Program COCKTAIL HOUR Welcome
Introduction to Assistant Minister Ministerial Address
ENTRÉE Chef’s Address Celebrating 10 Years of Farm to Fine Dining
MAIN Premiere of Central Highlands Agriculture - the future is growing here
DESSERT Thank You Networking
Beverages BEER
Asahi Super Dry Balter Great Northern Super Crisp 4 Pines
SPARKLING 2021 Deviation Rd ‘Loftia’ Brut, Adelaide Hills SA
RIESLING 2023 Nick O’Leary ‘White Rocks’ Riesling, Canberra District, NSW
CHARDONNAY 2023 Tyrell’s Estate Grown Chardonnay, Hunter Valley NSW
ROSÉ 2023 Cullen ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ Rose, Margaret River, WA
SHIRAZ BLEND 2023 Henschke ‘Henry’s Seven’ Shiraz/Grenache, Barossa Valley SA
FORTIFIED 2001 Hidden Creek ‘Rare’ Muscat, Granite Belt QLD An assortment of Soft Drinks and sparkling water Tea and Coffee
Wines paired with each course
CANAPÉS 2018 Spinifex ‘Rostein’ Riesling, Eden Valley SA
2018 Deviation Rd ‘Loftia’ Brut, Adelaide Hills SA
ENTRÉE 2023 Tyrell’s Estate Grown Chardonnay, Hunter Valley NSW MAIN 2023 Henshke ‘Henry’s Seven’ Shiraz/Grenache, Barossa Valley SA DESSERT 2001 Hidden Creek ‘Rare’ Muscat, Granite Belt QLD
Menu
Designed by Blackbird Executive Chef Jake Nicolson in collaboration with CHDC, this menu features produce sourced from the Central Highlands (as highlighted).
CANAPÉS Marathon Wagyu beef tartare en croûte with taro crisp Baby beetroot, whipped curd, and Murphy Farming puffed sorghum Gersbach Family Farming chickpea chips with red pepper jam
BREAD Murphy Farming house-baked heritage wheat focaccia with rosemary and olives
ENTRÉE Manulife macadamia and Weemah Farming sesame-crusted quail, Costa Group mandarin chilli caramel with shaved fennel
MAIN Marathon Wagyu striploin, caramelised onion and Gersbach Family Farming chickpea hummus, confit carrots and Marathon Wagyu fat vinaigrette
SIDE SALAD Toasted grains salad with Broken Plains Farming mung beans, Murphy Farming sorghum, Gersbach Family Farming chickpeas, labneh and soft herbs with Seed & Flour edible flowers
DESSERT New Dawn Honey parfait, coconut and Costa Group mandarin lamington, Weemah Farming black sesame ice cream with New Dawn Honey honeycomb and Seed & Flour edible flower garnish
Marathon Wagyu
Marathon Wagyu, located in Emerald, specialises in producing highquality Wagyu beef renowned for its exceptional marbling and flavour. Owned and operated by the McCosker family, Marathon Wagyu has built a reputation for excellence in the beef industry, focusing on full-blood Wagyu cattle raised with the utmost care and attention to detail. The McCoskers emphasise the integrity of their herd, ensuring that each animal exhibits the prized characteristics that make Wagyu beef so sought after. Their commitment to breeding with genetics traceable back to the original foundation genetics imported from Japan, underscores their dedication to quality and authenticity. At Marathon Wagyu, cattle are meticulously bred and finished using a carefully crafted feeding regime that emphasises slow, natural growth, ensuring optimal marbling. This approach, combined with their focus on sustainability and ethical farming practices, results in cattle that consistently produce heavy carcasses with superior marbling, earning premium prices in both domestic and international markets. As proud members of the Australian Wagyu industry, Marathon Wagyu continue to strive for the best quality, contributing to the growing recognition of Australian Wagyu as among the best in the world. MARATHONWAGYU.COM MARATHONWAGYU
Gersbach Family Farming
Based in Capella, just north of Emerald, Gersbach Family Farming is a three-generation agricultural enterprise built on dedication and a forward-thinking approach. Starting in 1963, the family now farms 4,000 hectares, cultivating a diverse rotation including the chickpeas featured in tonight’s dinner. Led by third-generation farmer Tim Gersbach and his wife Courtney, Gersbach Family Farming blends deep-rooted experience with innovative practices, notably their early adoption of zero-till farming. Their long-standing commitment to on-farm research ensures continuous improvement and valuable contributions to the agricultural community. Gersbach Family Farming proudly showcases how generational wisdom and a proactive embrace of innovation yield quality produce for our tables.
Murphy Farming
Paul Murphy of Murphy Farming is a fourth-generation grain farmer and takes pride in seeing the tradition continue, with the younger generation now fully involved. As a family operation, each member plays a vital role in our success. For 34 years, we have been proudly certified organic, consistently supplying high-quality cereals, wheats, pulses, and specialty grains to both international and domestic markets. Our commitment to excellence and sustainable farming practices has established us as a trusted supplier in the industry. Over the past decade, we have focused on revitalising heritage and ancient wheats, bringing back time-honoured varieties that offer excellent nutritional value, rich flavour profiles, and resilience in the Central Queensland climate and our organic farming system. This, coupled with a dedication to biodiversity and soil health, has ensured that we continue to provide premium-quality grains while preserving agricultural traditions for future generations. We combine authentic traditional farming methods with modern machinery, while continuously exploring crop rotations and cutting-edge approaches to grain storage design to enhance efficiency and grain quality. With decades of experience, a forward-thinking approach, and the next generation actively involved, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and the highest standards of organic production. Our wheat is processed in Toowoomba by Kialla Pure Foods, a specialised organic flour mill. MURPHYFARMING.COM.AU THE.FARMERS.DAUGHTER
Manulife
Manulife Investment Management oversees a significant agricultural asset just 10 kilometers west of Emerald, Queensland: a thriving 450-hectare macadamia farm. This impressive orchard, part of Manulife’s diverse investment portfolio, boasts 146,000 trees, meticulously cultivated to yield approximately 1,000 tonnes of premium nut-in-shell annually, contributing significantly to the region’s agricultural output. As a global wealth and asset manager, Manulife Investment Management leverages over a century of financial stewardship to offer a broad range of investment solutions, managing risks and maximising investment possibilities for clients worldwide. Their commitment extends to creating long-term value and sustainable asset management across various asset classes. Overseeing this substantial operation is Toby McCall, the dedicated Farm Manager. Residing on the property with his wife and three children, Toby brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge and hands-on skills, honed over years of experience in the macadamia industry, to ensure the farm’s continued success and productivity. His deep understanding of macadamia cultivation is integral to producing the high-quality nuts that originate from this fertile Queensland land, making this farm a key player in the macadamia market.
Weemah Farming
For over 40 years, the Kiely family’s Weemah Farming has thrived in the fertile soils of the Central Highlands. Second-generation farmer Aaron Kiely now leads this family operation alongside his wife Carly, and together they are deeply entrenched in their local community, with their involvement in local sporting groups reflecting their shared love for cricket. Aaron’s extensive leadership skills are also utilised to mentor and coach young athletes within the Central Highlands community. Demonstrating their commitment to innovation and agricultural advancement, Weemah Farming is actively engaged in on-farm research trials in partnership with CQUniversity, focusing on black and white sesame varieties and dual-purpose peanuts. Beyond his local contributions and research endeavours, Aaron actively supports the agricultural industry through his involvement in multiple statebased leadership and mentoring programs. He is also a proud graduate of the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program (Cohort 29) and currently serves as the President of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation. Spanning 600 hectares at Deneliza Downs, Weemah Farming harnesses the reliable irrigation network of the Fairbairn Dam to cultivate a diverse range of premium crops. Their agricultural expertise encompasses cotton, mungbeans, chickpeas, peanuts, and wheat, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices in the heart of Queensland. Weemah Farming embodies the passion of a family dedicated to producing the finest from their land, actively contributing to their community and industry, and embracing innovation for the future of agriculture.
Broken Plains Farming
Rooted in four generations of agricultural expertise, Broken Plains Farming is a family-owned and operated enterprise led by Kurt and Naree Mayne. Situated 20 kilometers east of Rolleston, Queensland, their expansive property encompasses 4,500 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of rain-grown wheat, chickpeas, barley, and mungbeans. An additional 5,500 hectares is utilised for running cattle to supply feedlots, showcasing a diversified approach to their agricultural operations. For Kurt Mayne, farming is more than just a profession; it’s a deeply ingrained heritage passed down through his family for four generations. Together with Naree, they are not only dedicated stewards of the land but also proud parents to their four children, fostering a legacy that extends beyond the fields. Broken Plains Farming is committed to producing high-quality crops and livestock while embracing a forward-thinking approach to land management. Recognising the importance of environmental sustainability, Kurt and Naree are actively transitioning their practices to more sustainable methods, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of their land for generations to come. Driven by a passion for agriculture and a commitment to their community, Broken Plains Farming embodies the spirit of Australian farming – resilient, innovative, and deeply connected to the land.
Seed & Flour
Seed and Flour is cultivating beauty and flavour as the Central Highlands’ first dedicated flower farm. Founded by the dynamic duo Jody and Blake, this unique venture grows a stunning array of traditional cut flowers alongside specialty edible flowers, aromatic garlic, and the highly prized saffron. What sets Seed and Flour apart is the rich and diverse experience Jody brings to the blooms. With over 25 years immersed in the florist, hospitality, and catering industries, Jody possesses an intricate understanding of floral design, culinary applications, and the art of creating memorable experiences. As a seasoned entrepreneur, having owned and operated several successful businesses with her husband Blake, Jody’s passion and business acumen are deeply rooted. Together, their entrepreneurial spirit is the driving force behind Seed and Flour’s innovative approach to agriculture. Seed and Flour is more than just a farm; it’s a testament to the power of combining horticultural expertise with a deep understanding of market needs. By offering both visually exquisite flowers and unique culinary ingredients, they are cultivating a fresh and exciting offering for the Central Highlands region. Keep an eye out for the vibrant colours and distinctive flavours blossoming from Seed and Flour! SEED&FLOUR
Costa Group
The story of 2PH began over 30 years ago with a mission to cultivate sweeter, better-tasting mandarins for the market. Grown exclusively in Emerald, Queensland, 2PH has become a prestigious Australian brand known worldwide for its exceptional quality and rich sweet flavour. Its distinctive citrus taste and vibrant colour have earned it a loyal following. Today, under the ownership of the Costa Group, 2PH spans over 1,400 acres with around 300,000 mandarin trees, all hand harvested to ensure premium quality. This remarkable growth is the result of dedication and steadfast commitment from their farm teams to deliver exceptional produce their customers can taste. COSTAGROUP.COM.AU COSTAGROUPHOLDINGS
New Dawn Honey
Founded by Shawn Michelmore and Daniel Laas, New Dawn Honey began in September 2019 with a single backyard hive and a passion for learning. With guidance from an experienced local mentor—who warned of how addictive beekeeping could become—Shawn and Daniel quickly embraced the craft, harvesting their first batch of honey just one year later. What started as a hobby soon outgrew its humble beginnings. A second hive was added, and honey production began to exceed what could be shared among family, friends, and neighbours. To prevent waste, the surplus was offered for sale via social media, sparking local interest and building a loyal customer base. The business expanded further when a rescued swarm from a tree scheduled for removal found a new home on a friend’s nearby property, now a generous host to several thriving hives. With continued growth through swarm catches and hive management, Shawn and Daniel have developed a small-scale yet steadily growing operation. Today, their business proudly supplies local, raw honey across the Emerald area, with a commitment to natural beekeeping practices and community connection at its core. NEWDAWNHONEY NEWDAWNHONEY
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AGRICULTURE –
The future is growing here
Lights, camera, agriculture! Central Highlands producers are front and centre in Central Highlands Agriculture – the future is growing here, a showcase of the region’s thriving agricultural sector. The video highlights world-class beef, cotton, grains, pulses, citrus, and table grapes – all underpinned by a spirit of innovation and sustainability. It offers a powerful snapshot of the productivity, diversity, and future-focused thinking that makes the Central Highlands a leader in Australian agriculture.