Murray Irrigation

Celebrating 30 years of irrigator ownership

Celebrating 30 years

For 30 years, Murray Irrigation has proudly stood as a company owned by its irrigators – people whose livelihoods, families and futures are deeply connected to the land and the water that sustains it. This milestone is more than an anniversary; it’s a celebration of community, resilience and shared purpose. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, embraced change and built a legacy that supports our region and its people. As we reflect on the past three decades, we honour the vision of our irrigator-owners and look forward with pride and optimism to the future we’ll continue to shape, together.

Key milestones over the years

Read the milestone stories over the years, dating back to before Privatisation, from the people who were there and have helped make the company what it is today, 30 years later.

Irrigators take control of their destiny

In May 1994 the NSW Parliament passed the Irrigations Corporation Act, providing a legal vehicle to transfer operations from its Department of Water Resources (DWR) to irrigator-owned corporations.

While it marked a defining moment for irrigation in the local region, the journey towards the establishment of this new entity had begun much earlier.

Enduring legacy of 'benchmark' in collaboration

The implementation of Land and Water Management Plans (LWMPs) across the Murray region remains one of the most significant integrated initiatives in local irrigation history.

Driven out of a collective desire to ensure agricultural and environmental sustainability in the region, this initiative is regarded as a benchmark in collaboration, with governments at all levels working with farmers to achieve productive and environmental outcomes.

Once in a lifetime project heralds monumental change

It has been called “a generational, if not once in a lifetime project” which brought about monumental change in local irrigation farming.

PIIOP – the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program – in which Murray Irrigation Ltd (MIL) participated for roughly six years from 2013 to 2019, was the catalyst for the most significant system upgrades since the region’s irrigation scheme began operating in the early to mid-20th century.

Celebrating together

To commemorate the company's 30th year of Irrigator ownership, Directors and leaders, past and present came together for an evening at the Deniliquin Town Hall on 9 August 2025.

The evening featured key note speeches from MIL's Inaugural Chair, Kel Baxter, and Current Chair, Phil Snowden.

It was an evening rich with history and flowing with pride.

Photo Gallery - 9 August 2025 - Deniliquin Town Hall

Past Directors are pictured with the family members of Directors who are no longer with us.

The dinner places all set for a celebration.

Previous CEOs Anthony Couroupis and George Warne are pictured with current CEO Ron McCalman.

Inaugural Murray Irrigation Chair, Kel Baxter, regales guests with stories of the early days.

Comedian Des Dowling draws guests in to some hilarious conversation.

Murray Irrigation Chair, Phil Snowden, reflects on 30 years of history during his address.

The Town Hall is abuzz for a special Murray Irrigation evening.

Inaugural CEO, George Warne and inaugural Chair, Kel Baxter.

CEO Ron McCalman welcomes guests.

Current Chair Phil Snowden with inaugural Chair, Kel Baxter.

Past Chairs, Noel Graham, Noel Baxter, Stewart Ellis and Kel Baxter are pictured with current Chair Phil Snowden.

Inaugural Chair, Kel Baxter, provided a moving speech during the night's proceedings.

Current Chair Phil Snowden and current CEO Ron McCalman.

Murray Irrigation memorabilia.

Perin Davey, Tim McKindlay, Denis Tinkler and John Davey.

The 30th Anniversary Dinner provided a warm night of nostalgia for all.

Malcolm Holm, Geoff Cutter and Geoff McLeod.

Murray Irrigation's Board of Directors. (L-R) Trisha Gorman, Noel Graham, Leanne Small, Phil Snowden, Rob Burbury, Gabrielle Coupland, Geoff McLeod, Lachlan Marshall.