Charity bags support through Harvest Festival fundraiser  

A charity which has helped members of Scenic Rim's farming community during tough times is set to benefit from a Council fundraising initiative from this year's Winter Harvest Festival.  

Following an update on Eat Local Month presented at its Ordinary Meeting yesterday, Scenic Rim Regional Council approved the introduction of a charge for branded carry bags for its signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival, with a percentage of each sale supporting the Farm Angels charity.  

Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders commended the initiative, which will see $2 from the sale of each $5 bag assisting the charity which has supported the Scenic Rim's agricultural community.  

"Through drought, storms and fires in recent years in areas including Boonah, Boyland, Canungra, Charlwood, Roadvale and Rathdowney, the Farm Angels' Farmer Support Team has assisted some 30 farmers and farming families," she said.  

"Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, and particularly the Winter Harvest Festival, celebrates our region's farmers and producers.  

"Given the support Farm Angels has provided for our region, and will continue to provide in challenging times, this charity was the ideal choice for this fundraising initiative."  

Planning is well under way for the Winter Harvest Festival to be held at Kalbar on Saturday 28 June.  

This year, entry fees will include discounted pre-purchased tickets to drive earlier sales and allow organisers to better plan for attendance numbers.  

While online tickets will remain at $15 for Adults, $12 for concessions or groups of 10 or more, with children under 12 free, the gate entry price will be increased to $20 for adults to encourage online pre-purchasing.  

"Tickets will go on sale in late April, so save the date for this relaxing day out for families and food lovers," Cr Sanders said.  

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is proudly presented by Scenic Rim Regional Council, with support from Major Partners Moffatt Fresh Produce and Beaumoor, and Supporting Partners Kalfresh Vegetables, Urban Utilities, Community Bank Kalbar, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and 612 ABC Radio Brisbane.  

The event is also supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland's Destination Events Program.   

More detail on Scenic Rim Eat Local Month and Winter Harvest Festival is available at  www.eatlocalmonth.com.au