Queensland Feedlot Rallies Community for Dolly's Dream
- Grain Fed Beef Editor
- May 9, 2024
- 3 min read
On Do it for Dolly Day, Friday May 10, we're reflecting on the heart warming work this feedlot has done to support their local community. Read on to find out more.
Established in 1964, and purchased by AACo in 2002, Aronui Feedlot is proudly recognised as Australia’s oldest commercial feedlot.
With such a rich history within the lot feeding industry, it comes as no surprise the team behind Aronui play a vital part in the local community and beyond, hosting multiple annual fundraising events for a variety of charities.
The team recently held an auction for Dolly’s Dream, a charity which sits within the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
Dolly’s Dream works to change the culture of bullying, anxiety and depression through direct support and education for young people and families.
Aronui administration, HR and training officer Matilda Stitt said the team initially had plans to host a simple staff lunch to support Dolly’s parents (Kate and Tick Everett) but, after further discussion, a much larger plan evolved.
“AACo wanted to focus efforts on key charities that connected to our people and operations,” Matilda said, adding Dolly’s parents, who had previously worked with the company, are part of the wider AACo family.
‘Dimes for Dolly’ was held at the Bellview Hotel, Queensland, had more than 300 people in attendance, and raised more than $19,600 from the generosity of donated auction items which ranged from artwork and hampers, to a night away at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane.
With all proceeds from the night going directly to Dolly’s Dream, the evening celebrated the efforts of local butchers and farmers, small businesses, and feedlot industry leaders.
Matilda said the reception to the charity event had been overwhelming.
“We are so humbled to have been able to raise awareness for mental health in this capacity,” she said.
“Employees at Aronui, and in the greater AACo community, have access to such an excellent support network and we believe that everyone deserves that opportunity.
“It was amazing to see the feedlot and community come together for such an extraordinary cause,” she said, adding the evening would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the “incredible team” behind the scenes.
“Our maintenance and livestock teams went above and beyond to fabricate fire pits and spit attachments, cut firewood, set up, help cook and serve and sell raffle tickets.”
“It also would not have been possible without the overwhelming response from the local community to be involved,” Matilda said.
“From small, locally owned businesses to large suppliers of our industry, everyone had a part in donating, whether it was their time or prizes.”
Running a local event to support mental health in agriculture and addressing the effects of bullying within our industry and community is a direct reflection of Aronui’s values. The positive impact Dimes for Dolly had on their community is evident through the small family-owned businesses and large industry leaders alike coming together to raise awareness for mental health services provided by Dolly’s Dream.
The exposure and promotion they were able to provide for their cause, their local businesses and lot feeding is tremendous to see.
Dolly's Dream general manager Stephen Bendle said the whole team, including Kate and Tick, were excited to hear about the results of the auction.
“I remember talking to the managers out there about the event, especially Tilly who was so enthusiastic.
“The generosity of those at Aronui will mean that our Dolly's Dream Support Line will continue 24/7, more school workshops will be available to help kids and we can help families deal with the impact of bullying.”
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