Organiser David Blacket said “The cotton-vineyard tours run from May to September with the purpose of showcasing our irrigation industry to visitors. They are hosted by a roster of 7 local cotton growers and staff at Riversands Vineyards where they receive a vineyard tour, wine tasting and 3 course lunch. Bookings are taken by staff at our Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre with contributions by local caravan parks. Harry North and Sno Harm use their school buses to mobilise the tours.”

Cotton Vineyard Heritage tour thank you dinner at The Anchorage Homestead.

“In addition this season we added the St George Heritage Tour to our tourism options which showcases The Anchorage Homestead hosted by John & Janice Teunis along with Shire history.”

“This season we received great support from visitors with many saying the tours were highly educational, entertaining and the best they had been on!”

“Net proceeds from each tour are saved in fund and a beneficiary nominated by the tour hosts at the seasons end.”

St George QCWA president said “the donation will support our project to renovate and set up an affordable, comfortable, self contained unit for residents of Balonne Shire. To be used by rurally isolated parents/families when a family member is in hospital or need to stay in town for a school event.”

“It can also be used for tutors and speakers from away and needs to be accommodated by a volunteer group. I'm sure there are many other needs not mentioned.”