The heart-pounding Iron Summit and an Iranian mother seeking a new life in Australia are among the winners of the 2024 Henty Machinery Field Days Exhibitor Awards. or signup to continue reading It was hard to go past the exhilarating Isuzu Ute Australia exhibit which left lines of visitors quite breathless. The Iron Summit offered an adrenaline-pumping ride "where you experience the thrill of conquering the world's steepest mobile 4WD ramp, climbing six metres into the air at a daring 45-degree incline".
And that's all from the safety and comfort of an Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X. And with that Isuzu claimed the Best Outdoor Large Commercial exhibitor award. Judge Daryl Thomson said the seven-metre high Iron Summit was a memorable experience with a great view from the top.
"The site was well decorated with flags and country music playing. The staff were proactive greeting us and explaining all about the vehicle on the ride," he said. Mr Thomson and fellow judge Bec Clancy covered the 14 kilometres of external shop front plus the indoor sites, assessing visual presentation, display, layout and innovation.
Meanwhile new exhibitor Neda Harandi impressed with a beautiful display of handmade baby rattles, toys, blankets - and the story of her escape from domestic violence in Iran with her two children. Her business Neda's Treasures won the Best Indoor site in the Country Lifestyle Pavilion. "The business had a banner explaining Neda's journey to .
.. a new life in Australia and now she makes these handmade toys," Ms Clancy said.
"The toys were beautifully crocheted and nicely displayed on white shelving with a pink and white theme. "It was an inspirational story and Neda has obtained Australian citizenship since arriving." The awards were presented on Thursday, September 19 at The Stump by HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites - Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate.
Emerging powerhouse in the Riverina tourism industry, the Whitton Malthouse, was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market. Ms Clancy said the Whitton Malthouse had a tremendous array of regional produce reflecting the core theme of the Farm Gate Produce Area. "They have an eye-catching display of various food produce in the Riverina including dressings and olive products, plus banners displaying images of the Whitton Malthouse reception and restaurant areas," she said.
"There was also a display of products made from cotton, children's books and have expanded their site." Ms Anderson said the field days co-operative prided itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image, and the latest in agricultural machinery and technology. She said the exhibitor awards encouraged site holders to strive for similar ideals during the field days.
Meanwhile CF Moto impressed the judges with the large range of all-terrain, utility and sports side by side vehicles, colourful tents, flags and signage, metal stands with vehicle specifications and friendly staff on well laid out site. "The branding caught our eye, drew us in and the staff were ready to greet us," Mr Thomson said. Ms Clancy said exhibitors were putting a lot of thought into their site design, being innovative with visual concepts to catch the consumer's eye, attract them into the site and engage with them.
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