Link2Country Expo: Inaugural Ingham rural field day for school children a hit
Three sisters concerned about the future of the sugar industry are trying to spark a sweet revolution; aiming an ag expo at school-age children.
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A cane-harvesting contractor concerned about the future of the sugar industry in North Queensland has been overwhelmed by the response to an action-packed, family-orientated farming expo primarily aimed at school children.
Nicola Chiesa, along with sisters Bronte and Matilda Law, is organising the inaugural Link2Country Expo at the Ingham Showgrounds on May 23-24.
She said the idea was sparked by the lack of labour needed to sustain the industry.
“We don’t have anyone young coming into the industry … trying to find haul-outs for seasonal work is always hard in the district and the equipment is not cheap either, we are giving employees a half-million office to sit in … you can’t just put anyone in it.”
The agricultural college graduate said she took inspiration from local junior sports clubs that ran successful grassroots programs to “start the kids young” in terms of considering farm work as viable long-term career choice.
“The students will be getting a taste of the industry with industry experts … with hands-on experiences.”
The comprehensive two-day schedule running Friday and Saturday includes an eclectic program of “agri life skills” from operating a small excavator to learning suturing techniques and bandaging from a professional vet, to name just two of 20 business-delivered activities.
In addition to the skills programs and live demonstrations, the program also features a host of entertainment, from a kids pedal tractor pull competition and line-dancing lessons to whip-cracking classes, fancy dress competitions and a comedy show.
For adults, there is a full-bar, live music, food and trade stands on each day, and NQ Makers Markets on Saturday.
Ms Chiesa said they were expecting school groups totalling about 700 students on Friday alone, with Saturday open to additional children who would be able to book online and attend with their parents.
“Originally it was intended for 500 students over both days but on Friday we are going to have 700 alone – we are expecting well over 1000 students to come over the two days,” she said.
“The poor Lions Club, I asked them to cook a free sausage sizzle with 700 sausages, now they are up to 1500 sausages.”
Ms Chiesa said the event had been backed by the Hinchinbrook community and local businesses, including naming-rights sponsors Canegrowers Herbert River.
She said the overwhelmingly positive response would not be a one off, possibly held every two years instead of three.
“It’s got a pretty bright future.”
The full schedule and booking options for courses is available online.
Ms Chiesa said students were coming from as far away as Charters Towers and the Tablelands, though it was also open to students from throughout North Queensland, including Townsville.
“They can register for the Saturday programs if they’re keen but obviously spaces are limited so get in quick,” she said.
“Otherwise you can just come and walk on through and listen, visit the trade stands and enjoy the entertainment … it’s pretty exciting.”
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Originally published as Link2Country Expo: Inaugural Ingham rural field day for school children a hit
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