Channel 9 | My Way
December 2022
“Meet a fourth generation farmer and a 3rd generation veteran who is redefining his family’s agricultural legacy.”
Channel 9 | My Way visited to Freemans Organic Farm to film this beautiful piece. It featured twice on Channel 9.
In Memory of Raymond Gower (Bill) Freeman, MBE, PDG
October 2022
It is with a very heavy, but proud heart, that I have to inform you and the wider Currumbin & Gold Coast community, and Lions International Community, that my dear Father Raymond Gower (Bill) Freeman, MBE, PDG passed away peacefully at 3pm on Thursday afternoon sixth of October.
Those who met my father over his 97 years would appreciate that he lead an exceptional life based on the same creed as her Majesty the Queen; that is: ‘Duty before self’. After leaving the Church of England Grammar School (Churchie) in 1942 my father enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and was commissioned as a fighter pilot where he flew Kittyhawks and served in 77 Squadron in Labuan and Morati in Borneo. Instead of going back to university at the end of World War II, my father returned to the family farm where his great uncle Arthur Freeman owned a large banana and cattle Farm on Tomewin Mountain. My great great uncle was very kindly disposed to my father and my grandfather who was still serving in Germany until 1948. My father was able to obtain 150 acres from his great uncle and dad farmed this rich basalt soil on his beautiful Tomewin Mountain from 1946 until he passed away.
Apart from being a very successful farmer, he was equally successful at serving his community which he did with distinction for 75 years with my mother Lesley Freeman, OAM always by his side. In recognition of my father’s dedication to his community he was awarded a ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ in 1986. He also served in many senior roles and as District Governor of Q1 Division of Lions International, and many other community organisations.
Given my father was the foundation secretary of the subbranch of the Currumbin RSL, and was a member of the RSL for in excess of 75 years; The Currumbin RSL has graciously allowed us to hold a public Memorial Service and ‘Celebration of Life’ for my father Wednesday 19th of October 2022. At the conclusion of this ceremony there was a fly pass by World War II mustang fighter plane which was used in 77 squadron. This will be a fitting tribute to a WW2 fighter pilot, and officer and a gentleman, and humanitarian a man who served his country and community for 97 years. His legacy will live on forever.
May the great man rest in peace, may we always remember this giant but gentle man.
From his loving son David, his daughters Debbie and Lisa, and his dear wife Lesley.
Closure due to COVID-19 Border Rules
December 2021
SBS TV news interviewed Farmer David and other Tomewin border gate residences to highlight that whilst the Queensland Government has opened the M1 border there are still small communities that still have hard border closures with no word from the state government as to when they re-open the borders! This has caused massive financial and psychological pain to the cross-border communities. A frustrated Farmer David also appeared in the local newspaper.
A short documentary
November 2020
A beautiful documentary by Simon Hunter Photography on Australia’s oldest continuous banana farm. Now a multi faceted organic farm open to the public. (Approx 3mins)
Interview on Coast Business Radio Podcast
April 2020
Mike Ryan from Coast Business Radio recently spoke to Farmer David about the importance and benefits of organic fruit and vegetables, and the effects of COVID-19 on Tourism and small business.
Play and enjoy Farmer David’s interview here (starting at 1hr 14mins).
‘We Are Gold Coast’ article by Tim Baker
August 2019
How a 100-year-old Gold Coast institution is moving with the times to win over new generations to the delights of organic produce
The City of Gold Coast is celebrated 60 years as a City Council and commissioned a number of celebrated authors to write articles for ‘We Are Gold Coast’. Freemans Organic Farm was fortunate enough to be chosen by the Council as one of the older farming families (five generations) in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This was an important story as it recognises pioneer families and inter generational businesses on the Gold Coast.
Tim Baker, a talented local author and surf writer, has written a nice history of our farm and Currumbin Valley from 1915 to the present day (2019). It is well worth a read. Simply visit the website here.
Appearance on Queensland Weekender
November 2017
TV presenter Victoria Carthew from Queensland Weekender, pays a visit to our beautiful Farm and talks to Farmer David about the history of the Freeman’s Organic Farm and the importance of eating healthy, fresh, organic fruit and vegetables.
Watch the episode here.
Flannery’s Commercial
January 2016
Freeman’s Organic Farm was chosen as the location for the professional TV advertisements shot for Flannerys for our stunning scenery and wholesome organic produce… It was the natural choice of course! See if you can recognise our beautiful farm. Watch the commercials below or click here to view.