Producers converged on the Western Plains Cultural Centre on Wednesday to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges after taking part in various workshops earlier this year.

The pitch was the last event of the program with a $25,000 total prize money shared between the presentation winner, runner up and people’s choice.

Tullamore’s Fiona and Bill Aveyard combined with two other producers to make their pitch, calling themselves ‘Three Farmers Freight’.

They both agreed networking with the other producers was one of the great things about the event.

This was the first time that Warren’s Rosie Turnbull from Rosie’s Boutique Condiments, has judged at Regional Platters and she said it has been a “really great experience.”

“I think networking between businesses and sharing experiences has been the most valuable thing for everyone,” Ms Turnbull said.

“Especially through the workshops, which helps in business growth.”

Judges David Duffy and Paul Schenk agreed the quality of pitches had been impressive.

The winners of the awards were:

People’s Choice, $5000: Three Farmers Freight.

Runner’s Up, $10,000: Barkala Farmstay : Eva Ricket (Coonabarabran)

Barkala Farmsya is an existing farm stay north of Coonabarabran which includes the Pilliga Pottery business. The Pitch involved telling the story of the redevelopment of the Royal Hotel which is currently not operational, the successful grant funding will go towards the development of the restaurant which will showcase local and regional platters produce for diners and retail customers to purchase to cook or eat at home.

First Place $10,000 and a Business Plan: Three Farmers Freight

Three farmers freight is a start-up business developed by three businesses involved in the Regional Platters program.

The three businesses include Jo Stewart from the Gourmet Goat Lady, Warren, plus  Fiona Averyard from Outback Lamb, Narromine and Angus Maurice, Farmer Browns Eggs, Wellington.

These businesses had the aim to address a common problem in the agribusiness industry – logistics!

This collaboration of businesses were successful in winning first place for the best pitch securing $10,000 and a business plan for their Three Farmer Freight initiative.

Three Farmers Freight were recipients of ‘Peoples Choice’ award for $5,000 voted for by the people present for the pitches.

This money will go towards the purchase of a refrigerated truck, which will be branded and support the transport of primary produce into the Sydney market.

Their core objective is to open up the opportunities to break into the metro market with quality and award winning produce – and making the logistics from paddock to dining plate an easy and reliable solution for chefs, restaurants and metro foodies alike.

The new guide featuring the Regional Platters program participants is now available to pick up to view online dubbo.com.au/regional-platters