
Queensland-based family-owned hospitality and entertainment giants Comiskey Group last month outbid all parties to secure a 350 kilogram purebred Tasmanian Hereford steer at the Ekka.
Paul Comiskey personally bid $8000 on behalf of the family who own a number of iconic venues such as Eaton’s Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, The Imperial in Eumundi, The Doonan and the newly-opened Dakabin Hotel.
“For a long time I’ve loved the work that Farm Angels has done to support farmers from across Australia and the sole reason for me to go to the Ekka this week was to ensure we won the auction,“ Mr Comiskey said.
“I spoke to Liam Richards the night before the auction and told him it would take a lot to outbid me because we really wanted to ensure the Hereford steer got a good price and the money would go to support the amazing work of Farm Angels.
“I’m from Emerald originally and I know what it’s like to live and work on the land, it can get lonely at times and it’s good to know that organisations like Farm Angels are out there to support farmers and their families when they need it most.
“The Hereford will be processed at Nolans in Gympie and delivered to our butcher store at Eatons Hill and then distributed to our various pubs across north Brisbane,” Paul said.
Liam Richards said he was blown away with the success of the auction, which far exceeded his expectations.
“We had a number of people bidding, including several hospitality identities, but I knew it would take something special to outbid Paul Comiskey,“ Mr Richards said.
“This was a real team effort to make this fundraiser a success and it’s great to support the incredible work of Farm Angels.
“I’d like to thank everyone who put in a bid at the auction and a big vote of thanks goes to the Comiskey Group whose generosity and leadership within the community continues to make a real impact across the state.“