WOMEN involved in the Queensland horticulture community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day earlier this month with an event at Moda Events Portside in Brisbane.
Southern Downs Regional Council mayor, Tracy Dobie attended the event and gave a touching speech on the themes of "balance for better".
She also spoke on the topic of "more powerful together", saying she felt both resonated when she thought about what was happening in her region.
Female growers from a number of orchards around Qld got to share their stories and roles around the orchards.
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Grower Toni Nicoletti from Nicoletti Orchard, spoke about the hardships Stanthorpe was facing with it’s driest season and hottest summer on record.
With the dry times, they have struggled to give their orchard the necessary water and the record-breaking drought will see their harvest to drop by 40 per cent.
Grower Dinie Ferrier from Rosemary Hill Orchard touched on the main aspects within the primary aim of their business, to produce healthy, flavoursome, fresh fruit.
Teresa Francis from Kumbia gave a speech on the awareness of mental health, saying growers face a lot of challenges throughout the seasons.
"Please, when you are dealing with life changing situations there is nothing to be ashamed about in going and speaking to your local GP. Its okay to accept help in many forms," Ms Francis said.
Women working in the industry within local fruit shops were also there in support of the growers, plus other business women from around south east Qld.
Attendees described the food as "absolutely delightful" with the highlight of the night for some.
Executive chef, Stephen Nardo, and his team used locally-sourced ingredients from Qld and Victorian growers.
Event coordinator, Divine Fruits, indicated it hoped to continue to host similar events in future.
The business thanked the three major sponsors, Montague Tree, Earth Markets and Feast on Fruit and Delicatessen.
