Inaugural Gascoyne Food Hero awards presented at Long Table Lunch.

The 2018 Gascoyne Food Festival has provided the perfect opportunity to present the inaugural Gascoyne Food Hero awards at Carnarvon’s Long Table Lunch in front of 360 guests. The Gascoyne Food Council created the award to recognise it’s recipients for their incredible commitment and dedication to the region, that has led to better opportunities for the food industry and boosted the profile of the Gascoyne.

Don Hancey, Vince Catania, Kel Brown and Michael Nixon at the Long Table Lunch in Carnarvon.

This year two Gascoyne Hero Awards were presented to both Chef Don Hancey, WA Food Ambassador and Nor-West Seafoods founder Kel Brown.

Don has been an avid supporter of the Gascoyne region for many years. Having been involved in the Gascoyne Food Festival from its inception, Don has contributed time, ideas and probably some blood, sweat and tears on the journey to increasing the profile of the region’s food industry. Don has also introduced countless chefs, media and consumers to the region’s food over the years, including to over 2000 members of the public at a recent event at Perth’s Yagan Square in July. 

In 1993 Kel bought and brought back into WA the seafood business then owned by the British Aristocrat Lord Vestey, now known as Nor-West Seafoods. Kel brought vision, leadership and extensive business experience to the business and he quickly got to work moving the company into the 21st Century, leaving little time for his hobbies of river and ocean sailing including a Sydney to Hobart, and his passion of aviation and flying. Fast forward 22 years and Kel succeeded in gaining the coveted Marine Stewardship Certification, ensuring prawns are harvested in a sustainable way in the pristine Shark Bay World Heritage area. 

The Gascoyne Food Council undertakes a range of important activities to support the regions food industry. The aim of the organisation is always to increase returns at farm gate by improving standards, quality and developing access to markets through networking and awareness. 

Chairman Michael Nixon states, “in today’s competitive environment, the industry needs the Gascoyne Food Council more than ever to ensure the industry remains relevant and sustainable.”

“Marketing our food is vital, and these Gascoyne Food Hero’s have played a critical part in building the profile of the region and creating opportunities for a sustainable future,”said Michael.

“Today, more than ever, the Gascoyne needs a fully funded and resourced Food Council if we are to pursue opportunities to ensure the future success of this incredible region. If we fail, the human and financial cost to the region are great,” Michael concluded.

Western Australian owned and operated retailer backs the Gascoyne

At a time when many regional organisations are struggling for funding, a hero has come forward to provide a lifeline to the Gascoyne Food Council. Farmer Jacks Supermarket’s Fred Fairthorne yesterday pledged $100,000 over four years to the group to enable it’s important work to continue.

Fred Fairthorne visiting the Gascoyne region in 2015

The Gascoyne Food Council is a producer organisation that provides stakeholder management, marketing and communication and promotional opportunities for the seafood, meat and fresh produce suppliers in the region. The Food Council also delivers the Gascoyne Food Festival.

This is the second time that Farmer Jacks have come to the table for the region. In 2015 after Cyclone Olwyn, when there was so much damage and devastation, Fred also pledged $100,000. Food Council Chairman Michael Nixon says that words can’t describe how much this contribution means to everyone in the region.

“Farmer Jacks support of our work and contribution to keep it going are incredibly important to us.  It is not just the financial, but also the support of our goals and activities which inspires us to keep doing what we do,” Michael added.

“We are proud Western Australians and it is fantastic to see Farmer Jacks, a Western Australian retailer, supporting Western Australian producers.” said Michael “We can achieve much more working together.”

In his statement to the council Fred commented that he has always admired the incredible resilience and the innovation of the producers in Carnarvon.

“It is a very special place for me, whether it is the water, the soil, the remoteness I can’t put my finger on it but the produce that comes from the region is incredible.  The innovation and the technology that is being adopted by growers amazes me and the improvements in quality and new products that come from Carnarvon over the years are just better and better. Since I began in this business the Carnarvon Industry has changed a lot and the innovation in products such as the incredible grapes, the Sweeter Banana product and the grower uptake in technology is fantastic, and, I see that Carnarvon can be the future of horticulture in WA,” said Fred.

“My father used to say that necessity is the mother of invention, and the Gascoyne Food Council has shown that year after year, as they deliver incredible events such as these and those in Perth, with few resources but a lot of passion and dedication.  That’s why today, I am making a commitment to provide $100,000 of funding to the Food Council over the next four years, to enable them to continue on with these important activities.  I love the way that the Food Council and the region works together and Farmer Jacks wants to keep being a part of the exciting future that the Gascoyne Food Council is bringing about,” Fred said.

For more information about Farmer Jacks Supermarkets go to www.farmerjacks.com.au

Catch a taste at local restaurants during August

When: 6 – 26 August 2018
Info: Carnarvon Visitors Centre at the Carnarvon Civic Centre in town, call (08) 9941 1146 or visit https://www.carnarvon.org.au

The Gascoyne is extending it’s celebration of amazing local food this August with a new initiative set to elevate the Gascoyne Food Festival buzz. Buy West Eat Best has teamed up with the Carnarvon Visitor Centre and Gascoyne Food Council to offer everyone in town a Taste of WA at a range of great local eateries. 

Participating venues will feature special dishes from August 9 to 26, loaded with the best of Gascoyne food to showcase the region to customers. 

The Port Hotel have upped the ante with three delicious options as listed below: 

• Local Carnarvon Snapper (grilled or battered) served with chips and a local Morel citrus, rocket, dill and cucumber salad , together with a schooner of your favourite tap beer – $29.
• Local crumbed Shark Bay Whiting served with chips and a salad with Mr Su’s local cherry tomato, Morel’s basil, red onion and a Big River Plantation lime house made mayonnaise, together with a schooner of Cider or a glass of wine – $29.
• Local Frzop’s ‘Ya Killin Me’ stripy egg plant wedges, crumbed and served with a local herb aioli – $12.

Buy West Eat Best Program Manager Melissa Worthington is thrilled to extend their campaign further into the regions.  “It’s wonderful to see these Gascoyne venues championing fresh, seasonal produce through this initiative with the intention to encourage consumers to not only buy and support local food, but to also support the regions hospitality and food service sector too.”

“With these venues sourcing from local growers and producers and highlighting these ingredients on their menus, it creates an opportunity for dialogue with customers and a terrific platform to further showcase the unique and diverse environment of the Gascoyne region through food,” said Melissa.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Carnarvon Visitor Centre for a guide to the Taste of WA – Gascoyne Region plus pick up information on the Gascoyne Food Festival, Fruit Loop and more great ways to Catch a Taste of local food in the region. 

More Information: 

Participating Venues

Port Hotel Carnarvon 

35 Robinson Street, Carnarvon 

https://www.facebook.com/ThePortHotelCarnarvon

Sunsets Cafe at One Mile Jetty 

Annear Place Babbage Island, Carnarvon

https://www.facebook.com/sunsetscafeatonemilejettycarnarvon/

Carnarvon Hotel 

121 Olivia Terrace, Carnarvon WA 6701

https://www.facebook.com/carnarvonhotel/

As the clock ticks down towards another amazing Gascoyne Food Festival, it is time to once again acknowledge the incredible community spirit behind this regional extravaganza. The Gascoyne Food Festival simply would not be possible without the backing of a large number of sponsors and supporters and a hard working team of organisers.

The following statement has been issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD): 

“DPIRD recognises the importance the Gascoyne Horticulture industry plays to the Western Australian production of fresh fruit and vegetables both for the domestic and potential export market. Carnarvon’s warmer winters, coupled with reliable water supplies, have enabled it to become a major source of out of season fresh vegetables when the southern growing areas cease production due to lower temperatures. DPIRD is very pleased to support growers and agribusinesses in the Carnarvon area through the Gascoyne Food Council.”

The Gascoyne Food Council would like to thank all of the organisations listed below for their amazing contributions. We encourage our guests during the festival to acknowledge these wonderful sponsors and give them your ongoing support.

Silver Sponsors: 

• TourismWA (Government of Western Australia)
• Shire of Carnarvon 

Bronze Sponsors: 

• Rex – Regional Express Airlines
• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 

Friends of the Gascoyne Sponsors: 

• Gascoyne Gold Pty Ltd
• Gage Roads Brewing Co.
• Buy West Eat Best 
• Mareterram 
• Elders Insurance 
• Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce Inc.
• Centurion 
• Harvey Beef 
• Carnarvon Growers Association 
• Mitre 10 
• Carnarvon Community College 
• Carnarvon Bus Charters 
• Wintersun Caravan Park 
• Sweeter Banana Cooperative 
• Carnarvon Motel 
• Water Corporation 
• Leonie McLeod form Mrs Mac’s Shed
• Woolworths Carnarvon

About the Festival: 

The Gascoyne Food Festival is the ultimate winter getaway, promising incredible local produce served up by Western Australia’s top chefs in some of the world’s most idyllic locations.  As always there is something for everyone, with events held across the region including Dirk Hartog Island, Exmouth, Mount Augustus and Carnarvon, all showcasing amazing local meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Visitors can take advantage of a range of opportunities to join in the festival from the 5th August to the 8th September.   Events include family-friendly dining with live entertainment at the Taste of the Gascoyne Sunset BBQ in Carnarvon, fine-dining at the Long Table Lunch at the stunning Bentwaters Plantation and free food sampling at the Gascoyne Growers Markets. 

Food By The Chef’s George Cooper will be cooking up a storm on Dirk Hartog Island during the Gourmet Island Escape events featuring several delicious dining experiences for visitors. 

In Exmouth, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort will be joining the line up again and hosting a fine dining experience, Where the Outback Meets the Reef. Plus new addition to the festival, Froth Craft Brewery, will be be hosting an incredible Beergustation. Both events sourcing the best of local produce to serve to their guests. 

Wrapping things up will be Australia’s Biggest BBQ under the World’s Biggest Rock at Mount Augustus on the 8th September with Chef Stuart Laws. An iconic event at a truly magical location, offering guests a night to remember, followed by a complimentary breakfast the next day as they head out on the open road. 

On 1 July, the Gascoyne Food Council hosted around 40 media, chefs and VIP’s at an official launch event for the upcoming Gascoyne Food Festival at Yagan Square in Perth. The launch provided a platform to announce the line up of festival activities, chefs attending the festival and a competition for two lucky people to win their way to the events in Carnarvon. 

Gascoyne Food Council’s Executive Officer, Doriana Mangili welcomed guests to the launch and announced some new initiatives for 2018, including a collaboration with Racing and Wagering WA, resulting in Red FM’s Alana McLean joining the Long Table Lunch as MC, plus the inclusion of an art exhibition featuring Artist in Residence Sue Helmot from the 6-18th August in Carnarvon. 

“To be involved in an event that celebrates the farmers of the Gascoyne and showcases their delicious, fresh produce is such a thrill! I’m looking forward to a spectacular afternoon at the beautiful Bentwaters Plantation and being part of such a unique WA experience,” said Alana. 

“The Gascoyne Food Festival is about so much more than food,” said Doriana. “The festival brings the community together to support each other, boost the local economy and showcase the hard work of the growers, fishers and pastoralists in the region.”

Chef Stuart Laws of Showcase Events WA will play a large role at this years festival, taking part in three key events including the Taste of the Gascoyne Sunset BBQ, Long Table Lunch and Australia’s Biggest BBQ at the World’s Biggest Rock at Mount Augustus. 

“As a chef, it is an honour to once again be a part of the festival and I am excited to pass on my appreciation for the fresh and delicious foods of the region to the top chefs coming along this year,” said Stuart. 

As always there is something for everyone, with events held across the region including Dirk Hartog Island, Exmouth, Mount Augustus and Carnarvon, all showcasing amazing local meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Following in festival tradition a top line-up of chefs will be joining the festival, with the largest contingent heading to Carnarvon for the Taste of Gascoyne BBQ and Long Table Lunch events. The chefs will experience the region up-close and personal with visits to local growers and producers before creating restaurant-quality dishes for guests.

Confirmed chefs for the festival include: 

• Stuart Laws – Showcase Events 
• Lucas Fernandes – Long Chim
• Dean Wood – Taylor St Quarters
• Nathan Thomas – Laundry 43
• Gurpreet Bagga – Sauma
• Jason Beste  – Supper Road
• Melissa Palinkas – Young George
• Brendan Pang – Masterchef Australia
• Matthew Nebel – Arthur & Co
• Russell Blaikie – Must Winebar
• George Cooper – Food By The Chef
• Don Hancey – WA Food Ambassador 

For all the details about our fantastic chefs click here.

For more information and to book tickets click here.

Media Contact: 

Please contact Georgia Thomas on 0431 444 918 or georgia@fresh-creative.com.au           

Get your taste buds ready for some flavour sensations 

1. Get yourself to the Gascoyne Food Festival this August! 

As cold weather descends on Perth, the Gascoyne is once again gearing up for another gourmet food extravaganza in the sun. The Gascoyne Food Festival is the ultimate winter getaway, promising incredible local produce served up by Western Australia’s top chefs in some of the world’s most idyllic locations. Tickets are on sale now for events across the region, including Carnarvon, Mount Augustus, Dirk Hartog Island and Exmouth. 

2. Head to Buy West Eat Best’s Taste of WA at Yagan Square event featuring Gascoyne Food at Yagan Square on July 1

Taste of WA at Yagan Square event hosted by Buy West Eat Best is on Sunday the 1st July from 11 am to 1 pm. The event is one of a series put together to promote regional food in Perth by the organisation. The free event, to be MC’d by WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey, will feature a delicious sampling menu including goat ragu, Sweeter Banana bread, asparagus and capsicum frittata and warming pumpkin soup. All dishes loaded with fresh Gascoyne produce.

3. Buy fresh produce at Gascoyne Food’s Farm Direct Pop-up Market from 1-7 July at Yagan Square

In a first for the Gascoyne Food Council, the organisation will be running a Farm Direct Pop-up Market from 8 am to 5 pm from 1-7 July. The market will be serving up a great range of fresh produce to buy, including melons, zucchini, eggplant, capsicums, sweet corn and herbs plus loaves of the regions renowned Sweeter Banana bread and frozen Mundillya Homestead goat pies. 

4. Grab some in-season produce from your local supermarket

Pop into your local supermarket or green grocer and ask which produce is direct from the Gascoyne. Chances are they will be stocking a great range of fresh fruit and vegetables direct from Carnarvon, including tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, capsicums and much more. 

5. Get in the car and drive north!

Just do it! Chase the sun and head up the north coast of Western Australia and you will find the most amazing options to purchase local, in season produce. Stop in at the Carnarvon Visitor Centre for a map and more information (and to check opening hours) then hit the “Fruit Loop” and load up. You can also hit up the Gascoyne Growers Market at the Carnarvon Civic Centre every Saturday from May to October. 

As the school holidays approach it’s the perfect time to plan your adventures, including where to load up on local, fresh and delicious food. We have some fantastic farm shops all around the Carnarvon plantations… filled with fresh fruit and veg, preserves, ice creams and more.

Don’t forget to stop in at the Carnarvon Visitor Centre​ for a map and more information (and to check opening hours). We’d love to see you enjoying your treats so share your pictures with us on social media too! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with #gascoynefood

Bumbak’s​: 449 North River Road
Morels: 486 Robinson Street
Gascoyne Organic Farm​: 17 North River Road
Tiptons: 58 South River Road
Westut Plantation: Lot 605 Robinson Street, adjacent to Caltex Station

The Gascoyne River has flowed three times in the past few months, but it means little to many of the regions’ beef, sheep and goat stations. As a multi-year drought across the pastoral industry continues to take its toll, some stations are relying on outback tourism to stay in business.

Offering visitors a genuinely Aussie experience, stations provide affordable accommodation near world class attractions, such as the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Listed Shark Bay. Tourists are able to experience an authentically Australian adventure amongst the native wildlife with activities such as walk-trails, fishing, snorkelling and surfing.

Check out the great list of stations below and contact the Carnarvon Visitor Centre for more information and how to book!

Carnarvon Visitor Centre:
21 Robinson Street, CARNARVON WA 6701
Phone: (08) 9941 1146
Fax: (08) 9941 1149
Email: info@carnarvon.org.au

Waroora Station
Warroora Station, located halfway between Carnarvon and Exmouth, offers wilderness camping and homestead accommodation options with direct 2WD and 4WD access to the Ningaloo Reef. Described as an ideal place to experience the Australian outback and pristine beaches in its most natural state, Warroora Station is just one of the options in the region.

Bullara Station
Bullara Station is 2WD friendly and is located between Coral Bay and Exmouth. The station offers a range of accommodation, from fully self-contained cottages, a renovated Shearers Lodge, air-conditioned ensuite king single rooms, as well as caravan and camping sites. Bullara is generally open for visitors from April to October.

Wooramel River Retreat
A unique station campground nestled under the majestic gum trees on the bank of the Wooramel River. Relax in the naturally heated therapeutic artesian bore baths from the Birdrong aquifer; enjoy the space; abundant bird and wildlife; private camp fires; amazing night skies and the friendly outback atmosphere.

Quobba Station
Quobba Station is located on the southern tip of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, north of Carnarvon, Western Australia. It is a working pastoral station with 80km of coastline bordering the Indian Ocean. The Quobba experience includes land based game fishing, isolated beaches, world renowned surfing, snorkeling, whales and other abundant marine and wildlife on the arid outback landscape. Your choice of accommodation ranges from camping or palm frond humpies, fishing shacks, cottages through to luxury eco safari tents on top of the Red Bluff cliffs.

Red Bluff
Red Bluff is located on Quobba Station and is one of Australia’s most spectacular, rugged, authentic and unique outback coastal working stations. Located 140km north of Carnarvon, Western Australia with 80km of dramatic coastline as its western boundary.

Gnaraloo
Found at the southern entrance of the Ningaloo Marine Park Ningaloo Reef, this wilderness tourism business and working pastoral station offers the real thing – an Australian outback experience like no other and a retreat from everyday life. Surrounded by stunning coastline, you’ll experience fantastic fishing and world-class waves. You can  swim, snorkel or dive on the Ningaloo Reef, walk and explore the quiet beaches, and relax in our basic accommodation or camp grounds with a drink, watching some of the best sunsets in the world. When the season’s right, you’re guaranteed to see whales swim by.

Ningaloo Station
Ningaloo Station is a 50,000 hectare pastoral lease in North Western Australia managed by the Lefroy family since 1934. Offering wilderness camping, prestige white beaches with crystal clear blue waters, stars for miles and an array of marine life.

Mount Augustus
Mount Augustus or Burringurrah is one of the most spectacular solitary peaks of the world’s largest monoclines, it rises above a stoney, red sandplain of arid scrubland and is visible from the air for more than 160 kms. The granite formation is about 8 kms long, covers an area of 4,795 hectares and is estimated to be 1,750 million years old. Accommodation, powered caravan sites, camping facilities, fuel and water are available at Mount Augustus Tourist Park, phone (08) 99430527

Lyndon Station
Historic property situated on the ‘Woolwagon Pathway’ self drive trail, Lyndon Station Cottage Stay is a friendly stopover for travellers visiting Mt Augustus, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay and Exmouth. Caravanners and Campers welcome.

Emu Creek Station
Emu Creek Station was established in 1891 and covered nearly half a million acres where up to 20,000 sheep were grazed and shorn. The rich history of Emu Creek Station can be seen in the current homestead and the 12-stand Oregon Wool Shed, however, the true beauty of the station is in it’s landscape and wildlife. The station offers camping Sites only. All sites are unpowered and campers must be self-sufficient.

For more information visitors should get in touch with the Carnarvon Visitors Centre. The team provides tourists with detailed information about each station, answer enquiries about accessibility and road conditions, plus shares information about extraordinary experiences including fishing, bird watching, wilderness camping, swimming and snorkelling spots.

Planning for the 2018 Gascoyne Food Festival is underway! Mark your diary now so you can be ready to go when tickets are available in a couple of months.

Dirk Hartog Island:
Gourmet Island Escape – 5th- 10th or 8th-10th August
On Dirk’s Dinner Plate Long Table Lunch – 9th August

Carnarvon:
Taste of the Gascoyne Sunset BBQ – 9th August
Long Table Lunch – 10th August
Gascoyne Growers Market Saturday – 11th August

Exmouth:
Mantaray’s Ningaloo Beach Resort Dinner – 11th August.

Mount Augustus:
Australia’s Biggest BBQ – 8th September