The perfect recipe to enjoy this festive season! A healthy recipe using delicious herbs and spices. Spiced Grain + Grape Salad Recipe by Nikki Heyder

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients
1.5 cups red rice
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup coconut flakes
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 red shallots, finely sliced
2cm piece ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, finely sliced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp mild curry powder
1 chilli, finely sliced (optional)
1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup mint, finely chopped
1 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 cup coriander, finely chopped
1 cup green grapes, cut into halves or quarters 1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon 

Method

1. Bring pot of lightly salted water to the boil and cook rice according to packet instructions (usually about 30 minutes for red/brown rice) 
2. Meanwhile, heat non stick pan and lightly toast almonds and coconut flakes until golden and fragrant – set aside for later 
3. Heat coconut oil in same pan and cook onion until soft and translucent 
4. Add ginger, garlic, spiced and chickpeas and continue cooking for a further 2 – 3 minutes 
5. Once rice has cooked, strain well and put into large mixing bowl 
6. Add onion/chickpea mix to the rice along with toasted almonds/coconut flakes, herbs,
   grapes, salt, pepper and lemon juice – mix well to combine 
7. Serve in a large salad bowl – enjoy! 

Buy West Eat Best for the freshest produce experience. The Gascoyne Food Council wants Perth consumers to be reminded that local, in-season produce is the best choice as Carnarvon grapes start hitting supermarket shelves.

“December means local Grapes are now in season” said Gascoyne Food Council’s Executive Officer Doriana Mangili. “Buying local not only tastes better, but contributes to the Western Australian economy as well,” Doriana says.

Carnarvon grower’s Bumbak and Sons have reported that unusual cold weather has slowed the ripening process resulting in picking a little later than expected. However, produce will reach shops in late November and consumers will be able to enjoy a range of varieties of grapes through to mid-January with produce being available across major retailers and independent stores in Western Australia.

Close to Christmas the unique varieties of Cotton Candy, a fairy floss flavoured grape will be available as well as the Candy Hearts variety with a sweet candy flavour. With the huge variety of colours, varieties and flavours there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“Later picking has given us plenty of time to finish our program of crop management. After pruning we have had a team of 50 workers leafing and bunch trimming by hand aiming to increase crop quality,” said Mark Bumbak.

“There really are some stand out grapes to keep your eye out for this year, for reds the Sweet Celebration is large, sweet and a crunchier grape. For a black grape Sweet Sapphire – it is an elongated grape with a dimple in it’s base and is beautiful to taste, definitely worth a try. Finally for green keep your eye out for Autumn Crisp, a large round berry, with a supersized crunch and taste to match, Sweet Globe is a large round sweet grape with a crunch factor,” said Mark.

“What better way to celebrate the festive season than with local produce? It is the gift that keeps on giving as it ensures customers get great food to enjoy, and that our industry can continue to grow and thrive into the future,” said Doriana.

The State Government announcement that fracking will be permitted in the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions has raised serious concerns on the potential contamination of water sources used for horticulture, pastoral industry, tourism and fishing industry.

Reacting to the announcement, Chairman of the Gascoyne Food Council, Michael Nixon, said “We are extremely disappointed and concerned that the State Government is going to allow fracking in regions where there is established horticulture and food production industries.” 

Calling for a ban on fracking where water is designated for human consumption or farming, Mr Nixon said “The only reasonable outcome is to ban fracking in any region where there is a recognised aquifer to ensure there is no chance of a detrimental effect on precious water sources.”

The Gascoyne River is the longest river in Western Australia at 865 kilometres long, with three tributaries and a catchment of over 76 thousand square kilometres.  When the river is in flood any contamination would be impossible to contain. 

The River also has a complex network of underground aquifers that are not mapped or fully understood.    The State Government report claims that the risk of contamination is low, however the impact of any contamination of these aquifers is extremely high and therefore unacceptable to communities reliant on the subterranean water.

“Contamination of the underground aquifers would be irreversible” said Mr Nixon “We are concerned about food security and ensuring we maintain water security for future generations.”

Mr Nixon also questioned the scientific rationale for banning fracking in the South West but allowing it to occur in the North adding “Where is the science that recommends fracking in our region but bans it in the South West? Due to the complex nature of our aquifers the risks and impacts of fracking in the North may be even higher.”

Mr Nixon referred to the incredible environment Gascoyne Food is grown, fished and farmed in, adding “We produce food in one of the most pristine environments on the planet, we have two marine world heritage areas on our doorstep and a high value fishing industry operating off shore.   The impact of fracking in our region would be far reaching and devastating.  Contamination of the water would result in irreparable damage and the Gascoyne Community and those of the Mid-West that are so reliant on subterranean waters are not willing to accept these risks.” 

Gascoyne promotions hit the mark at 2018 Perth Royal Show

For the first time the Shire of Carnarvon and Gascoyne Food Council have joined forces to shine a spotlight on the Gascoyne region and the newly anointed Top Tourism Town of Carnarvon during the Perth Royal Show. The collaboration was a triumph with the Shire declaring the event one of the most successful consumer shows it has delivered. 

Warm weather brought the crowds and gave the Gascoyne team the opportunity to engage with a huge number of visitors across the 8 day event, handing out over 30,000 food samples and over 2500 Carnarvon and Coral Bay Destination Guides. Plus selling some amazing Gascoyne treats, including preserves, chocolate coated bananas, Sweeter Banana bread and award-winning Gelatino Banana Gelato. 

Visitors to the stand also spent time enjoying the ‘It’s time to discover Carnarvon & Coral Bay’ map and exhibit, where they could imagine themselves swimming with the whale sharks, experiencing extraordinary station stays and going off the beaten track in the Southern Ningaloo Reef region. 

Food samples included Harvey Beef slow cooked butterflied beef, Sweeter Banana bread and fresh bananas, hand crafted preserves, along with a huge range of Carnarvon produce including capsicums, tomatoes, corn, onions, paw paw, black sapote, beans, pumpkins, zucchini and paprika. Much of the produce donated by growers thanks to the support of the Carnarvon Growers Association. 

Shire President Karl Brandenburg was highly supportive of the team effort. “It was fantastic to see Carnarvon and the amazing Gascoyne produce on showcase again at the Perth Royal Show this year,” he said. 

Visitor Centre Coordinator Stephanie Leca stated that the collaboration with the Gascoyne Food Council was timely off the back of the recent announcement of Carnarvon as the Top Tourism Town for 2018.  “We believe collaborating shows unity in our region. Food tourism is the fastest growing driver of tourism in the world and linking closely with the Gascoyne Food Council is successfully placing Carnarvon as a highlighted tourism destination,” said Stephanie. 

Executive Officer of the Gascoyne Food Council Doriana Mangili agrees.“Many years of hard work have gone into establishing our region as a quality food supplier and destination for travel and as such it is critical for the Food Council to have close working relationships with our local Shire and Visitor Centre,” said Doriana. 

“Our team effort at the Perth Royal Show brought together the most amazing elements of our incredible region and showcased them to a huge audience – it was a win win,” she concluded. 

More information: 

Carnarvon Visitor Centre: https://www.carnarvon.org.au

Shire of Carnarvon: http://carnarvon.wa.gov.au

Gascoyne Food Council: https://www.gascoynefood.com.au 

Facebook: @carnarvonvisitorcentre

Instagram: @carnarvonvisitorcentre

Contact Stephanie Leca on (08)9941 1146 or leca.s@carnarvon.wa.gov.au.

Top Tourism Town Information: 

Carnarvon recently won the Top Tourism Town Award, announced at the annual WA Tourism Conference in Perth. The prize consists of a $10,000 GWN 7 Advertising Package. 

The honours are awarded every second year to regional destinations in the state, with the previous winner being Albany. This year Carnarvon was up against two other finalists, Christmas Island and Coolgardie, and also took the sub-category prize for Community Engagement. 

Winning the Top Town Award required submitting a comprehensive 20-page document plus a 2 minute destination video. Judges then visited each finalist to experience the range of tourism activities on offer. 

In Carnarvon the judges were able to enjoy visits to the Space Museum located at the iconic Satellite Dish, the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct, local food outlets, the visitor centre, the Fruit Loop  route to sample local produce, and a Scenic Flight with Coral Coast Helicopters Services – Landing at the One Mile Jetty Heli-Pad. 

Stakeholders from the region also hosted the judges at a special networking event, including the Shire of Carnarvon executive management team, volunteers from the Space Museum, Caravan Park operators, Local Business operators, Chamber of Commerce, Shire President and Councillors plus Advisory Committee members of the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct. 

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