Wayne Cummingham, Swan Reach - October // 2025 Mental Health Calendar

Wayne Cunningham, a fifth-generation farmer at HillCrest Farm in Swan Reach, Gippsland, has made a name for himself by blending tradition with fresh thinking. Managing 600 acres in Swan Reach and an additional 85 acres in Bruthen, Wayne shifted to organic farming over 20 years ago—a choice that transformed his farm’s success. When his cows started showing poor health and input costs were on the rise, Wayne and his father, Harry, turned to natural, mineral-based products. The results were impressive, and today, HillCrest Farm Organics supplies Pure Harvest Milk from a healthy herd of Friesian and Guernsey cross cows. 

Wayne’s approach to health goes beyond just farming. He believes “food is medicine” and that true wellness starts with what we consume. Although he understands that organic options aren’t accessible to everyone, he’s proud to produce milk that he believes supports health and wellness. 

Beyond dairy, HillCrest used to supply beef, pork, and eggs to local markets and take a truckload of produce to Melbourne each week to sell direct, however the workload and red tape regulations eventually led him to scale back and eventually close that part of his business down. Through droughts, floods, and shifting market conditions, Wayne’s dedication to quality and sustainability has kept the farm going strong. 

Wayne isn’t afraid of having a go. At one point in the early 2000’s, he offered bath milk directly from the farm, which became popular with locals who valued its purity. However, in 2014, changes in Australian law made it illegal to sell unpasteurized milk for human consumption. Dairy producers are now required to add a bittering agent to raw milk intended for cosmetic use, making it unpalatable as a food. Faced with these restrictions and the threat of a $60,000 fine, Wayne decided to shut down his bath milk side business, disappointing many loyal customers. 

Wayne’s “outside the system” approach also extends to mental health. He’s often a source of support for family and friends dealing with mental health challenges and is a firm believer in trying alternative things. Down by the dam, Wayne has a caravan where he can retreat, clear his head, and enjoy a peaceful moment—something he sees as essential for mental well-being. 

His partner, Billie, embraced the farm’s resources in her own creative way, producing “Hippie Mumma” soap from their milk, which she sells at local markets. Although they’ve scaled back on side projects, Wayne’s entrepreneurial spirit keeps the farm alive with ideas and possibilities.

For Wayne, family is at the heart of everything. The farm is home to his large, blended family and serves as a gathering place for loved ones. His commitment to fair pricing, sustainable practices, and community support is the thing that  keeps him grounded through the ups and downs of farming life. HillCrest Farm stands as a testament to many generations and Wayne’s belief in keeping things simple and working with nature.