Farmers Camp

Farmers camp at Ridgecrest is part of a wider ministry that provides camps all over Australia for farmers and those in the agricultural industry to connect with one another as they focus on Farming and Management. In keeping with the heart that Farmers camp began with 40+ years ago, Farmers camp at Ridgecrest continues to be an ideal place where farmers of all ages can gather together to share about the many area’s of farming. You will hear from excellent speakers on agricultural topics, as well as their daily Christian life.

Held over a weekend beginning on Friday night, you will have time to chat with others, enjoy good food and hear from a diverse group of men who all have unique experiences in agriculture that they are happy to share with us.

This camp is for Men 18yrs+ for the whole weekend, but we do offer a day registration for those who can only get away from their farms for a day. Women are also welcome to attend for the day.

Our 2026 Speakers are: Mark Calder, the Anglican Bishop of Bathurst; Scott Heeney, executive of Konsortium Merino Australia, Sheep breeding consultancy and chaplain from Tamworth; and Luke Harrington an advocate for sustainable agriculture and community service based in Deniliquin.

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Cost

~ Full Weekend: $210 ~ Day Visitor: $90 ~

For more information about this camp you can contact our office or any of the Farmers Camp Committee Members:

PHILIP BLOWES, Yeoval 0429 464152

MAURICE DAVEY, Alectown 02 6865 3313

DAVID BROWN, Grenfell 0428 436205

ALAN CLARKE, West Wyalong 0427 967545

MAX GOULTER, Ariah Park 0428 741393

PETER HARPER, Ariah Park 0428 741 278

TIM TAYLOR, Caragabal 0407 264 212

JIM MILNE, Dubbo 0429 636 410

Our speakers for the 2026 Farmers Camp.

Rev. Mark Calder

Mark Calder is the Anglican Bishop of Bathurst, serving a geographically vast rural diocese in central and western New South Wales. He is committed to clear, faithful Bible teaching and to equipping parishes to Share Jesus for Life. Mark has a strong background in parish ministry, including many years as rector in Roseville and Noosa. He is passionate about proclaiming the gospel clearly, helping people grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus, and equipping and resourcing clergy and congregations.

He is married to Susan, with three adult children and six grandchildren. He will retire in September and move to be closer to his kids, who all live in Brisbane.

Scott Heeney

Born Aug 1965 in Tamworth Base hospital; 'Born again' in Dec 2006 Newcastle - Merewether Baths.

Eldest of 4 ( 2 brothers and a sister) Dad owned and operated the local butcher shop at Kootingal.

Currently based in Tamworth. I consider all my work to be Kingdom focused and not 'empire building'. My work consists of - executive of Konsortium Merino Australia, Sheep breeding consultancy, Lawn mowing business, Chaplaincy, church ministry, Dad and husband

I have 2 Children to my first marriage , Hannah 27 and Hamish 23, Remarried in 2015 and have been blessed with a wonderful Godly wife and 2 more beautiful children. Hadassah 7 and Eden 5

Passions - Jesus, the word and the Gospel, Family, Sheep, Rugby, shooting, 4 stroke enduro

Desires - To walk closely with my God and become more like His son Jesus. To learn to love like He does, particularly in loving my wife and family including the family of believers!

Another desire/vision of mine is to help change the sheep and wool industry in a positive way , following the example set by the Konsortium Merino South Africa lads. After travelling to SA in 2006 I was given this inspired vision. It has been a long journey but I wait for God's timing not mine!

Luke Harrington

Luke Harrington is a dedicated advocate for sustainable agriculture and community service based in Deniliquin, NSW. Deeply committed to the principles of Regenerative Farming, as a consultant, Luke focuses on land stewardship that restores soil health and builds a resilient future for the next generation of farmers.

His faith and passion for the industry intersect online as the founder and moderator of the Christians in Ag Facebook page, a growing digital community providing support and fellowship for believers across the agricultural sector.

Locally, Luke is known for his leadership as the organiser of Pray on the Plains, an initiative that brings the community together to seek blessing and resilience for families living in Rural Areas.

Beyond the paddock, Luke serves his local community through Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Deniliquin, where he helps provide therapeutic horse-riding experiences.

Whether he is advocating for the soil, his faith, or inclusive community programs, Luke is driven by a mission to serve both the land and the people who call it home.