Scenic Rim farmers have rallied for their mates in the outback, staging a night where the paddock met the plate with purpose, proving that in the toughest of times, Queensland farmers never stand alone.
The land gives and the land takes but Queensland farmers have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder, no matter the challenge.
As outback Queensland reels from devastating floods, losing generations of hard work, stock and livelihoods, the farmers of the Scenic Rim stepped up in the way they know best: through food, community and unwavering support.
In a powerful show of solidarity, Scenic Rim producers hosted Hands Across The Land on 26 April at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, a fundraising dinner where the region’s finest produce was served by the very farmers who grew it.
More than $35,000 has been raised, so far.
Every bite, every shared story and every dollar raised went towards Farm Angels, helping outback families rebuild, recover and return to the land they love.
All the product was donated, as it should be, with acclaimed chef Glen Barrett (formerly Wild Canary) heading the kitchen with Shinade Harper from Canungra Valley Vineyards. Both donated their time.
The incredible roll call of producers who donated included:
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm
Valley Pride Produce
Kalfresh
Scenic Rim Fingerlimes
Vanbery Jam Co.
Towri Sheep Cheeses
Summer Land Camels
Peak Veggie Patch
Bee All Natural
Tommy’s Pastured Eggs
Harry’s Paddock
Lick Ice Cream
Ladybrook Farm
Australian Sweetwater Crays
Pretty Produce.
Kay Tommerup from Tommerup’s Farm said seeing the devastation across the outback was heartbreaking.
“Coping with the rain events of the past two summers created significant challenges for our family farm and the health of our animals,“ she said.
“I cannot begin to imagine how it must feel to be facing the enormity of what outback farmers are right now.
“The size of this flood and the loss of more than 500,000 head of stock is just unbelievable to me.
“As farmers, the health and wellbeing of our animals is always our top priority – the image of what has happened to them in those floods would be indelibly imprinted in their minds.
“We can’t bring back their livestock, nor the generations of work they have lost, but we can show that our farming community stands together with them as they begin the huge task of rebuilding their lives on the farm.
“I hope we can raise significant funds to assist them in the recovery process but, even more importantly, show them that people really do care about what they’re going through.”
