The celebrations were held at Wudinna’s Apex Park last Wednesday night. The awards recognise South Australian towns that are excelling in agricultural practices and the flow-on effect they have on communities.

“It’s like a pat on the back for the hard work everyone does, not just the farmers, but people in town, the council, the school; we all work together,” said Wudinna Area School teacher Nicolle McKinlay, from the Eyre Peninsula town with a population of around 600.

“I feel like everybody has a pep in their step. It’s good that we are being recognised for our hard work, that we are innovators, and that we’re up with the big leagues as well.”

The dinner was attended by over 70 locals as well as Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven and Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks, who is a member of the judging panel.

The meal was provided by Wudinna Meat Store, Wudinna Bakery and Wudinna Community Club while Wudinna United Football and Netball Club helped prepare the dinner. A new sign, part of the prize awarded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and recognising the town’s achievement was on display, soon to be erected on the main road into Wudinna.

All photos: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

Maddocks said Wudinna won the Agricultural Town of the Year award because of the drive of its townspeople, their commitment to community and their contribution to agriculture across the board.

“There were a number of examples where the community put their resources together to go out and make things happen, rather than waiting for someone to give them a handout,” he said.

“This is a community that regularly goes through good times and bad times with seasonal fluctuations, and they just keep on holding it together, building their community and standing with each other.”

The town acts as a hub for the Eyre Peninsula, offering indispensable services to the agricultural sector with a focus on research innovation. It is a leader for dryland farming, with the region contributing 40 to 45 per cent of South Australia’s wheat production.

Wudinna’s commitment to agriculture starts at a grassroots level where agriculture is at the heart of Wudinna Area School’s curriculum, nurturing the understanding necessary for future careers.

Meanwhile, Wudinna’s emergency services, including the CFS and ambulance, are completely run by volunteers and operate around the clock.

Minister Scriven gains harvester how-to at Minnipa Agricultural Centre

The town was awarded the 2023 Agricultural Town of the Year at InDaily’s Regional Showcase Awards in November last year at The Vale Taphouse in McLaren Vale. Bordertown and Eudunda were the other two finalists in the PIRSA-run program.

Maddocks said it was great to see the town celebrate their achievement.

“The minister commented, and I reflect on this too, the look on their faces when Wudinna was announced as the winner at the awards — they were floored,” he said.

“To see that accomplishment reflected back in the community at the town celebration was really nice because it reinforces that other people notice that what they’re doing is important.”

Scriven said the community barbecue was an excellent and well-deserved celebration.

“It was a lovely turnout and a beautiful evening. There was a real sense of pride and achievement, but it also gave them a chance to reflect on the strength of their community,” she said.

The wave formations of Pildappa Rock attract tourists to the Wudinna area

During Scriven’s trip to Wudinna she visited key locations of the region that contribute to its success in agriculture, innovation and tourism including AIR EP, Wudinna Area School, Minnipa Agricultural Centre and Pildappa Rock.

“The commitment to agriculture and the future of agriculture becomes really clear, particularly from visiting the school and looking at what they’re doing for the next generation,” she said.

“It’s so important that we have awards like this so that we can celebrate the strength and importance of regional communities and agricultural communities specifically.”