Goulburn’s Ag Day Gala Dinner

Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDA Southern Inland) was delighted to recently receive a $10,000 grant from Coordinare - South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, through their Empowering Communities Drought Support Program. The funding will be used to assist with the marketing and entertainment for Goulburn’s 4th Ag Day Gala Dinner.

RDA Southern Inland has celebrated National Agriculture Day since it began, in 2017. The National Day, celebrated on the 21st November each year, celebrates the pivotal contribution that farmers make to Australia.

“We’re so grateful to Coordinaire for partnering with us again this year. It’s so important we continue to recognise the importance farming and grazing has not just in our region, but for our entire country,” said RDA Southern Inland CEO, Carisa Wells.

In previous years, RDA Southern Inland has celebrated the day with a paddock-to-plate dinner and a range of guest speakers. Last year, 160 people attended a sit-down dinner, consisting of local Dewsbury’s Pork and Marianvale Blue’s Murray Cod. The dinner was held at the Grace Milsom Centre in Goulburn, with Glenn McGrath as the guest speaker.

The Committee, consisting of representatives from RDA Southern Inland, Goulburn Post, NSW Farmers, Local Land Services South East, Department of Primary Industries and Tablelands Farming Systems, met earlier this year to begin planning this year’s event.

Whilst there is still some uncertainty regarding the ability to host larger events in November, the Committee is looking forward to celebrating the day again, and remains flexible as to what form the event may need to take.

The celebration will again be held at the Grace Milsom in Goulburn, on Friday 20th November, the day before National Ag Day. Laurie Daley will be the key note speaker for the evening. Laurie Daley, a rugby league legend, is a country boy from Junee, representing the Canberra Raiders in 237 games.  Daley captained his country, as well as his state and is arguably one of the best fight-eighths of all time.  Daley is also a Community Ambassador for KARI, an Aboriginal community support and preservation services organisation.

As always, the event will celebrate the contribution farmers make to our regional economy and provide an opportunity for farmers and the community to come together.

Project Officer at RDA Southern Inland, Camilla Staff, emphasised that this year’s Ag Day celebration may look a little different but would be one of the most special yet.  

“Whilst we can’t yet 100% say what the event might look like this year, we can guarantee that the event will be a celebration for our local farmers, with a fascinating guest speaker, local produce and great company.”

“Covid-19 has really shown just how important our farmers are, they are essential to our society and have ensured that shelves remained stocked with quality, Australian produce during these uncertain times. Come November, we look forward to hosting a particularly special celebration for our farmers and related industries.”

RDA Southern Inland would like to thank Coordinare South Eastern NSW PHN for their ongoing sponsorship of this important event.

First Published: 7th July 2020