LOCAL LIFE
Hawkesbury cattle breeders up for charity challenge at Show by Maryann Callaghan
Hawkesbury ’ s Jordan Ridge and his partner Angela McGrath , have set a stirring example of community spirit and compassion as they gear up for the annual Hawkesbury Show .
The duo is not just preparing for another run-of-the-mill event ; they are spearheading a movement to infuse the show with newfound purpose and local benevolence .
The Limousin and Speckle Park cattle breeders devised the Show ’ s first Charity Steer auction , with all proceeds going to Hawkesbury ’ s Pink Finss charity .
“ I ’ m chief steward and run the cattle section at the Hawkesbury Show ,” Jordan , 32 , told the Independent .
“ This challenge came about as an idea to improve and create new events and atmosphere at the Show .”
Their recent attendance at the Canberra Royal , where they won the Jackpot Heifer competition , laid the groundwork for this groundbreaking local initiative - the introduction of a charity animal auction to the Hawkesbury Show .
But for Jordan and Angela , who met in 2019 , it wasn ’ t merely about following a trend inspired by the Canberra auction , which raised $ 12,000 for Dolly ’ s Dream charity ; it was about giving back to their
community in a deeply personal way .
“ After losing a few family members to cancer , we chose Pink Finss as the inaugural beneficiary ,” Jordan said , which in turn honours their loved ones while supporting locals currently battling the disease .
The focal point of their philanthropic endeavour is a 12-month-old Speckle Park heifer , prepared and donated by Southern Cross Speckle Park .
Keeping it in the family , Hawkesbury ’ s Ryan Carpenter , a stock and station agent and Jordan ’ s cousin , is stepping in as the auctioneer - all in a volunteer capacity of course – to set the stage for a heartfelt bidding war .
“ We ’ re not really putting a price on our heifer . We are welcoming any donations at this auction as any money for the charity is a big help ,” Jordan emphasised .
“ Ideally we ’ d like to see a couple of families get together to bid , or group of friends or a business join in the auction .
“ Our heifer is expected to come in at around the 450kg [ live weight ] mark … with some 250kgs worth of beef – plenty to feed a few families for a month or so in this cost-of-living crisis .
“ Hopefully people will see the value [ expected $ 10- $ 12kg ] of the bottom-line price and the value of their money going straight to charity and back into the community .”
Their initiative has garnered widespread support , with local butcher Steve Stratford , of Windsor Fresh Meats in Riverview , pledging his time and resources to process and pack the meat at no cost , ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits the cause .
The winning bidders , beyond the satisfaction of their charitable act and well-priced meat bonanza , will be honoured with a certificate and a distinguished sash , commemorating their contribution to the inaugural event of what is hoped to become a Show tradition .
But for Jordan and Angela , this initiative transcends mere altruism ; it ’ s a testament to their unwavering commitment to local agriculture in this semi-rural district and their pursuit of ‘ just helping a local ’.
“ We want to create a new event for the show , giving it another atmosphere and vibe and just want to help out our local charities ,” Jordan said .
As they prepare to showcase four
Angela and Jordan Ridge winning a title at the Canberra Royal Show with one of their stock .
of their prized livestock at the upcoming Sydney Royal , Jordan and Angela invite one and all to join them in celebrating the spirit of giving at the Hawkesbury Show by taking part in the Charity Steer auction .
“ Come along and be a part of the biggest country show in NSW and support your local charity ,” Jordan said .
The charity steer will be auctioned off at 7pm on Friday , 19 April , in the main arena . Bidders can register before the Show or between 4-6pm beside the Grandstand on that Friday , 19 April .
For more information , call the show office on 4577 3591 .
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