A group of Toowoomba locals and businesses are rallying together to host the ‘Plates for Paddocks’ luncheon event in aid of the Buy a Bale Drought Relief Fund on October 5.
The lunch will be hosted by Arcadian Meat Co, and be held at The Florence on Duggan Street, with up to 150 guests expected to attend to join in the conversation around Australia’s most gruelling drought in decades and raise some much needed funds to assist in the relief efforts of the Buy a Bale Drought Relief Fund.
Bringing the local community together, in particular farmers themselves, to celebrate their contribution to the Australian way of life and hear from them first hand around the actual effects they are feeling was how the event was founded” organiser Molly Beck said.
“My husband's parents own a property near Coonamble in NSW, and the drastic changes to their way of life due to the drought is heartbreaking to watch.”
All proceeds from the luncheon will directly assist in supporting Australian rural families with all monies raised to be donated directly to Rural Aid and the Buy a Bale Drought Relief Fund.
Buy a Bale assist in the provision of tangible resources to farmers, as well as directly supporting broader rural communities and local businesses that require additional assistance as a result of the drought.
Arcadian Meat Co relies on a great network of producers that are all family farmers and we notice as soon as things get tough for them,” Alister Ferguson, CEO Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co said.
“We’re talking to these families every day and we hear what they’re struggling with. I grew up on cattle properties in central western Queensland and so did our livestock manager, Peter Gall.
“Many of Arcadian’s producers are families we’ve known since we were growing up so we both understand exactly what it’s like when a prolonged dry spell hits.
“We want to do something to support an organised effort help the farming community which was why we wanted to support this incredible event.
“We will be welcoming farmers and small business owners from rural areas to attend and talk with us on the day, to help shine a light on the far-reaching effects of the drought and spread further awareness across the local area on how people can really help them through this tough period.”
The Florence Public House will host the event, serving local produce to celebrate the quality of farming products in the Darling Downs region.
“We use a lot of local produce across our menu and are looking forward to highlighting the quality of their product through the luncheon event as well,” restaurant owner, Mic Ubergang said.
Some incredible raffle prizes will be up for grabs and live acoustic artist Linda Capewell will keep guests entertained.
Event tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online: https://toowoombatickets.com.au/event/plates-for-paddocks-long-luncheon-7808 Follow the event on Facebook for more information - Plates for Paddocks 2018