A long-standing Katherine Show tradition has once again delivered for the community, as this year's Elders fundraising luncheon raising more than $3,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) SA/NT.
Elders staff Judy McDermott and Mikayla Hall battle it out in the cross-cut saw competition.
Held on the Friday of the Show, the fundraising lunch brought together hundreds of locals, producers and showgoers, with all proceeds donated to the RFDS.
Katherine Branch Manager Judy McDermott said the fundraiser highlighted the generosity and community spirit that defines the Katherine region.
"The Katherine Show is one of the highlights of our year and a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who came along and supported the RFDS through the luncheon."
Elders Katherine staff member Madeleine Jackson-Smith chats with RFDS staff member.
The fundraising luncheon was held alongside one of the Katherine Show's most anticipated attractions, the Elders cross-cut saw competition. Hosted by the Elders Katherine team for more than 20 years, the event continues to draw large crowds as two-person teams test their strength, skill and teamwork on hardwood logs.
This year's competition featured one of its strongest female line-ups yet, with several women's teams taking to the saw, including Judy McDermott and Logistics Officer Mikayla Hall. Katherine Retail Sales Manager Ross Reynolds, a five-time former champion, also returned to the competition, teaming up with Humpty Doo Agronomist Callum Hutcheson in another closely contested event.
The “Basher Bros” took out the top prize completing the challenge in an amazing time of 28.59 seconds, with “Moore Woodchips” closing in behind them with an equally impressive time of 47.56 seconds.
The success of the luncheon was made possible with the support of valued suppliers including Dechra, Southern Wire, Cyclone, Allflex, Senturion Steel Datamars, Waratah, Omnia, Elanco and Virbac. Special thanks also go to Pioneer Tanks, who set up the popular Pioneer Tank Bar, and B’Rad BBQ from Darwin, who provided a smoked lunch for attendees.
Adding to the fundraising efforts, supplier Ocloc donated a saddle pad and engraved Yowy for a charity auction, raising a further $700. The successful bidder, who had previously relied on the RFDS, said the auction provided a meaningful opportunity to give back to an organisation that had supported them when they needed it most.
"The RFDS provides a vital service for people across regional and remote Australia, and it was wonderful to see our community, suppliers and volunteers get behind such an important cause,” Judy said.
“Thank you to everyone who attended, donated and helped make the day such a success."
The Elders Katherine team extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, helping make a meaningful difference for the RFDS and the communities it serves.