In a celebration of agricultural excellence and community spirit, Wudinna, a town in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula, has been crowned the 2023 Agricultural Town of the Year.
The award ceremony took place at the Vale Brewing Restaurant and Bar on the grounds of Beresford Estate in McLaren Flat.
Outshining stiff competition from two other finalists, Bordertown and Eudunda, Wudinna emerged victorious following assessments by a panel of judges.
The annual Ag Town of the Year accolade pays homage to South Australian towns that demonstrate outstanding achievements in agricultural practices and the significant positive impact these endeavors have on their local communities.
Wudinna, with its modest population of just 548 residents, has distinguished itself as an agricultural powerhouse. A remarkable 73.5 percent of all its exports are attributed to agriculture, and 43.8 percent of the town’s workforce finds gainful employment within the sector.
These impressive statistics underscore Wudinna’s unwavering commitment to agriculture as both a historical legacy and a promising future.
The judges were particularly impressed by Wudinna’s unparalleled community engagement, especially its robust support for the younger generation’s involvement in agriculture through educational initiatives.
Wudinna’s persistent dedication to research and development also garnered praise, with a dynamic network of farmer-led grower groups contributing significantly to agricultural research, ensuring its relevance and currency.
Additionally, Wudinna’s proactive approach to tourism initiatives was commended. The town’s ability to attract visitors while emphasizing the paramount importance of agriculture was exemplified by the Australian Farmer Statue, a colossal 70-tonne sculpture that now stands as one of Australia’s iconic “Big Things.”
The path to victory was no easy feat, as the competition began with 49 nominations. After rigorous public voting, the judging panel thoughtfully narrowed down the field to the final three towns. Wudinna now joins the esteemed ranks of previous Ag Town of the Year recipients, including Cleve (2019), Pinaroo (2020), Kimba (2021), and Mypolonga (2022).
The announcement of Wudinna’s triumph was a highlight of the Regional Showcase Awards, a prestigious event that recognizes the exceptional contributions of individuals, groups, and businesses in regional South Australia, as covered by local regional journalism.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says “It is clear to see why the town is affectionately known as ‘wonderful Wudinna’, with its leadership in the agriculture sector complemented by strong community support.”
“The town is a major service hub for the Eyre Peninsula’s agricultural sector and a significant contributor to the region’s GDP through grain and livestock production, as well as a centre for research innovation.”
“The Wudinna community is to be commended for its resilience, its track record of using the ‘good times’ to prepare for the ‘bad’ by putting together strategic plans and for leading from the front to leverage its natural advantages to address challenges.”
“Congratulations to the other two finalists, Bordertown, and Eudunda, who were also very strong contenders. I know it was not an easy decision for the judges.”
Wudinna District Council Mayor, Eleanor Scholz, says the title is very exciting.
“Congratulations to Eudunda and Bordertown for selection into our final three towns. This award is a celebration of commitment and leadership across our agricultural communities.”
“It highlights and values working together across all sectors of agriculture, education, business, and support services, which are driven by our community for our community. This is the core which makes our district a great place to live, work, invest and play.”
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