High Tea, Tales & Trailblazers:
Women in Agriculture Take Centre Stage on International Women’s Day at Bacchus Restaurant
Four trailblazing women in agriculture will share their stories at a very special International Women’s Day HIGH TEA at Bacchus Restaurant on Saturday March 8.
Beautiful images here
Taking centre stage in this inaugural Paddock to Pastries event which aims to spotlight female leaders in agriculture from across the Scenic Rim, Kay Tommerup from the famed sixth generation Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, and also President of Agritourism Queensland, Independent Director and Vice President Queensland Farmers Federation and Board member of eastAUSmilk, the Peak body for dairy industry in Queensland and NSW. Kay is joined by Kathryn Sowter, wine leader at the multi-award-winning Witches Falls Winery, Rachel Watkins of Elderflower Farm, and Tash Johnston founder of Farm Angels.
The event will be a powerful tribute to the resilience, passion, and impact of women in agriculture, raising a cup to the inspiring female powerhouses shaping our farms, our food, and our future. And better yet, a portion of proceeds from the day will be donated back to Farm Angels, who continue supporting Aussie farmers & rural communities.
The High Tea menu has been custom-created by the Bacchus team, and is inspired by, and stars, the finest produce from the Scenic Rim, and includes Witches Falls wine on arrival beverage followed by continuous teas and barista coffee.
SAVOURY
- Reuben Sandwich – Veal Brisket, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese
- Salami Tart – Squid Ink Salami, Fig Jam, Whipped Crème Fraîche
- Tommy’s Egg Sandwich – Aioli, Seeded Mustard
- Sausage Roll – Beetroot, Feta, Mint
- Tommerup’s Croquette – Veal Short Rib, Mirepoix, Panko
SWEET
- Tiramisu Tart – Jersey Girl Cream, Mascarpone, Espresso
- Crystal Ball – Jersey Girl Yogurt, Lychee
- Jasmine Tea Cake – Elderflower, Pear
- Coco Delight – Coconut Financier, Yuzu Gel
- Jersey Girl Scone – With Elderflower Blueberry Jam & Whipped Jersey Girl Cream
This is a very special event; it’s what International Women’s Day is ALL ABOUT. BUY TICKETS NOW.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY HIGH TEA - RAISE A CUP TO WOMEN IN FARMING
Date: March 8, 2025 at 12noon
Location: Bacchus Restaurant
Tickets: From $109 per person
Book: International Women's Day High Tea — Bacchus Restaurant
ABOUT KAY TOMMERUP – Tommerup’s Farm, Kerry Valley, Scenic Rim:
Kay Tommerup is a dairy farmer in the Scenic Rim. She and her husband, Dave, have transformed their 6th generation farm from a dairy business almost certain to be swallowed up by the effects of deregulation, into a thriving agritourism business that not only keeps their farm viable, but also creates opportunities for future generations. Their son, Harry, has recently left his career as an engineer to come back to the family farm, establishing a new spoke in the business, regeneratively growing heirloom vegetables, fruit, and grains. The Tommerup family have since become recognised as leaders in the agritourism sector. Kay was recognised through the ABC Landline’s Invisible Farmer series in 2018 and later that year as the Face of the Ekka, Royal Queensland Show. In 2023, the Tommerup’s were awarded the Coles/Weekly Times Innovative Farmers of the Year. Kay is a passionate advocate for the farming industry and sits on the board of directors for both eastAUSmilk – the peak body for dairy in Qld & NSW – and the Queensland Farmers Federation as Vice President. Through Queensland Farmers Federation, she recently helped establish Agritourism Queensland, the peak body for farmers in agritourism, and has taken on the role of President. The products Tommerup Farm supply now include the richest Jersey milk (milk where the cream floats to the top and sits there like a crown) Kay’s hand-rolled butter infused with red gum smoked salt that’s demanded by top chefs, and spoken of in hushed tones across the country, ddouble cream, creme fraiche, cultured buttermilk, yoghurt, farmhouse cheese, ice cream, milk fed free range pork, grass fed veal and more. Their products are used by some of the best RESTAURANT’s in the state – Essa, Iris Rooftop, Kooroomba, Government House, Wild Canary, Velveteen Rabbit, Clarence, The Paddock at Beechmont estate, Moda, Donna Changs/The Boom Boom Room/Blackbird, Milquetoast, and Bacchus.
ABOUT NATASHA (Tash) JOHNSTON - Chief Angel, Farm Angels:
Natasha Johnston is the visionary Founder and Director of Farm Angels, a Not-For-Profit organisation recognised as an essential support system for primary producers across Australia during adversity caused by natural disasters like drought, flood and fire. Farmer mental health issues and suicide continue to be a national crisis, and Tash’s tireless work has brought a tangible mix of emotional support and practical, tangible assistance to farming families in need. Farm Angels has risen from Tash’s vow: “No farmer will go without food on their table while I have food on mine.” From humble beginnings, placing a wheelie bin for donations in front of her local supermarket, Tash and her fellow founders built Farm Angels over more than a decade, so far raising more than $23 million, and assisting more than 5,000 farming families across more than 1400 rural communities in that time. She has been recognised with a 2025 Order of Australia Medal, a 2021 Queensland Local Hero award, and other honours, for her business and emotional leadership. When not on the road to visiting farmers, she lives in Miles, Queensland, with her husband, Steele and their fur baby Lily.
SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL MONTH | June 2025
WANT MORE?? Australia’s most authentic food and farming event is a month-long celebration of paddock to plate experiences across June 2025. Foodies and farm fans can expect an incredible line-up of on-farm celebrations, long lunches showcasing local produce, flavour-filled farm gate experiences, food tastings, tours and talks, masterclasses, workshops for all ages, with the signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival on June 28, 2025 a must-attend! Visit www.eatlocalmonth.com.au to sign up for news.
Rydges South Bank
9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane 4010 - Ph: +61 7 3364 0800 - Website
Rydges South Bank neighbours Brisbane’s acclaimed GoMA, the Cultural Centre, State Library and Queensland Performing Arts Complex which is home to a fantastic lineup of international musicals and major productions. It’s a breath away from the city centre, immersed in the heart of South Bank and its family of restaurants, bars and open spaces, and just footy kick from The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium. It stands in the heart of the new Brisbane. Rydges South Bank is home to 304 beautifully designed guest rooms including 64 suites all with balconies as well as the signature and award-winning Bacchus Restaurant, and the terraced, rooftop Soleil Pool Bar.
For media information, please contact Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493