Summerland Farm to host business awards and networking events

ALSTONVILLE will welcome the return of the Wollongbar Business Excellence Awards later this month, with Summerland Farm set to host the sold-out gala.

The event will be held on Saturday, July 26, after a seven-year break, with more than 30 businesses nominated through the Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce.

Summerland Farm has previously hosted the awards and was chosen again for its role as a major local employer and community hub.

The farm employs more than 120 people with disabilities across its farming, retail, hospitality, animal care and administration operations. It has also become a popular venue for weddings, celebrity chefs and community events.

Summerland Farm operations manager for hospitality and tourism Elke Robinson said the awards will be a major celebration for the business community.

“The awards night is shaping up as a big one and we’re also hosting the next Northern Rivers Executive Network meeting here, too,” she said.

“We’re really keen to strengthen our ties within the community. We’ll be relaunching our farm tours over the next few months with some new wheelchair accessible equipment.”

Proceeds from the executive network event will support the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, which funds grassroots organisations across the region.

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce will also hold its next after-hours networking event at Summerland Farm on Wednesday, August 20.

For details about the chamber events or to book for the Ballina Shire Business and Excellence Awards on Saturday, August 2, visit the chamber website.