Fourth generation and multi-tasking orchardist
Born and raised in Young, Bridget Sell grew up in the cherry industry.
Bridget and her husband Jeff own Stony Creek Orchards, positioned on a high southerly ridge running adjacent to the Olympic Highway south of Young. Jeff worked for Briget’s father Noel Batinich at Cherrymore Orchard on Wombat Road.
“My father Noel was instrumental in showing Jeff the expertise of cherry growing,” Bridget said. “As a child growing up in the Batinich family we were all involved helping with the Cherry harvest working alongside our parents.”
Up until last year Stony Creek Orchard fruit was exported or sent to the Sydney and Brisbane markets.
“The 2020 cherry season was the first year we offered our fruit from the shed door. It was very rewarding being able to interact with the people coming to the orchard. Everyone has a story to tell,” she said.
“My aim is to have people who come to Young during our Cherry harvest time, to venture from the main tourist track and enjoy our beautiful fruit and views from our orchard,” she said.
If watching weather forecasts, seasonally spraying, pruning and grafting wasn’t enough; Bridget is also a full time veterinary nurse. She has worked for 31 years at Young Veterinary Clinic all this time. Bridget is also a competitive horse person, competing and winning at national level and at Royal Shows. She also judged at Royal shows. “Horses are in our blood, as my mother rode ponies for showing legend Mary Willsallen,” she said.
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