Community & Business
3 September, 2021
Wyreema comes together
Over 400 people made their way to Bracknell Lodge in Wyreema for the Bush Chooks N Roosters Campfire Cook Off, raising $15,000 for Tony’s Community Kitchen.
Rebecca Knudsen, owner of Bracknell Lodge, said the event was more than what she had hoped for.
“Our community and supporters from all over were absolutely incredible, the day was extremely fun and a genuine sense of camaraderie could be felt during the entire event,” Mrs Knudsen said.
“I would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to all who supported us in our efforts to raise much needed funds for emergency accommodation for homeless families in our region.
“We as a community can achieve so much together and this is the first step in our mission of making serious change for those in need.”
The Campfire Cook Off competition saw teams that came from far and wide compete for the $1,000 prizemoney.
Each team required samples for a minimum of 100 guests consisting of a meat, vegetarian side, and a bread or damper.
The winners were Jodi and Kerry Harrold of the Leigh Home Mavericks team who had travelled all the way from Emerald.
The Leigh Home Mavericks were not going to leave anything to chance, arriving the day before with absolutely everything they might need including their own sheets of corrugated iron for wind breaks.
The couple kindly donated the prizemoney back to Tony’s Community Kitchen.
They also won the competition for the best one dish of any choice event for their chicken katsu, which was judged by Kat from Foodie Shots and Carmel Tulloch.
The child and adult competition, popular with the kids and supporters, was won by David and Charlotte Bagnall.
Mrs Knudsen said there is not enough words to say how grateful she is to all those who have supported Bracknell Lodge.
“I look forward to sharing our venue with the community for more charity events in the future,” Mrs Knudsen said.
“Wyreema and surrounds is an amazing community and they will always have our heart and our support.”
In addition to the cook off, guests had a lot to see and do including live music, market stalls and food vans.
After the success of the Bush Chooks N Roosters Campfire Cook Off, Ms Knudsen said they plan to make it an annual event to be held on the same weekend each year, the last of August.
In the meantime, Bracknell Lodge will be expanding its repertoire to other kinds of events, with an Op Shop Ball to be held on 11 December, with Baker Boys Band set to perform.
To keep up to date with events at Bracknell Lodge, visit the ‘Bush Chooks N Roosters’ Facebook page.
