ALFA's Community Heroes Award, sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, is back for the third year running. This heart-warming award recognises and rewards feedlots across Australia for their outstanding contributions to local communities and the environment.
The overall winner will receive a $5,000 cash donation that can be directed towards a local charity, business, or feedlot initiative, further enriching their communities.
The application deadline is August 31, and the winner will be announced at SmartBeef23 on October 11 and 12.
Aronui Feedlot Auction - ‘Dimes for Dolly’
Established in 1964, and purchased by AACo in 2002, Aronui Feedlot is proudly recognised as Australia’s oldest commercial feedlot.
With such a rich history within the lot feeding industry, it comes as no surprise the team behind Aronui play a vital part in the local community and beyond, hosting multiple annual fundraising events for a variety of charities.
The team recently held an auction for Dolly’s Dream, a charity which sits within the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
Dolly’s Dream works to change the culture of bullying, anxiety and depression through direct support and education for young people and families.
Aronui administration, HR and training officer Matilda Stitt said the team initially had plans to host a simple staff lunch to support Dolly’s parents (Kate and Tick Everett) but, after further discussion, a much larger plan evolved.
“AACo wanted to focus efforts on key charities that connected to our people and operations,” Matilda said, adding Dolly’s parents, who had previously worked with the company, are part of the wider AACo family.
‘Dimes for Dolly’ was held in May at the Bellview Hotel, Queensland, had more than 300 people in attendance, and raised more than $19,600 from the generosity of donated auction items which ranged from artwork and hampers, to a night away at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane.
With all proceeds from the night going directly to Dolly’s Dream, the evening celebrated the efforts of local butchers and farmers, small businesses, and feedlot industry leaders.
Matilda said the reception to the charity event had been overwhelming.
“We are so humbled to have been able to raise awareness for mental health in this capacity,” she said.
“Employees at Aronui, and in the greater AACo community, have access to such an excellent support network and we believe that everyone deserves that opportunity.
“It was amazing to see the feedlot and community come together for such an extraordinary cause,” she said, adding the evening would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the “incredible team” behind the scenes.
“Our maintenance and livestock teams went above and beyond to fabricate fire pits and spit attachments, cut firewood, set up, help cook and serve and sell raffle tickets.”
“It also would not have been possible without the overwhelming response from the local community to be involved,” Matilda said.
“From small, locally owned businesses to large suppliers of our industry, everyone had a part in donating, whether it was their time or prizes.”
What impact is the initiative having on the local community?
Running a local event to support mental health in agriculture and addressing the effects of bullying within our industry and community is a direct reflection of Aronui’s values. The positive impact Dimes for Dolly had on their community is evident through the small family-owned businesses and large industry leaders alike coming together to raise awareness for mental health services provided by Dolly’s Dream.
The exposure and promotion they were able to provide for their cause, their local businesses and lot feeding is tremendous to see.
Dolly's Dream general manager Stephen Bendle said the whole team, including Kate and Tick, were excited to hear about the results of the auction.
“I remember talking to the managers out there about the event, especially Tilly who was so enthusiastic.
“The generosity of those at Aronui will mean that our Dolly's Dream Support Line will continue 24/7, more school workshops will be available to help kids and we can help families deal with the impact of bullying.”
About the ALFA Community Heroes Award
Australian feedlots are vital to the fabric of rural and regional Australia by creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to local economies and the environment. This award recognises and rewards those feedlots that are actively nourishing their local communities and environment by going above and beyond to support their community, that ‘give-back’ and better the environment around them. The winning initiative will receive a $5,000 cash donation towards a local charity, business, or feedlot initiative to assist in further development and impact of the initiative.
With thanks to our ALFA Platinum Member sponsor, Lallemand Animal Nutrition for their support of this Award.
