MURRINDINDI Food and Wine Incoporated was thrilled with the inaugural Murrindindi Harvest Celebration, which took place on November 16 from 11am to 4pm at the Yea Railway Park in Yea.
This exciting new event aimed to raise awareness and encourage the consumption of locally produced food and beverages while fostering sustainable practices within the community.
The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration was a vibrant one-day showcase of the region’s finest produce, featuring food stalls, cooking demonstrations, expo speakers and numerous opportunities to “Meet the Maker.”
Attendees on the day met makers representing a wide range of local produce and agribusinesses, including trout, truffles, eggs, honey, olive oil, and microgreens.
In-person and via Facebook livestreams celebrity chefs Byron Moore ( Marmalades of Yea, Yea), Megan Knapp (The Kitchen Door, Mansfield), and Ross O'Meara (from Wild Meat and Gourmet Farmer, Mansfield ) showcased their culinary skills using local produce, complete with takeaway recipes via QR codes on the day.
There were Mini Hot Seats (panels) and opportunities to listen to discussions on topics such as sustainability, food waste innovation, and regenerative farming.
Rob Mitchell, president of Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc. said the region had longed for a showcase that brought together all local producers in one space.
“The celebration provided a unique opportunity for networking and learning from each other’s successes in all aspects of agribusiness,” he said.
Project co-ordinator and secretary Sam Hicks said it took over 33 supporters and suppliers to host the event along with six highlighted producers, five winemakers and 30 stallholder, all of whom reported they had a wonderful day.
Rob said, “We must acknowledge our funders, producers, stall holders, our volunteer team, and everyone who attended the day – as we couldn’t have had such a great day without them.”
With momentum high for local produce, the group is now turning its attention to encourage everyone to “Put Murrindindi on your table for Christmas” with an online campaign, local community radio adverts, print media awareness, township entry signs and the 12 ways locals and visitors can support local.
More information can be found on the group's website www.murrindindifoodandwine.org.au.