No rest for Bundaberg’s advocates By Bree Grima, Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers It’s been a busy quarter for the region and it’s warming to see so many events return so that growers can come together to connect and celebrate the industry. We feel for our regional cousins and hope that restrictions in those areas ease shortly.
Gala Dinner goes off with a bang The biennial BFVG Industry Gala Dinner literally went off with the bang of fireworks during the Cheshire Machinery Pre-Dinner Networking Event which then led into a regional celebration in the main event area. From regional produce displays to a cosy speakeasy break-out room, the 590-strong crowd was encouraged to network and celebrate the very essence of what the industry brings to the region. The centrepieces and tech displays including gobos - techy projections of sponsor logos on the walls - ensured the night was one to remember. The band had people up dancing and guest entertainer, self-titled unusualist and finalist in Australia’s Got Talent, Raymond Crowe wowed the crowd. Raymond’s YouTube performance ‘What a Wonderful World’ has gone viral and was a real experience to witness this live on stage in Bundaberg. I was also extremely honoured to announce on behalf of the BFVG Board that two new farming families were to be inducted as life members. The first farming family inducted operate Marto Farms. Keith and Karen Martens were both born and bred in Bundaberg. Mr Martens started working for Chave Enterprises in 1974 where he remained for 47 years before starting Marto Farms, which has a strong watermelon and zucchini program. The second family inducted were John and Linda Steemson of Littabella Pines who were also born and bred in Bundaberg. This family are second generation farmers and strong advocates that encourage youth to join the
industry. The family has always grown cane and additionally melons, pumpkins and, approximately 20 years ago, planted their first crop of pineapples.
Bundaberg Burnett on show In addition to the Gala Dinner, BFVG also attended the Bundaberg/Burnett Promotion Night, which is a yearly showcase of regional products and brands at Parliament House. The event is a unique opportunity to get in front of the 93 members of Queensland’s Legislative Assembly who take a well-deserved, if only short, break from their duties during sitting week to attend. Given it was also budget week, we had lots to discuss with the Members of Parliament who visited our booth.
In it for life: Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ newest life members John and Linda Steemson (Littabella Pines) and Karen and Keith Martens (Marto Farms).
Given the ongoing uncertainty with Paradise Dam, it was fitting we ensured all members of Parliament were aware of the challenges being faced by regional producers who draw from the Burnett subscheme who have commenced the water year with a 22% water allocation (see page 8 for more details). Water and food security are intricately linked and, for a growing region that is the largest supplier and growing region for five commodities (sweet potato, macadamia, passionfruit, chilli and avocado), it is vital that policy for water security moves beyond the immediate needs of the region towards plans to ensure producers in the region have capacity to expand to meet market demand.
The BFVG Board enjoying the Gala Dinner. Back row: Jamie Hansen, Craig Van Rooyen, Joe Lyons and Jim Randell. Front row: Andrew Lewis, Stacey Watson, Tina McPherson, Tom Redfern, Leanne Rudd. Absent: Anna Attard.
Water security supports healthy communities, jobs and productive economies, and we continue to call on the state government to reinstate Paradise Dam to its full supply level and additionally invest in upgrading the delivery infrastructure network to ensure water is delivered effectively to the 1,000+ customers that rely on this asset for their agribusiness.
Tireless advocates: BFVG’s Kylie Jackson and Bree Grima with the Vanderfield display at the Cheshire Machinery Pre-Dinner Networking Event.
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