Heartening turnout at farmers’ gala ball

A panel discussion, take-home bags of fresh produce and a live painting of three jovial kelpies were highlights of this year’s Heart of WA gala ball.

The glitzy event organised by WAFarmers celebrated its fifth year with a new venue at Crown Towers’ Ballroom.

The event was designed to highlight and celebrate WA agricultural produce, with a five-course degustation menu and speeches.

Notable guests included WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan and WA Opposition Leader Mike Nahan, as well as various industry leaders including WAFarmers president Tony York.

Also in attendance was the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia Perth Dewi Gustina Tobin, One Nation WA leader Colin Tincknell, One Nation senator Peter Georgiou, member for Perth Patrick Gorman and Liberal MP Bill Marmion.

Courses included WA scallops, vegetables, double-cooked pork belly, beef tenderloin and a honey-themed dessert.

Fremantle artist Jacob Butler, coined Shakey Jake, painted a large canvas of three smiling kelpies in the back of a ute, while amazed guests looked on. The picture was later auctioned, raising $3800 for industry causes.

A panel discussion shone a light on WA pork production, featuring Coles livestock manager Dale Pemberton, Milne AgriGroup business development manager Adam Laitt and pork producer Jon Oldfield.

Guests were given bags to fill with fresh produce to take home.