North Queensland’s fresh produce industry celebrated at 2023 Growers Gala

On Saturday, 2 September 2023, North Queensland’s fresh produce industry came together to celebrate the Growers 2023 Gala Dinner hosted by the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA).

As the local Agriculture Industry’s night of nights, the dinner held at Bowen Racecourse, welcomed over 80 guests. Among them were many of the region’s leading growers, business leaders, industry figures and dignitaries. Notable attendees included the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, the Hon Mark Furner, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Mayor Julie Hall, Cr Mike Brunker, and Cr Michelle Wright from Whitsunday Regional Council, and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

This year, the theme of the event was on recognising and being thankful for the important contributions our agricultural producers and workers make to communities in which we live with the agriculture industry the second largest contributor to the regional economy also providing one in five regional jobs. Introducing an awards component to the event for the first time, two award presentations were made. The Grower Recognition Award was presented to Dale Williams of Euri Gold Farms for his long-term contributions to the association and its members and the Industry Recognition Award was presented to Luke Jurgens from NQ Aerovation for excellence in innovation and emerging as a leader of local industry.

Locally grown and sourced produce was highlighted at the event with the dinner menu showcasing a diversity of locally produced delights including Prawn crusted Whitsunday barramundi, Lower Don Passionfruit and white chocolate crème and Veejays butternut pumpkin, sage and parmesan arancini plus much more. In total twelve different local producer ingredients were incorporated in the night’s cuisine allowing guests from near and far to fully experience the many tastes of our region.