By Corey Everitt
A livestock businessman, known for his renowned auctioneer skills, Brian Leslie OAM has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
He received the medal as part of the King’s Birthday Honours on Monday 12 June for his service to the dairy cattle industry.
“I’m very humbled to have received the award,” he said.
“I have done this all my life and been very fortunate to have travelled all over the world and judge shows.”
Mr Leslie grew up on a dairy farm in Cora Lynn where he has since dedicated his life to the livestock industry.
He went to Pakenham Consolidated School and Pakenham High School before staring work as a stock agent in Warragul, then moving in 1988 to Kialla.
It was in Pakenham which Mr Leslie was inducted into the Australia Holstein Society in the 1980s.
He is also a past member of the Pakenham Show committee.
Many in South East Melbourne remember Mr Leslie as he is known for his sharp photographic memory and deep knowledge of farming families.
This expertise has made him most known for his skills as a judge and auctioneer at livestock shows across the world, as well as promoting the dairy industry across the world with such events as International Dairy Week.
He has been a cattle judge, announcer and exhibitor for the Royal Melbourne Show since 1982, as well initiating important organisations for the industry such as 21st Century Genetics and All Breeds Diary Youth Camp.