FINE DINING GROWS REGION'S REPUTATION

An evening of fine dining has once again put the Central Highlands front-of-mind in government, industry, and business circles in Queensland.

The ninth annual Farm to Fine Dining in Brisbane last week (25 July) showcased Central Highlands produce to more than 75 leaders and strategic stakeholders from agriculture, tourism, trade, and investment.

Guests included Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and the then-Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.

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

CHDC CEO Peter Dowling says the purpose has evolved since the inaugural event in 2016.

“The goal’s always been to promote our region’s exceptional agriculture industry but over the years, the event has also helped to establish an awareness and appreciation of the Central Highlands more broadly,” Mr Dowling says.

“And by cementing our region in the minds of government, industry, and business, that opens doors for us going forward – to have more effective conversations in our advocacy with decision-makers.”

CHRC Mayor Janice Moriarty says the event demonstrates the Central Highlands’ enormous potential.

“A critical step towards unlocking that potential is partnerships, which is why the networking opportunity of Farm to Fine Dining is such a critical ingredient of the night,” Mayor Moriarty says.

CHRC Councillor Gai Sypher says she was proud to attend as CHDC Board Chair for the first time.

“The atmosphere in the room was so buoyant and positive, and it really reflected the solid partnership between CHDC and CHRC and our shared passion for making dreams a reality for the Central Highlands,” Cr Sypher says.

Local produce in this year’s menu was ham and lamb from Fair Dinkum Fresh for the canapés and entrées; Australian Agricultural Company’s wagyu eye-fillet for main, paired with a gratin of pumpkin grown by Blackwater High School’s Reconciliation Project; New Dawn Honey and mandarins from Costa for the dessert; and a peach mustard main course condiment and peanut brittle in the dessert supplied by Like Mum Used to Make.

Tribute was also paid on the night to the late Liz Alexander for her key role in founding Farm to Fine Dining when she was CHDC’s first Agribusiness Development Coordinator.

The Central Highlands is one of Queensland’s key agricultural producers, generating more than $946 million in output annually.

The menu booklet, which includes producer information, can be found at chdc.com.au.