Bowen Gumlu Growers Dinner turned into a truly grand affair with the president’s special guest Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts and a number of local and regional dignitaries and stakeholders in attendance.
Whitsunday Regional Council mayor, Andrew Willcox, speech was well received and set a relaxed tone for the evening.
The Iconic Grand View Hotel put on an excellent meal and entertainment by Attori had guests dancing on into the night. BGGA President Carl Walker said that the event was outstanding and the food would rival any that I have had at numerous events across the country.
An Auction was held to raise funds to assist the Gumlu State School purchasing a much needed School Bus. This will enable the children to get to events such as swimming lessons which for most schools is on premises or a ten minute drive. With Gumlu being situated 40 minutes from Bowen and 30 minutes from Home Hill this has been a somewhat difficult task.
Filby Motors in Bowen kindly donated a 2016 signed Townsville Cowboys Jersey, Orora donated two tickets in a corporate box plus accommodation, and A.E. Chave Agents from our own Brisbane Markets donated a 2016 signed Brisbane Broncos Jersey, plus 2 tickets and flights to a game at Suncorp Stadium hosted by Tony Joseph.
Michelle O’Regan of Stackleroth Farms Bowen went around with a donation bucket getting everyone to dig a little deeper and the giving was so generous by our agents, growers and partners.
The Townsville Cowboys also donated a signed 2016 Jersey with funds raised being donated to the Whitsunday Tropical Cyclone Debbie Disaster Fund to assist our local community.
BGGA President Carl Walker said the Premier had an enjoyable and relaxing evening Mrs Cherry Emerick Industry Development Officer for BGGA said it was a team effort to pull this event off and by all accounts it was a great success.