An auction being held at the upcoming AUSVEG National Convention in Cairns on Friday 20 June is set to raise vital funds for local diabetes awareness and advocacy body, Diabetes Queensland.

Teaming up with farm-supply company E.E. Muir and Sons to run the auction, AUSVEG will donate all money raised to Diabetes Queensland. Signed Carlton Football Club and Brisbane Broncos guernseys are among the many items up for grabs at the auction which are sure to attract high bids.
“AUSVEG is committed to promoting and ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australian vegetable growers, who are the backbone of our industry,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Lauren Winterbottom.  
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers. 
“While our growers produce some of the freshest and healthiest vegetables in the world, it is an unfortunate fact that there is also a high incidence of diabetes and health issues amongst farmers,” said Ms Winterbottom.

In addition to the E.E. Muir and Sons auction, Diabetes Queensland will also give a presentation on their ‘Live Well Farm Well’ program at the AUSVEG National Convention.

A joint program between Diabetes Queensland, Growcom and the Queensland Government, Live Well Farm Well focusses on informing farmers on how to best limit the risks of diabetes and heart disease.

“Live Well Farm Well is all about looking after your body like you look after your crops. That’s important no matter where or what you’re farming,” said Diabetes Queensland CEO, Michelle Trute.

“A workplace with healthier employees has many positive benefits for business, including reduced absenteeism, improved morale and productivity, and competitive advantages,” said Ms Trute.

With over 1,000 delegates expected at the AUSVEG National Convention, the Live Well Farm Well presentation will reach a high number of growers who may be at risk of contracting diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

The AUSVEG National Convention is the largest event in Australian horticulture, and celebrates the achievements of the industry by bringing together vegetable and potato growers from around the country. The Convention runs from June 19 – 21 at the Cairns Convention and Exhibition Centre.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Winterbottom, Spokesperson, AUSVEG 
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 | Mobile: 0439 386 049 | E-mail: lauren.winterbottom@ausveg.com.au