A maiden event, showcasing farming potential and fresh produce, has taken out SA’s Community Event of the Year in the Australia Day awards.
The Adelaide Plains SA Country Women’s Association branch was formed in August 2016, and less than a year later it held Plains on a Plate.
Branch president Emma Tiller said the event came to fruition following the Pinery fires, and although it was a year and a half after the damage had been done, the group felt like the community needed a boost.
“We felt out community was put under significant stress after the fire and needed a reason to come together,” she said.
“The Adelaide Plains a farming area, and the farmers are the backbone of our community.”
Mrs Tiller said Plains on a Plate was about showcasing agricultural production on the Adelaide Plains.
“A lot of the land was devastated and burnt out in the fire, and we wanted to give the farmers a pat on the back as well,” she said.
Mrs Tiller said it was “absolutely amazing” to receive the award and the group of “younger women” had gone from strength to strength.
“We obviously though we had put on a good event and were doing something great for our community, but it is nice to be recognised locally by our peers,” she said.
Plains on a Plate involved a focus on local produce, with many farmers providing lentils and chickpeas, along with locals growing a variety of vegetables in their backyards.
They were supported by Tasting Australia’s Simon Bryant, who performed cooking demonstrations using the local produce, along with George the Farmer and local stall holders.
From the minute Plains on a Plate finished, Mrs Tiller was inundated with requests for it to become an annual event.
The Adelaide Plains branch was formed following the Pinery fire, as a number of women were looking for an outlet to chat with other like-minded ladies.