Farming ChampionsThe recent Farmer On Your Plate event was a celebration of Western Australia’s farming community and a powerful reminder of the deep connection between farmers and consumers. Hosted by Farming Champions, this year’s event marked its 12th anniversary, continuing the tradition of raising awareness about food security and supporting WA’s hardworking farming families.
The day began with live performances from Wesley College’s Soul Funk Band, setting an energetic and engaging tone. The event also featured a Welcome to Country by Kevin Fitzgerald, who shared stories that highlighted the rich cultural roots of the land. The aim of the event was not only to enjoy local food but to foster meaningful connections between the city and the country, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food and ask questions about where it comes from and the steps involved in getting it to their plates.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s impact. One family shared that they originally planned to stay for just an hour but ended up spending over four hours because their kids were so engaged in the activities. “It was a fantastic free event, and the focus on agriculture was better than the rides and toy bags at other festivals,” they noted. With interactive farm-themed experiences, the event offered children a unique way to learn about rural life while parents enjoyed a relaxed day out.
Exhibitors were thrilled with the turnout, many noting an incredible response from visitors. Some reported selling more in the first hour than they usually do in a full day at other markets, and a few even sold out of stock entirely. Beyond the sales, exhibitors appreciated the genuine interest from attendees, who continuously asked questions about station life, farming, and the challenges and joys of agricultural work. The face-to-face conversations allowed city residents to better understand the realities of farm life, making connections that go beyond a typical market day.
The Farming Champions committee is appreciative and offers thanks to the many individuals, businesses, and sponsors who made this free event possible, including support from Lotterywest, City of Fremantle, as well as Country Wide Insurance, Milne Feeds; Mt Barker Chicken & Plantagenet Pork, Royal Agricultural Society of WA, Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, Bannister Downs Dairy, Berry Sweet, Water Corporation, AGORA Property Group, Meat and Livestock Association, Perth Media, AFGRI Equipment, Meraki Boho, AAA Windscreens Rockingham, Emily Taylor Fremantle, Total Tools Malaga. As well as generous donations from many exhibitors for the hamper raffle and ingredients for cooking demonstrations. Contributions ranged from cash donations and donated produce for cooking demonstrations to prizes for raffles, all adding to the day’s activities and excitement. Special recognition was given to the dedicated chefs, volunteers, and farmers who provided hands-on experiences and insights for attendees.
We’d like to acknowledge the dignitaries in attendance Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forestry and Small Business, Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge, Director General of DPIRD Heather Brayford, Hon Dr Brad Pettitt MLC, South Metropolitan Region, Ms Donna Gordin, Nationals Candidate for Bateman, representing the leader of the Opposition and Leader of The Nationals Bronwyn Waugh, Liberal Candidate for South Perth, representing the Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health, Prevention of Family & Domestic Violence, and Students of the Narrogin Agricultural College who drove down especially for the event. It is also noted Farming Champions received apologies from Governor Chris Dawson, Colin De Grussa, Libby Mettam, Darren West, Melissa Price, Martin Aldridge, Shane Love, Shelly Payne, Mia Davies, Michaelia Cash, Simone McGurk, and Steve Martin.
This year’s theme—Your Family, Your Farmer, Your Food—emphasised the critical role of farmers in ensuring food security for all. WA’s farming communities face unique challenges, from geographical isolation to the impacts of government policy on their livelihoods. Stories shared at the event, such as the impact of the Yuna community’s loss of school bus services and the potential ban on live sheep exports, underscored the real struggles farmers face and their importance to the state’s economy and future food supply.
For urban attendees, the event was a chance to learn about these issues firsthand, bridging the gap between city and farm life. The Livestock Collective provided virtual reality experiences of live export, allowing people to see the care taken during animal transport, while Keep The Sheep highlighted the potential impacts of regulatory changes on the sheep and wool industries. This was complimented by a series of engaging sheep shearing demonstrations by Tom the Pom and live wool spinning by Tracey from Waroona. For those that did attend our event, we are asking you to provide feedback by completing the online survey here.
The event also underscored the need for support from city consumers. Farming Champions encouraged attendees to become advocates, or Farming Champions, themselves—joining a movement to help ensure a strong future for WA’s agricultural industry. Membership is free, and the goal is to create a network of supporters who value food security and sustainable farming practices. Sign up by completing the online form here, this will also subscribe you to our seasonal newsletter and future event updates.
As Farmer On Your Plate concluded, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the work that goes into putting food on their tables. The event was a celebration of the farming families who dedicate their lives to feeding WA and a call to action for city residents to support them in return.
Throughout the event on Saturday 26 October 2024 the estimated attendance was 20,000 people at Esplanade Reserve in Fremantle. With a successful 12th event, Farming Champions hopes to keep building these connections, fostering a community where Your Family, Your Farmer, Your Food remains secure for generations to come. Please reach out to us by email if you would like to sponsor this event moving forward.
The full exhibitor list includes: Swan River Distillery, Fifth Estate Wines, Milne Feeds, Chestnut Brae, Down2Earth Gardening, Lake Janis Grassfed, Australian Bee Company, RegenWA, Devoted Artisan Butter, Australian Black Limes, Family Food Group, Matters of Taste, Leaf Bean Machine, Antons Bratwurst, Cambinata Yabbies, Outback Beef, The Natural Circle, Churchview Estate, OMG Decadent Donuts Perth South, Sweets On The Run, The FunGuy, Hellz Bellz Hot Sauce Company, Vergone’s Fruit Stall Dwellingup, Belvedere Valley, Its All About Truffle, My Garden Shed, Glavocich Produce, BLOCK 275, Promote Farming (Hollands Track Farm), Tucker Bush, Rickles, The Livestock Collective, Keep The Sheep, Shire of York, Wandering Clover Fed Beef, Leaf Bean Machine, Rollingdough pizza, Galleria Burrata, Soft Serve White Cruiser, and Lucky Bay Brewing. Other confirmed sites: FC Information tent, MLA VR Headsets, Wayne’s Pony Rides, sheep shearing demonstration and live wool spinning, AFGRI equipment tractors, Musicians Hayden McGlinn and Nick & Lucy, Face Painter – Bippity Boppity Brush, Petting Zoo – Nigel’s Incredible Creatures.
Thanks to Kate Johnson Photography for our event photos and thanks to Alex from Simple Ben Stories for our event video, watch it on YouTube here.
