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The FEAST producers’ dinner on Saturday June 30 will be a true celebration of the Scenic Rim community.
The banquet-style menu will feature ingredients sourced from producers across the Scenic Rim and cooked by local caterer Kate Raymont.
The walls of the Aratula Community Centre will be adorned with artwork created by the students at the Aratula Primary School.
The tables will be decorated with fresh local produce, artistically-arranged by the Justine, Angela and Tanya from Homespun at Aratula.
And guests will be entertained by eight Scenic Rim musicians.
State Minister for Agriculture, the honourable John McVeigh, will attend the dinner, as will Queensland’s Food Fellow, Alison Alexander.
Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent says when the Council’s Economic Development team first started planning the FEAST dinner they were keen to make it a truly local affair and showcase the diverse range of produce and talent available in the region.
“I think the team behind FEAST has more than exceeded expectations,” says Cr Brent, who is also attending in his capacity as AUSVEG Chairman.
“They didn’t have to look far to discover that the region is producing an incredible array of food. There’s olives, dukkah, wine, macadamias, carrots, onions, beetroot, beef, pork, vegetable-based relishes, eggplants, smallgoods and so much more.
“But FEAST is not only a celebration of our wonderful local produce, it is also a night to recognise and congratulate the hardworking men and women who produce our food.
“Farming is not a profession for the risk-adverse and over the past few years times have been tougher than usual.
“Storms, floods, drought and difficult trading conditions have conspired to make a hard job harder.
“FEAST is about bringing the local community together to have a well-deserved night off and to celebrate the depth of talent who call the Scenic Rim home.”
Aratula Primary School principal, Jedda McNeill, says her students were thrilled to be involved in creating large wall hangings to decorate the walls of the Aratula Community Centre.
The small school of just 22 students, is passionate about art and has taken inspiration from food and cooking for their creations.
“We’re really proud to be doing this because so much of the things we’re involved with are based in Boonah. It’s nice to be doing something that’s based here, right next door to our school,” she says.
“It’s an opportunity for all of our kids to be involved and put Aratula a little bit more permanently on the map.”
Throughout the evening guests will be entertained by a line-up of eight local musicians.
Andy Pennell is a singer/songwriter and vocalist from Boonah whose repertoire includes easy listening through to rock.
He will be joined on stage by Laura Pennell and Neil Pennell.
Aratula singer, Kylie Castle, will entertain with her unique and emotional songs, which are sure to have toes tapping. She’ll be joined by Kym Carson of Harrisville.
Rhiannon Davies is a singer/songwriter from Tamborine Mountain who will treat the crowd to her fusion of jazz, pop and indie music.
Finally brothers, Mitch and Sam King, will team their soulful vocals with African-inspired percussion to perform a set of soft rock and folk music.
FEAST is an initiative of the Scenic Rim Regional Council and has been made possible through funding provided under the Community Development and Recovery Package, which is a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Tickets are just $40 and Wednesday June 27 is the last day to buy them. Buy them online at www.eatlocalweek.com.au
Tags: aratula state school, Eat Local Week, Feast Producers Dinner, homespun