In a powerful demonstration of rural solidarity, farmers from Queensland’s Scenic Rim are coming together to support their fellow producers in Outback Queensland, many of whom have lost everything in recent catastrophic floods. The initiative, “Hands Across the Land,” is more than just a fundraising dinner—it’s a heartfelt show of unity, resilience, and unwavering community spirit.
This Saturday, April 26 at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, the event will see local Scenic Rim farmers serve a dinner featuring the finest produce from the region—produce they’ve grown with their own hands. Every ingredient has been donated, every plate will be served by the producers themselves, and every dollar raised will go directly to Farm Angels, a charity working tirelessly to help Outback families rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
A Call to Arms in Times of Crisis
Queensland is no stranger to the challenges of life on the land. As one farmer put it, “The land gives, and the land takes.”But when disaster strikes, it’s the people of the land who come together with strength, compassion, and action.
The recent floods in Outback Queensland have been particularly devastating—wiping out over 100,000 head of stockand destroying generations of work. Farmers have lost not only their income and infrastructure but also the animals they care for and raise with dedication. The emotional toll is immeasurable.
“We can’t bring back their livestock, nor the generations of work they have lost,” said Kay Tommerup from Tommerup’s Farm, one of the producers participating in the event. “But we can show that our farming community stands together with them as they begin the huge task of rebuilding their lives on the farm.”
Tommerup’s own farm has faced difficulties in recent summers, battling extreme weather events that have affected their animals and operations. But the scale of devastation in the Outback is unprecedented.
“The size of this flood and the loss of over 100,000 head of stock is just unbelievable to me,” she said. “As farmers, the health and wellbeing of our animals is always our top priority – the image of what has happened to them in those floods would be indelibly imprinted in their minds.”
When the Paddock Meets the Plate with Purpose
The dinner aims to be both a celebration of community and a beacon of hope. Dubbed a night where “the paddock meets the plate with purpose,” “Hands Across the Land” will feature produce from some of the region’s best-known names, including Valley Pride Produce, Australian Sweetwater Crays, Kalfresh, Tommerup’s Farm, Vanbery Jam Co, Scenic Rim Finger Limes, Ladybrook Farm, Towri Sheep Cheeses, LICK!, and more.
These producers are not only donating their goods—they’re also stepping into the kitchen and onto the floor. Guests will be served by the very farmers who nurtured the food, creating a powerful connection between those who produce and those who partake.
At the helm of the kitchen will be Glen Barratt, formerly of Wild Canary, alongside Shinade Harper from Canungra Valley Vineyards. Both are donating their time to bring the dishes to life with heart and skill.
More Than a Meal—A Message
The evening will feature storytelling, interviews, trivia, and auctions, all designed to draw attention to the real stories behind the headlines. It’s a way to remind the public that behind every bale of hay and herd of cattle, there are families, people, and dreams that are now under threat.
“I hope we can raise significant funds to assist them in the recovery process,” Tommerup said, “but even more importantly, show them that people really do care about what they’re going through.”
The dinner is being hailed not just as a fundraising opportunity but as a lifeline, a message to Outback Queensland farmers that they are not alone. It reinforces a core truth that runs deep in Australia’s rural communities: “Because farmers stand by farmers.”
Event Details
HANDS ACROSS THE LAND
A Dinner For Our Mates in the Outback
📍 O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
📅 Saturday, 26 April from 6pm
💰 $70 per person | Cash bar available
All proceeds go to Farm Angels to aid flood-affected farming families.
Get your tickets to Hands Across The Land
