Heather Britten with long-time friend and fellow member Lindsay Murray
Members were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Heather Britten on the 24th October 2025. We have lost a great friend and a most generous, lovable, dedicated and knowledgeable member.
Born in Maryborough, Queensland, Heather spent her whole life on Queensland rural properties – Dingo, Biggenden and Gympie before finally returning to the Maryborough district. Very early on she developed a great love and knowledge of cattle which she would later bring to bear on the British White breed.
She joined the British White Cattle Society in 2007 after buying a property near Biggenden where she established the Emu Creek stud, together with Jim her partner. Heather’s love for her cattle and the breed is legendary. From the beginning, Heather was a very active member and began to liven up meetings.
She soon joined council and continued in that role until resigning for health reasons only days before her death. In meetings, Heather was known for being forthright. She could always be relied on to call a spade a shovel. But Heather was so much more. She was one of the most genuine, honest people you could ever hope to meet and had a wicked sense of humour. She cared about other people almost as much as she cared about her cattle.
Heather could be relied on to make sure that new members felt welcome and would cheerfully provide the advice and support they needed to establish themselves as British White breeders.
A diligent and thoughtful council member she always put in the work to understand and respond to all issues facing the breed, the Society and its members. Countless hours were dedicated to treasury work, organising promotional materials and newsletters not to mention constantly responding to calls for advice from members across the nation. Even when she knew her health would not allow her to continue breeding cattle, she took the time to make sure her beloved stock went to other breeders she trusted.
Quite simply the British White Society meetings will never be the same again without you Heather. We will miss you terribly but your legacy lives on in the cattle you bred, the friendships you established, and the memories you created.
Heather is survived by her partner, Jim, and her four children. At Heather’s request, a private service was held by the family. The Society extends its sincere condolences to Jim, Kellie, Sarah, Penny and Robert.
