Naomi Ingleton, a prominent figure in the dairy industry and respected entrepreneur, is taking on a new challenge as she joins the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program (AVCLP).
Sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, Naomi’s participation marks a significant milestone in her long-standing commitment to fostering community growth and development.
Residing in Beechworth, Naomi currently works as the National Distribution and Export Manager for Coppertree Farms and serves on the board of Quercus Beechworth. With a rich history in dairy entrepreneurship, she was the founder and CEO of Myrtleford Butter Factory and King Valley Dairy, creating and supplying award-winning artisanal butter to top chefs.
“With my job, I started as a consultant, I’ve been instrumental in developing the products, so I’ve been involved from the very start. I look after national distribution, distributors, product development, HR and all sorts of other tasks.”
“I have the history and experience to understand the nuances of dairy manufacturing in an artisan context. It’s a small company, not a large one, where we wear all hats. I like that variety, and I work best in small startups,” Naomi said.
“When you are an entrepreneur, you make decisions quickly, but when you work for another company, the decisions are ultimately not yours, so you have to take more time and learn how to communicate effectively. I am hoping to refine my skills in many ways during the leadership program.”
The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program, now in its 20th year, aims to develop leaders through an experiential ‘learning by doing’ approach. The program has nurtured a vibrant network of over 500 alumni across Northeast Victoria and the Border regions.
Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum, including a Melbourne study tour, overnight retreats, and several online skills sessions. Naomi has already completed the first two sessions and is preparing for the upcoming Melbourne study group.
“It’s a rare opportunity to meet people from all over the region, people I wouldn’t normally encounter in my everyday life. This program will help me understand different leadership styles and communication techniques, which is invaluable in my role at Coppertree Farms,” Naomi said.
Her journey to this point has been characterised by relentless drive and an entrepreneurial spirit. However, managing multiple businesses and raising children left little time for personal development. With her children now more independent, Naomi feels it’s the right time to invest more into herself.
I have had a lot of friends who have been through the program, and I realised this time is right. My kids are in high school and more independent, and I wasn’t to be able to do this justice and immerse myself in the program,” Naomi said.
Her current work with Quercus Beechworth has already showcased her commitment to community leadership, and Naomi sees AVCLP as an opportunity to further her skills and expand her impact.
“Working with volunteers and running community programs has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I hope to inspire others and share what I’ve learned.”
“Ultimately, my goal is to emerge from the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program as a more effective, knowledgeable, and connected community leader, ready to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and resilience of our region.”