MURRINDINDI Food and Wine Incorporated 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.

People on the day visited the group's market stall area to meet the producers, their suppliers and local community groups.

Rob Mitchell, president of Murrindindi Food and Wine Incorporated said "The celebration offered a unique platform for attendees to connect with a diverse range of producers, suppliers, and local initiatives.

"It was the ideal setting for networking, business skill development, and community participation."

He said the region had been advocating for a showcase bringing together all the local producers in one space.

"We are grateful for our local community-run markets that support our producers throughout the year, and we encourage everyone to attend these local markets," he said.

"However, this celebration provided a unique opportunity for networking and learning from each other’s successes in all aspects of agribusiness.

"We enjoyed the day of celebration and community in Yea and yes, it got a bit warm in the afternoon but that didn’t deter with many opportunities for relaxing in shaded areas under the historic platforms.”

The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration aimed to

• Increase awareness and consumption of locally produced food and beverages.

• Promote sustainable practices such as waste reduction and eco-friendly packaging.

• Foster local business collaboration, skill development, and resource sharing.

• Encourage minimal or zero waste at the event.

Rob thanked the Murrindindi Winemakers for suggesting Yea as a destination for the event, with "the concept quickly gaining support and funding" once a location had been confirmed.

Project co-ordinator and secretary Sam Hicks said it took just over 33 supporters and suppliers to produce the event, with six producers highlighted at the celebration along with five winemakers and 30 stall holders in attendance, all of whom reported they had a wonderful day.

"Our feedback survey states most people found out about the event via social media with the 'Meet the Maker' aspects and the celebrity cooking demonstrations being strong drawcards,” she said.

Rob acknowledged the funders, producers, stall holders, volunteer team, and everyone who attended the day.

"We couldn’t have had such a great day without them,” he said.

With momentum high for local produce, the group is now turning its attention to encouraging 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.

"So 'Put Murrindindi on your table this Christmas'," said Rob.

"That way you are supporting local which is what it's all about to help our communities thrive.”

More information can be found on the group's website www.murrindindifoodandwine.org.au.