Gingin 150th Celebration

BENJAMIN HAMILTON ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING & SALES, VEGETABLESWA

On October 9 the Gingin 150th Celebrations went off without a hitch. Tourists from around the state and locals alike joined in town to commemorate the regions’ big milestone. People gathered into the Granville Park to celebrate by taking part in a wide range of activities and learning the history of the agriculturally rich region.

Loose Leaf Lettuce Owner, Maureen Dobra said the event was a huge success. “I was very appreciative of the abundance of produce and generosity of the growers in donating their produce for the displays for this event. We picked up veggies from Bogdanich Farms, Brookrise Produce, Acrefresh, Dobra Gardens, Centerwest Exports, Loose Leaf Lettuce, Monte & Sons and T & C Do & Son,” said Mrs Dobra. “It was fantastic to see everyone comment on the size and freshness of the vegetables displayed from the Gingin producers. We have even started talking about holding a yearly food festival to showcase the amazing quality and selection of produce. “People that visited the display of the locally grown vegetables commented on how beautiful and fresh the vegetables were and that they hadn’t seen such quality in their supermarkets. “I reminded them that these vegetables are in their local supermarkets however, the vegetables on display had just been picked. They were fresh as a daisy!” “The best part of the day was giving out carrots to anyone and everyone that came past. Whether it was children or adults, it was great to see people eating fresh and healthy carrots whilst walking around the event.

“I think people were amazed at what Gingin does produce.”

Joining vegetablesWA in the Fresh Market Pavilion was Stonefruit WA and also WA Potatoes. The two organisations showcased the range and availability of produce from their industry sectors to the visitors at the event. “People were surprised that potatoes were grown in the region,” said Georgia Thomas, Senior Project Manager of WA Potatoes. “It was a great opportunity for us to chat to consumers and show them

f VEGETABLESWA CEO Manus Stockdale with local grower Maureen Dobra (Loose Leaf Lettuce).

Gingin is responsible for 37% of vegetable production in WA.

f PRODUCE from growers around the region.

f WA Potatoes stand.

some of the varieties of spuds grown in the area. “We gave away free potato storage bags, book marks, magazines as well as some freshly dug potatoes from Roy Humfrey,” she added.

vegetablesWA CEO Manus Stockdale said vegetablesWA was happy to take part in the Gingin 150th celebration.

Gingin is responsible for almost 40% of vegetable production in the state, and it is fantastic to see great produce showcased at such a spectacular event.

“vegetablesWA were pleased to be part of such an important milestone for Gingin, and we look forward to continuing to support growers from this area,” Mr Stockdale said. “It was great to see the produce showcased at the event and to receive such positive feedback from the members of the public that attended. Gingin produces amazing vegetables and it great to be able to show them off!” Gingin is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns gazette in 1871, but its history began as early as 1830.

Starting with the farming of livestock, the area was quickly realised of its rich soils, and so, orchards and market gardens were erected. Gingin is responsible for 37% of vegetable production in WA, growing a range of different produce including carrots, corn, lettuce, pumpkin, cauliflower, cabbage, beans and broccoli.

Gingin is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns.

f GINGIN farmstead.