‘Kick off ya Boots’
The SA-NT District proudly hosted the ‘Kick off ya Boots’ movie fundraiser last week, with 240 people attending. Funds were raised to support farmers and rural communities who continue to struggle with the drought despite the recent rains. And we shared the funds with the St Peter’s Loxton Lutheran Church, Little Town Productions team who produced the movie and are sharing it around the state as part of their ministry to communities.
‘Kick off ya Boots’ is a story about the Conner family as they tackle the tough topics of succession, drought, financial security and unspoken truths as they go about their farming lives. It is a movie full of laughs, rural humour (that even the city folk got), songs you will know, ‘professional’ actors who can sing, emotions with some serious conversations and thought provokers that engages with all generations.
One attendee said ‘Inspiring evening last night, “Kick off ya Boots” fundraiser at Piccadilly Theatre. A movie made by famers and local folk from Loxton to promote awareness for mental health and wellbeing for farmers and their families through the drought. But this is a movie with a powerful message for everyone, not just farmers. Great fun, country humour and language, great music, real people telling an important message. Recommend it if you get the chance to see it.’
‘Kick off ya Boots’ was originally a unique dinner theatre event shown in the St Peter’s Lutheran Church hall. Written by John Gladigau, and produced by the acclaimed Little Town team, the production used humour, music and at times confronting and tense dialogue to touch on subjects often unspoken of within farming families, including drought, financial pressures, succession and family communications. It was performed in three parts while a hearty three-course country meal was served, and included parodies of popular songs rewritten to fit the theme and messaging of the production. The eight-piece band which provided the music for the production had the audience tapping their toes and clapping along, and was supported by professional theatrical sound and lighting. The shows were a huge success and brought together people from all walks of life, including politicians who were keen to share the mental health messages with all impacted by the drought.
From this came the movie, which was professionally filmed and has since been shown in over a dozen locations around the state. Most events are hosted as a dinner to bring people together and an opportunity for them to ‘turn off’ from the farm for an evening, share a meal with friends and have some laughs. It is also an opportunity for people to acknowledge that they are not the only ones doing it tough and to share with friends and be supported. The conversation cards that are referenced in the movie are a great way of encouraging people to talk about what they are feeling.
Whilst ‘Kick off ya Boots’ has teamed with ifarmwell, SA Drought Hub, Ski for Life and Rabobank Client Council who are supporting the mental health and wellness messaging with practical actions, the Christian message remains in the movie and is strong. The team behind the movie, Little Town Productions see themselves as a ministry activity of the congregation as they share the message that God is strong and provides peace and love in our lives, and he is a loving God for everyone.
The District Office was encouraged to bring ‘Kick off ya Boots’ to Adelaide after conversations at District Convention of Synod in May 2025 when the drought was on everyone’s lips and we were looking for a way to support our rural communities. During the ensuing months the District Office has shared resources to congregations for a worship service with a focus on the drought and hosted a prayer gathering. Through donations to our Disaster and Welfare Fund we have provided support to families through pre-paid credit cards which have been distributed through pastors, and we are looking to continue this blessing as the need arises.
For more information on ‘Kick off ya Boots’ and where the film will be shown next, visit https://littletown.com.au/koyb/
Little Town Productions are currently selling tickets for their ‘Little Town Junior – Nativity 1.0’ which shows the nativity story through the eyes of the characters in the Gospels, with all cast members being under 18 years. The characters are brought to life in an original script and songs by John Gladigau and Karen Skewes. Complementing this is ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ which is a family orientated experience whereby you are immersed in the Bethlehem experience through activities and the story.
Get your tickets at: https://www.stpetersloxton.church/events/little-town-jnr-nativity-1-0-performances/2025-12-19
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT community, drought relief, event, fundraising, ifarmwell, Kick off ya Boots, KOYB, little town productions, movie, Piccadilly, Rabobank Client Council, SA Drought Hub, SA-NT, SA-NT District event, South Australia, St Peter's Loxton, St Peters, That farming life
