AgTown of the Year 2021 finalists revealed

More than 3200 public votes were cast to choose five finalist towns from 59 nominations across South Australia for the 2021 Agricultural Town of the Year award.

The five towns in the running to win the award are Kapunda near the Barossa, Mypolonga in the Murray Mallee region, Kimba on Eyre Peninsula, as well as Orroroo and Booleroo Centre, both in South Australia’s Mid North.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said it was exciting to see small agricultural communities make such a strong showing in these awards.

“Every town nominated for this award should be immensely proud of what their community has achieved and will continue to achieve in the face of significant challenges, such as COVID-19 restrictions and drought,” he said.

“Incredibly Kapunda has been a finalist every year since the award was introduced in 2019, which speaks volumes for the community’s support. Kimba has also been a finalist before, and I welcome the addition this year of Mypolonga, Orroroo, and Booleroo Centre to the top five.”

Minister Basham said the award showcases the significance of agriculture to the state.

“The Ag Town of the Year Award recognises the important role our farmers and the agriculture sector plays in the everyday lives of regional communities,” Minister Basham said.

“It is pleasing to have thousands of people again engaged in the awards program, supporting their favourite agricultural town.”

The results of the public vote were quite close, with Bordertown and Beachport from the Limestone Coast, Cummins on Eyre Peninsula, Langhorne Creek from Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island district, and Jamestown in the Mid North all rounding in the top 10.