‘Leo the Loggerhead’, Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association’s Kylie Jackson and Bree Grima, and Stephen Bennett are looking forward to showcasing the best of the Bundaberg and Burnett region in Parliament!

The region’s iconic and up-and-coming producers, businesses and tourist operators are busy packing their goods in preparation for the Bundaberg Region Promotion Night to showcase the Bundaberg and Burnett’s best to our state’s capital.

Queensland MP’s, mayors, media and other state dignitaries will get a taste of Bundaberg at the exclusive event next week at Parliament House in Brisbane.

The Bundaberg Region Promotion Night, a pet project of the member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, is an annual event designed to showcase the delights of the region, including the region’s finest produce, attractions and award-winning businesses.

“I’m really excited about this year’s Promotion Night which will once again feature an extensive array of the region’s leading iconic producers and award-winning businesses,” Mr Bennett said.

“The region will be well represented this year with Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Mammino’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers all making a special appearance.

“We are also thrilled to have some up-and-coming businesses join us this year, including Childers’ very own Cane Fire Cheese House, which will be great exposure for their new venture.”

Mr Bennett said he was proud to represent such a vibrant region rich in fresh, unbeatable produce and unique tourism opportunities.

“We all know that we are the premier tourist destination and it’s great to be able to seize the opportunity to promote the many wonderful things we have right in our backyard to the rest of the state,” he said.

“The Bundaberg Region Promotion Night is all about being loud and proud of our region and what we have to offer – why wouldn’t we want to show off our region to the rest of Queensland?”

“Having these amazing products and services all under the one roof at Parliament House is great exposure for our magnificent region.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for all our participants to get their name and products out there, and I’m proud to be able to help them expand their reach.”

Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers (BFVG) managing director Bree Grima said they looked forward to being able to showcase local produce at the event.

“The Bundaberg Promo Night allows the produce to speak for itself, either in the produce display, canapés or take home packs,” Ms Grima said.

“We want the flavours and experiences of our region to resonate with the key decision makers long after the night has ended and for the Bundaberg name to be on their lips and in their minds as they decide where to focus the energy of their portfolios.

“The Wide Bay Burnett region of Queensland is the food bowl of Australia and can supply your entire meal from start to finish.”

Ms Grima said the region provides 80% of Australia’s sweet potatoes, 40% (the largest share) of Australia’s macadamias and is a significant production region for numerous other commodities including melon, chilli and avocado.

“We enjoy sub-tropical growing conditions which provide our producers the best scenario for a wide window of opportunity not experienced in other regions,” she said.

“BFVG are proud supporters of Bundy Promo Night and Foodbank Queensland. We thank all producers for their donations and continued support for initiatives such as Foodbank, with leftover produce being donated to the worthy cause.”

The bi-partisan event will be held next Thursday, June 15 at Parliament House.

ENDS.

8 June 2017