Scenic Rim takes home state award for coronavirus recovery

After an event that normally brings $2 million into the local economy was cancelled, this region had to think quick on their feet to find a way to recover from the devastating loss.

For their innovation and resilience during the global pandemic, the Scenic Rim Regional Council has taken home a prestigious state award.

After their annual Eat Local Week event was cancelled, the council supported a unique initiative called the Scenic Rim Farm Box which earned them recognition throughout the state.

Scenic Rim Farm Box, which council supported as part of its economic stimulus package in response to COVID-19 in lieu of its usual contribution to Eat Local Week, won an award in the Local Government Award category at the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards (Queensland).

The awards recognise projects that have helped Queensland communities better prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the pandemic was a devastating time for local producers and farmers, and the $2 million Eat Local Week normally brought into the region was a massive loss.

Their collaboration with Scenic Rim Farm Box helped repair some of that damage.

“We have seen steady growth in the number of participating suppliers registered with Scenic Rim Farm Box, offering over 240 different product lines available for purchase,” Mr Christensen said.

“By leveraging existing networks created by the highly successful annual Eat Local Week, Council was able to work with local producers to ensure Scenic Rim Farm Box had a fast turnaround to implementation to bring much needed economic stimulus to the region.”

Scenic Rim Farm Box’s Genevieve Windley said the support and promotion from council was “critical” to their success.

“Combined with the support from local producers and Kalfresh’s in-kind contribution, it meant we were able to get up and running within three weeks of launch,” she said.

“Scenic Rim Farm Box is now delivering products from more than 50 Scenic Rim producers and has created 18 direct jobs and more indirectly.”

Mr Christensen said the collaboration was critical to ensuring the region survived through the pandemic, and cemented the Scenic Rim’s position as a thriving hot spot for food and luxury.

He said their ability to win the award was a testament to the innovation and creativity of the region in what has been a truly testing time.

“As a region that has faced ongoing drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, we are proud of the strength and resilience our communities have shown and their willingness to adapt to an ever-changing environment,” he said.

“Excitingly, this initiative is inspiring people to visit the Scenic Rim, enhancing our region’s brand for produce excellence and cementing our reputation as a foodie destination.”