Rebuilding after the rain: Ag Expo offers expert advice to primary producers

5 May 2021

The Southern Downs Ag Expo returns to Stanthorpe this year and primary producers are invited to attend this free event on Thursday 3 June to meet one-on-one with a cross section of agency experts and specialists and discuss drought assistance opportunities.

The Southern Downs Regional Council will bring together leading government and not-for-profit agencies such as Rural Aid, Drought Angels and RHealth to offer support and advice to assist drought affected producers rebuild their livelihoods following years of crippling drought.    

Southern Downs Councillor Cynthia McDonald knows first-hand the challenges local primary producers have faced, and with significant rain recently across the region, urged those affected to reach out at the upcoming Ag Expo and forge a new path into the future.

“The Southern Downs region has finally received some very much needed rain and for this we are very appreciative,” Councillor McDonald said.

“However this does not mean the drought has broken, and as a community, we need to start the rebuilding process.

“Council is acutely aware that the recovery process for our local agriculture and business sectors will take some time as the repercussions of years of drought have caused a massive downturn in the productivity in these sectors.

“Support from Council and our local agencies can provide the vital link for information on available assistance specific to primary producers.”

Ag Expo Program overview:

• 8.30am – 2pm: The return of the hugely popular Ten Minutes with a Master is set to be a firm favourite amongst attendees. To secure 10 Minutes with a Master session, bookings are required by contacting Dani Kinnear dani.kinnear@sdrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 My SDRC (697 372).
• 2pm to 5pm: The Ag Expo will be in full swing in the Stanthorpe Civic Centre featuring trade stalls from government agencies and local suppliers to the industry. Opportunities to discuss and investigate the latest developments in agriculture and related issues including bio security, waste management and casual labour hire on a one-on-one basis with representatives will be an added boost to the event.
• From 5pm: Council will partner with the Granite Belt Growers Association to provide a free networking event, allowing growers and agencies an opportunity for casual conversations over a bite to eat, sharing the successes and challenges of the recent seasons.

What is Ten Minutes with a Master?

The objective Ten Minutes with a Master is to facilitate an opportunity for primary producers to individually and privately meet with variety of agency experts and discuss drought assistance such as:

• Rural Financial Assistance
• Farm Household Allowance through Services Australia
• Department of Agriculture and Fisheries programs
• Rural Aid
• Queensland Country Women’s Association Grants
• Department of Employment, Small Businesses and Training programs
• Council’s Business Advice Support Program
• Drought Angels
• Tackling regional adversity through integrated care
• RHealth

Event details

When: 8.30am, Thursday 3 June 2021

Where: Stanthorpe Civic Centre