CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AGRICULTURE MARKS MILESTONE

An exclusive event in Brisbane has marked a special milestone in the quest to champion the Central Highlands and its agricultural industry.

The 10th Farm to Fine Dining regional produce showcase was delivered on Monday evening (9 June) to more than 80 leaders and strategic stakeholders from agriculture, tourism, trade, and investment.

Guests were gifted a commemorative book and treated to a viewing of a special video to celebrate the 10-year achievement of this annual event.

The Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) hosts Farm to Fine Dining in partnership with the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) and local agribusinesses.

CHDC CEO Peter Dowling says it’s been an incredible journey since the event’s origin in 2016.

“Farm to Fine Dining has been delivered with great professionalism over time, and the passion that goes with it is just unparalleled,” Mr Dowling says.

“Over the past 10 years, it’s not only showcased the incredible produce of our region, but it has also built invaluable connections and opened doors for our producers on a state and national level.

“We’re immensely proud of the relationships fostered and the awareness generated, and we look forward to continuing this vital work for many years to come.”

Local produce in this year’s menu was Marathon Wagyu beef; Costa Group mandarins; Manulife macadamias; Murphy Farming sorghum and heritage wheat; Gersbach Family Farming chickpeas; Weemah Farming sesame; New Dawn Honey; Seed and Flour edible flowers; and Broken Plains Farming mung beans.

CHDC Board Deputy Chair and CHRC Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys says the event is held in Brisbane to bring in an influential audience.

“What makes tonight so special is the people who are in the room,” Councillor Cruwys says.

“From state and federal politicians to producers to the innovators to the people who operate in logistics – because we know that agriculture doesn’t happen in isolation, and we need everybody on board.”

Political figures in attendance were Sean Dillon, Member for Gregory, Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland and representing Premier David Crisafulli and Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett; Member for Flynn Colin Boyce; Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm; Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last; and former Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner, a long-time supporter of Farm to Fine Dining.

The guest list also included producers and former CHDC CEO Sandra Hobbs and past Board Members who’ve contributed to Farm to Fine Dining events in previous years.