- Kapunda, Orroroo, Booleroo Centre, Mypolonga and Kimba finalists
- 59 towns nominated with over 3,000 votes cast
Five towns across regional South Australia have been announced as finalists in this year’s Awards, vying for the title of ‘2021 Ag Town of the Year’.
Kapunda, Orroroo, Booleroo Centre, Mypolonga and Kimba are all in the running after being selected as finalists from a voting pool of 59 nominated towns.
More than 3,000 votes were cast by the general public in the year’s awards, with the voting period being extended by a week after the state was plunged into lockdown in August.
David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, said the award recognises the vital role of the agricultural sector within regional communities.
Mr Basham said the primary industries and agribusiness sector is a critical economic driver for South Australia, having generated $15.2 billion in revenue in 2018 and 2019.
“It is pleasing to have thousands of people again engaged in the awards program, supporting their favourite agricultural town,” he said.
Kapunda, near the Barossa Valley, has been a finalist every year since the award’s introduction in 2019, but has missed out on taking home the title so far.
“Kimba has also been a finalist before, and I welcome the addition this year of Mypolonga, Orroroo, and Booleroo Centre to the top five,” said Mr Basham.
“Every town nominated for this award should be immensely proud of what their community has achieved and will continue to achieve in the face of significant challenges, such as COVID-19 restrictions and drought.”
David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
An independent judging panel will visit the five finalist towns in October later this year to select a winner.
The town awarded 2021 Ag Town of the Year is set to be announced at the annual Regional Showcase on Friday 19 November.
