The Gascoyne Food Festival wrapped up this weekend, and the lure of top quality food, stunning vistas and amazing chef talents resulted in unprecedented demand for tickets to the event, confirming the regions position as a food, tourism and business destination.
Visitors from across Australia, as well as an international fresh produce buyer delegation from Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong, joined buyers from large WA catering and events business and government and industry dignitaries, opening up new opportunities for regional buyers.
Carnarvon native and Executive Chef of Don Tapa in Fremantle, Stuart Laws, returned this year for his second festival to cook at Carnarvons’ Long Table Lunch and Mt Augustus’ Australia’s Biggest BBQ under Australia’s Biggest Rock.
“I am passionate about supporting agriculture and sourcing the best of local supply for my kitchen. The Gascoyne region has an incredible abundance of sun-kissed fresh fruit and veg, seafood, beef and goat meats – the more chefs that can support this region the better it is for everyone,” said Stuart.
Michael Nixon Chairman of the Gascoyne Food Council said that the festival is critical to maintaining the regions place in consumers hearts and minds.
“Each year the festival brings people from across the State to work together to create an incredible event. It is always a community effort, with volunteers from the horticultural, pastoral and fishing sector working together to deliver a great result.
“We also have enormous engagement and support from Carnarvon Community College, the hospitality students, Clontarf Academy and Shooting Stars program. Providing students with the opportunity to work with top level chefs and be part of this prestigious
event is just one of the many benefits of holding the Gascoyne Food Festival each year,” he said.
“The festival has been successful not only in celebrating Gascoyne Food and bringing visitors to our region but has been key in securing support from consumers, retailers, chefs and industry stakeholders to further the growth of the industry,” Michael added.
The festival offered something for everyone, from kids to adults, at a range of price points and locations. Events at Dirk Hartog Island, Exmouth, Mount Augustus and Carnarvon showcased the best meat, seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables and indigenous ingredients available. This years events included:
• 6-12th August – A Gourmet Island Escape with Chef Russell Blaikie, Dirk Hartog Island
• 10th August – Carnarvon Plantation Tour (trade only)
• 10th August – BBQ on the Beach in Carnarvon with Panorama Catering
• 11th August – Long Table Lunch in Carnarvon with over 12 top WA chefs
• 12th August – Gascoyne Growers Markets in Carnarvon
• 13th August – Surf and Turf on Sunrise Beach in Exmouth with Chefs’ Peter Manifis &
Melissa Palinkas
• 19th August – Australia’s Biggest BBQ under Australia’s Biggest Rock at Mount Augustus with Chef Stuart Laws
With a waitlist already underway to attend the 2018 Gascoyne Food Festival, the momentum and success of the festival looks set to continue.
