Messines Farm, QLD – May 9, 2025
🎬 🍿
Last Saturday, the Stanthorpe Little Theatre was buzzing with warmth, curiosity, and community spirit as locals gathered on Kambuwal Country for the official screening of Messy: Regenerative Agriculture. The event brought together farmers, conservationists, food lovers, and changemakers for an afternoon that was as nourishing as it was thought-provoking.
The afternoon kicked off with a screening of Messy: Regenerative Agriculture, a four-part documentary that digs deep into what it means to farm with nature, not against it. From soil health to social change, the film sparked plenty of reflections, and more than a few nods of recognition from those who’ve walked the same rows and faced the same challenges.
Following the screening, the crowd was treated to a lively and honest Q&A panel hosted by the ever-engaging Amy McDonald, a seasoned ABC presenter known for her insightful storytelling. The panel featured a powerhouse of local voices:
From the very first question, the conversation opened up about the financial pressures facing small farms and the need for a new model. The speakers didn’t shy away from the hard truths: making a living from farming is tough. But they also shared creative ideas like leasing land, sharing equipment, and forming co-ops that could help growers survive and thrive.
As one speaker put it, “There’s a different way of doing business. Our machinery sits there 95% of the time. Why not share it?”
The group discussed the importance of building direct relationships with customers through farmers markets, online, and even YouTube, not just to sell produce, but to tell their story. Educating the public about the real value behind local, chemical-free, regeneratively grown food was seen as key. Messy isn’t just a documentary. It’s a tool to inspire, to connect, and to mobilise.
The event was also a chance to enjoy some delicious local fare, thanks to a homemade soup fundraiser and community raffle hosted by the Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network – check out their landcare projects. It was a cosy and heartening way to bring people together, support a good cause, and fuel the big conversations.
We’re all part of the food system, and events like this remind us that we all have a role to play in shaping it. Whether it’s supporting local growers, rethinking how we farm, or just showing up for the conversation, small actions add up.
One attendee summed it up beautifully: “If we could have this film shown at 5,000 places around Australia… you’re talking about tipping point stuff. This is a tipping point.”
Thanks to everyone who came along, shared a bowl of soup, and made this event such a success. The seeds of change are well and truly planted. 🌱
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Want to help create a future where food is grown with care for people and planet?
👉 Share this blog post with your community
👉 Come along to one of the community screenings or host your own
👉 Join GBSAN or your local food movement
👉 Watch Messy: Regenerative Agriculture and start the conversation
Together, we can grow something better. 🌱
Related Blog Posts:
External Resources:
Hosted by: Messines Farm
Venue: Stanthorpe Little Theatre
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Event Type: Documentary screening + panel Q&A + GBSAN fundraiser
🎟️ Upcoming Screenings and Events
We’re also encouraging schools, community groups, and local changemakers to host their own screenings to help spread these positive, practical stories far and wide.
To connect with Messines Farm and explore its produce, visit the online store or follow the journey on social media. Join the Farm-ily today at www.messinesfarm.com.au.
At Messines Farm, our farm-ily nurtures every step: we grow it, we pick it, and we sell it! As a family-owned orchard embracing regenerative agriculture, we prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable food production. By cultivating these values, we’re sowing the seeds for a more abundant future for our community and planet alike.
Kristen Joell
Marketing & Events Manager
Natura Pacific | Messines Farm
kristen@purplemouse.com.au
🌐 messinesfarm.com.au
