FNQ Growers Gala Dinner Celebrates Farming Community and Industry Excellence
FNQ Growers Gala Dinner Celebrates Agricultural Excellence and Raises Over $38,000 for Charity
The 2026 FNQ Growers Gala Dinner was another outstanding success, bringing together more than 330 growers, industry representatives, sponsors and community members at the Mareeba International Club on Friday, 4 September, to celebrate the achievements of Far North Queensland’s agricultural industry.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year Award, with Stephen Pace of Pace Farming at Rollingstone announced as the 2026 winner.
A third-generation farmer, Stephen has been involved in the family farming business for more than two decades, continuing a proud agricultural legacy spanning approximately 90 years. Primarily known for pineapple production, Pace Farming also produces sugar cane, watermelons and pumpkins and operates a cattle enterprise.
Stephen has made a significant contribution to the pineapple industry, including serving as Chairman of Australian Pineapples for 10 years. His dedication to innovation, industry leadership and the ongoing success of the family business made him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
The award, named in honour of the late Charlie Nastasi, recognises farmers who demonstrate outstanding innovation, leadership and commitment to the agricultural industry and their communities.
Stephen was presented with the award by Charlie’s wife, Lucy Nastasi.
FNQ Growers President Joe Moro congratulated Stephen on his achievement and acknowledged the exceptional calibre of this year’s finalists.
“Stephen is a wonderful example of the dedication, resilience and leadership that makes our agricultural industry so strong. His commitment to his family business and the broader pineapple industry is something to be celebrated,” Mr Moro said.
“We also congratulate our other finalists, Francis Arockiasamy from Avo North at Dimbulah and Jenny and Adrian Crema from Crema Bananas in Tully. All three finalists are outstanding representatives of our industry and should be extremely proud of their achievements.”
Another highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated charity produce auction, which raised an impressive $38,250 thanks to the generosity of local growers, businesses and industry supporters.
Mr Moro said the generosity shown throughout the evening demonstrated the strong community spirit within the agricultural sector.
The Gala Dinner provided an opportunity for growers, industry stakeholders and supporters from across North Queensland to come together, strengthen relationships and recognise the important contribution agriculture makes to the regional economy.
Earlier in the day, FNQ Growers also hosted an agricultural farm tour, providing participants with an opportunity to visit local farming operations, learn about innovative practices and gain a greater appreciation of the diversity of agriculture across the region.
Mr Moro said the annual event continued to be an important occasion on the agricultural calendar.
“Our Gala Dinner is about much more than presenting an award. It is an opportunity to recognise the hard work, commitment and achievements of our growers, celebrate our industry and acknowledge the businesses and organisations that support agriculture in Far North Queensland.
“Despite the many challenges facing our industry, there is so much to be proud of, and evenings like this remind us of the strength and resilience of our farming community.”
FNQ Growers extends its sincere appreciation to all sponsors, produce donors, auction bidders, volunteers and guests who contributed to the success of the 2026 Gala Dinner
