so it’s a really good outcome to win it straight away,” she said.

“It was definitely a surprise. I didn’t expect to win this year.”

Carlie was presented with the award during the Melbourne Royal Show’s exhibitors dinner.

“It was massive,” she said.

“There were about 400 people there — all the exhibitors came together for dinner, and that’s where they announced a lot of the awards and presentations.”

She expressed her gratitude to the Ballarat Foundation and the George family for their ongoing support of young people in agriculture.

“It’s such a great opportunity for young people,” she said.

“Being able to use it to benefit the beef industry and for personal growth is fantastic.

“Many people in this industry don’t get the chance to go overseas.”

Carlie’s passion for cattle began early.

“I started with Red Polls when I was 11, back in 2013,” she said.

“I don’t come from a showing background — I was just really passionate about it.

“I started at local shows, then got involved with Royals through other breeders. I’ve always had a real drive for it and taken in everything I’ve been taught.”

Today, Carlie runs about 40 head of Red Polls on her grandfather’s Invergordon farm, where she leases part of the property.

The Matthew George Young Stockman Award continues to foster leadership and excellence in young agriculturalists, supporting the next generation, while honouring Matthew’s enduring legacy.

For more information, visit www.ballaratfoundation.org.au

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