top of page

FARMING COMMUNITY FINDS STRENGTH IN LAUGHTER AT LIGHTEN THE LOAD COMEDY NIGHT

Thursday 10th July 2025


On 4 July, more than 70 locals gathered for an evening of laughter, connection, and community spirit at Lighten the Load, a special event hosted by the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) as part of its Farmer Resilience Networking Series.  Bringing together growers, producers, and community members, the event was designed to support mental wellbeing and offer a welcome break from the everyday demands of rural life. Local Member for Warren, Bevan Eatts, and his wife Vicki attended the evening, along with Shire of Manjimup Councillors Cliff Winfield and Steve Miolin.  Held at Gatsby’s Skyline in Manjimup, the event featured a standout performance from Jon Pinder, supported by a stellar line-up of comedians (Corey White, Gill Cordiner, and Chris Pucillo) who delivered on the evening’s promise of genuine laughter and meaningful connection. A delicious meal was served up by Raj and the Cilantro’s team, with dinner and entry offered free of charge to SFFC members.  Chair of the Southern Forests Food Council, Dr Arthur Wilson, opened the evening with a heartfelt message about the importance of mental health in regional communities. “Find your five trusted people to lean on and support one another through the challenges of rural life and business,” Dr Wilson encouraged. “It was a wonderful evening of food, laughter, and community — a way to show our appreciation to the farmers who do so much for this region. It was about connection, care, and community,” Dr Wilson commented.  Whether just finishing a demanding season or diving into truffle harvest, attendees were reminded of the importance of taking time to connect, recharge, and share a laugh to lighten the load.  SFFC sincerely thanks its valued partners — Grower Group Alliance, Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s Dry Season Response, and Synergy’s Community Giving Fund — whose generous support made the event possible. Their commitment underscores the vital role of social connection in building a strong, resilient agricultural sector.

Contact: Please contact Laura Bolitho on 08 9772 4180


Southern Forests Food Council:  

The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment from the State Government. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.


The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, build resilience, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised sustainable agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.


The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences.  The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region



ree


ree



Comments

bottom of page