Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Gala Ball

Member for Southern Downs, Mr James Lister MP; Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council, Councillor Tracy Dobie; President of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Committee, Mr Greg Thouard; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a tremendous pleasure to be in Stanthorpe for the iconic Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, and to join you for this impressive Gala Ball.

While the Harvest Festival is undoubtedly Stanthorpe’s own, it has been taken to the hearts of people from all over our State – and indeed, beyond our borders – all of them eager to sample and enjoy the very best of the region’s food, wine, fun and entertainment.

The festival truly is a celebration of the Granite Belt, from its fine local produce to its stunning natural landscapes, and its rich and interesting history.

But the greatest asset of this region lies in the hospitality of its people - in each of you. The reason so many people return, again and again, to this iconic Festival is the friendliness and warmth of the people of the Region. Kaye and I have certainly appreciated your warm welcome, and I can assure you that we will go on to be another two of the many informal Festival ambassadors you create every year, excited and enthused about our experience, and eager to share it with others.

Behind the scenes of this wonderfully diverse and engaging Festival is a dedicated committee, ably led by Festival President Greg Thouard, and I commend them on staging an outstanding Festival.

I also acknowledge that the Committee’s work is augmented and enhanced by two hundred volunteers. 

The volunteers are at the very heart of what makes the Harvest Festival so special, and I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all of them. 

At Government House, we are delighted regularly to showcase to our many official visitors the superb wine and produce for which the Granite Belt is justly famed.

I can assure you that we let all our visitors know that “Stanthorpe Food and Wine – it’s Divine!”.

I wish locals and visitors alike every enjoyment of the 2018 Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Gala Ball.

Thank you.