The ‘Steak for a Mate’ dinner at the Golden Age Hotel Omeo last week was a huge success with 53 farmers embracing a much-needed night out.
The idea started with a simple conversation across the bar between mates and quickly grew into an event to raise money for farming families in need in the High Country.
Every T-bone steak sold during June raised funds to support a community barbecue at Benambra Neighbourhood House and Benambra Men’s Shed and eventually a proper steak night out for farmers.
Trudy Anderson from Benambra Neighbourhood House picked up the idea, and started pulling the event together and inviting local farmers, contacting Jen Smith from Gippsland Agricultural Group. Jen was able to lock in two guest speakers – Trent Anderson, a farmer from Giffard (Merinos, Herefords, crops) and Dave Cardwell a farmer from Lindenow (Angus cattle, black suffolks) – who spoke from the heart about the challenges of farming and how they’ve navigated tough times. Their honesty, humour and care really struck a chord.
Gippsland Agricultural Group also rallied Gippsland farmers to chip in and cover the cost of dinner for their High Country mates — a generous show of support from farmers for farmers.
The event was also generously supported by JBS Australia and Riviera Meats Eastwood who supplied top-quality Aussie beef — perfectly cooked by the Golden Age’s own ‘Benambra chef’ Cody.
Golden Age owner Grant Mooney also rallied Sale Greyhound Club, JR Symons Mechanical, Elders Bairnsdale, and Omeo Rural & Hardware Supplies to donate door prizes.
