about

A celebration born out of hardship

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Scenic Rim Region you will find us amongst the million sunflowers at our annual Kalbar Sunflower Festival. In 2021, Lucerne farmers Jenny and Russell Jenner were struggling to keep their crops alive during one of the longest droughts in living memory. Water had gotten so bad that they couldn’t grow their main crop, but after Russell brought a bunch of sunflowers home from the grocery store the two had a light bulb moment. Sunflowers need very little water and they look spectacular and from there the festival grew.

Life hasn’t gotten any easier for the Jenner’s and in late 2021 Russell was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer.

His stoic nature saw him battle through and help create happiness at the 2022 and 2023 sunflower festival where over $115,000 was raised for cancer care. Unfortunately Russell lost his battle a few months later in July 2023. Jenny is determined to continue farming and creating a happy and joyful experience for visitors to the farm once a year with the annual sunflower festival. With a mighty team behind her we raised over $130,000 in 2024 which provided funds to employ a Cancer Care Nurse at the Mater Hospital Springfield and also purchase a cuddle bed for the Boonah Palliative Care Ward all in honour of Russell. Thank you to all that came along and helped us reach this wonderful total to aid cancer care for all.

The team are well underway planning the 2025 festival. The dates have been announced - 2nd to the 4th May, 2025. Keep an eye on our social media for details.

Our journey hasn’t been easy and we acknowledge many people are going through hardships,

our aim is to provide the experience of sunshine and joy that sunflowers can provide

SUNFLOWERs FOR GOOD

Cultivating Hope through Sunflowers: We believe in the symbolic strength of sunflowers to inspire hope. Kalbar Sunflowers is dedicated to creating a positive impact by using the beauty and resilience of sunflowers to uplift spirits and bring joy to individuals.

Our mission is guided by five pillars, each representing a core aspect of our commitment to making a meaningful impact:

  1. Fundraising for Cancer Care: Kalbar Sunflowers is committed to spearheading fundraising initiatives focused on cancer care and palliative care. Our sunflower-inspired campaigns seek to provide support, resources, and comfort to those affected by cancer.

  2.  Accessibility for All: We prioritise accessibility in all aspects of our initiatives. By actively collaborating with disability groups and ensuring that our events and resources are inclusive, we strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued and empowered.

  3. Education as Empowerment: Kalbar Sunflowers is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals. Our educational programs focus on sustainable farming practices, fostering environmental awareness, and promoting a deeper understanding of the interconnection between humanity and the earth.

  4. Local Community Engagement: We believe in the strength of community bonds. Kalbar Sunflowers actively engages with local community groups, building a network of support and collaboration. Through partnerships and shared endeavours, we aim to strengthen the fabric of our community and address its unique needs.

  5. Tourism that Showcases the Scenic Rim: Nestled in the heart of the Scenic Rim, we take pride in showcasing the natural beauty of our surroundings. Through tourism initiatives, we invite individuals to experience the breathtaking landscapes, fostering a deep appreciation for our environment and contributing to the economic vitality of our region.

At Kalbar Sunflowers, our mission is to sow the seeds of positivity and growth, embodying the ethos of 'Sunflowers for Good.'