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Ag Minister to launch milk during Eat Local Week

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

SR4Real08 (Copy)Scenic Rim residents can be part of the celebrations for the official launch of Scenic Rim 4Real Milk on Tuesday June 25, during Eat Local Week.

QLD Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Honorable Dr John McVeigh, will officially launch the new milk brand at 1pm next Tuesday. The Robotic Dairy will be open to the public from 9am to 4pm the same day, with live music, milking demonstrations, food, coffee, and of course milk.

The launch will be the culmination of eight months of work by the Dennis Family to establish a milk processing facility on site at the Scenic Rim Robotic Dairy.

Farmer Greg Dennis says everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate his family’s incredible achievement of producing, processing and bottling milk under their own label, Scenic Rim 4Real Milk.

“I did joke last Friday when we got the green light from Safe Foods QLD that is was quite a strange feeling to have done all that work just to get to the starting line,” says Mr Dennis.

“Making the decision to process and bottle our own milk isn’t one we’ve taken lightly. Our entire family is committed to saving this farm. We’ve received hundreds of messages of support from people as far away as Perth. It’s really given us the confidence that there are people out there who not only want to support local Australian farmers, but who also value fresh, minimally-processed milk delivered straight to their shops and cafes.” (more…)

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Melbourne Cup coming to Beaudesert

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

melbourne cupBeaudesert has been named as one of 34 successful destinations to host the iconic Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour on its three-month Australian journey.

Beaudesert will host the $175,000 trophy on August 16 and hold a range of community events on the same day to raise funds for local causes. (more…)

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Buy Local, Eat Local, Cook Local

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Alison-Alexander.-Please-credit-pic-to-John-ReymentQueensland Food Fellow, Alison Alexander, says more families should get to know their local food producers and try to buy local.

Mrs Alexander is a passionate advocate for fresh Queensland produce and will be involved in the Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival on Saturday June 29.

Alison and Brisbane chef David Pugh, owner of Restaurant Two, will lead cooking demonstrations using a wide range of fresh Scenic Rim produce.

The Winter Harvest Festival concludes the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, which celebrates the region’s food and wine producers.

Alison says the week-long event offers opportunities for people of all ages to meet food producers and learn more about the paddock to plate journey.

“The Eat Local Week program is just so extensive, it’s opened up a whole lot of places that I knew nothing of and that’s the excitement,” she says.

“I’m guessing that a lot of people are thinking, ‘We’ve been there before, we know about Boonah and Beaudesert.’ My message is that the area will have some terrific surprises for you during that week, some hidden secrets you didn’t know about; some activities and produce you don’t know about.

“People probably don’t realise that this region is feeding the whole of Australia in carrots at this time of year. “

David Pugh says he always looks close to home for ingredients for his popular Brisbane restaurant. He says the fresher he can buy produce the better.

“Direct supply is preferable and the less food miles the better,” he says.

“When you see product that’s been picked in the morning and you have it hours later it’s like it’s come from your own garden – it’s immense. (more…)

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Blast into the School Holidays

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Muckheap_276fe0aThe Council’s Arts & Library School Holiday program is always popular. Don’t miss out, book your tickets now for these fantastic workshops, performances and films.

Muckheap – a funny, physical and fantastically messy performance for the whole family presented by Polyglot.

The Centre, Beaudesert
Fri 28 June at 6pm
Adults $15 Child/Conc $10 Family of 4 $40 (save $10)

Eat Local Week, Young Chef’s Cooking Class

Boonah Cultural Ctr Wed 26 Jun 10am-12pm
The Centre, Beaudesert Wed 26 Jun 1.30-3.30pm
Vonda Youngman Ctr, Nth Tamborine Thur 27 Jun 3 Apr 10am-12pm

Cooking_Classes_ELW2013logo_date_CMYKFor children 8yrs+ $12
Bookings Essential – Limited Places
More Info Buy Tickets

Junk Puppetry Workshop
The Centre, Beaudesert Fri 28 Jun 3-4.30pm

Hands-on junk puppetry workshop with the performers
from the performance Muckheap!

For children 5+ years $15
Bookings essential – limited places.

Theatre Workshop – Commedia Dellarte
The Centre, Beaudesert Mon 1 Jul 10am-2.30pm
Boonah Cultural Centre Wed 3 Jul 10am-2.30pm
The Basement, Nth Tamborine Thur 4 Jul 10am-2.30pm

An exciting and hilarious day of fun!
For children 8-14 years $20
Bookings Essential – limited places

227_Stencil_WorkshopStencil & Aerosol workshop with Mark Paddick
Vonda Youngman Ctr, Tamborine Mtn Wed 3 Jul 9.30-11.30am
The Centre, Beaudesert Wed 3 Jul 2-4pm

Learn new skills and take home some new artworks!
For children 8+ years $12
Bookings essential – limited places

Clay Animation Workshop
Boonah Cultural Centre Thur 4 Jul 9.30-11.30am

For all budding animators!
For children 7-12 years $12
Bookings Essential – limited places

Critters_Creatives67db89Critters & Creatives
Boonah Cultural Centre Mon 24 Jun 10.30am-12.30pm
Vonda Youngman Ctr, Tamborine Mountain Wed 26 Jun 10.30am-12.30pm

Free event for families Please RSVP (07) 5540 5050
Furry & Scaley Critters: Art & Wildlife Experience!
Morning tea will be provided.

Films include Wreck-it Ralph, Rise of the Guardians, Escape from Planet Earth, Oz the Great and Powerful. Tickets are $5 (includes popcorn and a drink) and are available from the Box Office.

The school holiday Library program is jam-packed and features storytime, food art and crazy insanewich sandwich making sessions. Download the full program

To buy tickets or book a spot in any of these school holiday activities go to www.liveatthecentre.com.au  

 

 

 

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Eat Local Week will keep kids busy

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

cooking-classes-for-webEscape their cries of ‘I’m bored’ these school holidays and take advantage of the myriad of activities on offer during Scenic Rim Eat Local Week.

Eat Local Week is a celebration of the people who produce food and wine in the region and offers unique opportunities to see how fresh food is produced. The event runs from June 23 to 30 and involves free or low-cost activities throughout the region. Most are very family friendly.

Sunday June 23
Zest Fest, Graceleigh Park Beechmont: This community festival celebrates the creativity, food, health and wellbeing of Beechmont. Activities offered for adults and children, as well as fresh food, entertainment and stalls. Runs from 9.30am to 4pm. Cost is $5 for adults, children are free.

Lillydale Farmstay: Meet the farmstay’s four-legged residents and at 11am learn how to make pesto. The café will be open for coffee, cold drinks, ice-creams and cakes. Free event. www.lillydale.com.au

Monday June 24
Binna Burra Bush Tucker Presentation, DJ Smith Memorial Park, Canungra: The Scenic Rim’s forests are bursting with bush foods, herbs and medicines. The Binna Burra Mountain Lodge guides will introduce you to some of the tastes and smells of the surrounding areas. Tour starts 11am on June 24, 26 and 28. Free event.

Tuesday June 25
Scenic Rim Robotic Dairy: QLD Minister for Agriculture, John McVeigh, will officially launch Scenic Rim 4Real Milk at the Tamrookum Robotic Dairy. Watch the milk production and bottling process on the farm at Queensland’s first robotic dairy. Free activity, open from 9am to 5pm. www.scenicrim4realmilk.com.au

Wednesday June 26
Kids Cooking Classes with Hinterland Harvest: Learn about fun, healthy eating using local produce and pick up some basic kitchen skills. Eat what you cook and take home a souvenir apron and recipes. Class runs from 10am to noon at the Boonah Cultural Centre and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at The Centre Beaudesert. Cost is $12pp. Bookings essential, call 55405050. For ages 8 to 12 years. www.liveatthecentre.com.au

Bush Tucker Presentation: see above.

Towri Sheep Cheeses Farm Tour: Experience the award-winning sheep cheeses, watch a sheep milking demonstrations, feed the lambs and visit the cheese room. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children under 14. 10.30am to 1pm on June 26 and 27. Saville Rd, Allenview. Bookings preferred on 55431260. www.towrisheepcheeses.com.au

carrot-picking-for-webThursday June 27
Kids Cooking Classes with Hinterland Harvest: Learn about fun, healthy eating using local produce and pick up some basic kitchen skills. Eat what you cook and take home a souvenir apron and recipes. Class runs from 10am to noon at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre North Tamborine. Cost is $12pp. Bookings essential, call 55405050. For ages 8 to 12 years.

Friday June 28
Binna Burra Bush Tucker Presentation, DJ Smith Memorial Park, Canungra: The Scenic Rim’s forests are bursting with bush foods, herbs and medicines. The Binna Burra Mountain Lodge guides will introduce you to some of the tastes and smells of the surrounding areas. Tour starts 11am on June 24, 26 and 28. Free event.

Saturday June 29
Kalfresh Carrot Field Day, Cunningham Highway Kalbar: Meet some the farmers, tour the factory and learn how to grow great carrots. Sit in the tractors and get your hands dirty in the paddocks when you pick your own bag of carrots. Runs from 9am to noon, cost is $5pp or $10 for a family. www.kalfresh.com.au

Wild Pizza, Mt Barney Lodge: Teenagers can discover the natural environment as they collect and handpick ingredients for wild pizzas, which are cooked in a traditional camp oven. Runs from 5pm to 7.30pm. Cost is $25pp. Bookings on 55443233. Suitable for people aged 13 to 17 years. www.mtbarneylodge.com.au

Winter Harvest Festival, Aratula Community Sports Complex: A family-friendly celebration of premium food and wine, produced by the Scenic Rim’s farmers and agribusinesses. Choose from a selection of tasting plates, stock up on local produce and enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, kids activities and watch the Tractor Pulling competition. Enter a team of 12 for the chance to win $2000. Festival runs from noon to 5pm, entry is $10 for adults, children under 12 free. www.eatlocalweek.com.au

Sunday June 30
Market Day at the Organic Shed, Milford Rd, Boonah: Visit the organic she, enjoy local and organic produce, hear the live music and browse the market stalls. Runs from 8am to 1pm.

The full Eat Local Week schedule is available at www.eatlocalweek.com.au

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Trip Advisor awards for Mountain attractions

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

the escarpmentTwo Tamborine Mountain businesses have been recognised by Tripadvisor in their recent Awards of Excellence.
The Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa was named one of the Best by Tripadvisor, which awarded it a Certificate of Excellence, which puts the boutique hotel among the top 10 per cent performing accommodation businesses in the world.

The Escarpment Retreat was competing in the Hotel category, which pitted it against leading worldwide hotel chains.
DeliVino, the North Tamborine deli, café and bar was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence, an accolade which honours hospitality excellence and is only given to establishments which consistently achieve great traveller reviews.
Next time you are in the Scenic Rim call in and visit these award-winning operators.

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Winter Harvest Festival dishes Scenic Rim up on a plate

Monday, June 10th, 2013

WHF Logo-Date_location_websiteEat Local Week 2013 will feature an authentic Winter Harvest Festival as its signature event, showcasing the delicious array of food and wine that’s produced in the Scenic Rim.

The Winter Harvest Festival will feature producers, suppliers and retailers from across the region and will enable visitors to eat their way around the Scenic Rim. Tasting plates, wines and fresh produce will be on sale during the Harvest Festival, on Saturday June 29.

A highlight of the Harvest Festival will be the Tractor Pulling competition, a time trial race offering teams the chance to win generous cash prizes for their nominated local sporting club or community group.

The John Deere tractor, on loan from Kalfresh Vegetables, weighs 12-tonne and teams will compete to be the fastest to pull it over 20-metres. The Prize money of $2,000 has been sponsored by the Kalbar & District Community Bank.

“This Festival will serve the Scenic Rim up on a plate,” says Mayor John Brent.

“The Scenic Rim is a fertile region, responsible for feeding people throughout Queensland, Australia and abroad. Throughout the year the region produces a veritable smorgasbord of produce, including beef, pork, poultry, dairy, vegetables, olives, cheese and wine.

“The Winter Harvest Festival will showcase the diverse range of goods produced in the Scenic Rim and will celebrate the people responsible for growing, cooking and selling them.

“The Tractor Pull is a first and not only promises to be fun for both competitors and spectators, but it presents the chance for community and sporting groups to raise vital funds.

“The Winter Harvest Festival offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy an authentic insight into the way their food and wine is produced, to meet the growers and the people who take the raw ingredients and transform them.

“I’m really excited about this event and hope it becomes a regular fixture on the Eat Local Week calendar.”

Eat Local Week runs from June 23 to 30 across the Scenic Rim. The week-long celebration of regional food and wine features farm tours, cooking classes, food and wine tastings and catered food events.

Find out more at www.eatlocalweek.com.au

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Zing into Zest Fest

Monday, June 10th, 2013

Zest-Fest-Organising-TeamBeechmont’s homegrown festival – Zest Fest – is gearing up to celebrate all things creative, delicious and delightful on Sunday June 23 at Graceleigh Park Beechmont.
Zest also kicks off the Scenic Rim Region’s week-long showcase of regional, sustainable food – Eat Local Week.

Zest Fest organising team member Sally MacKinnon said, “this year Zest Fest is four years old and we’re continuing to expand our market stalls, community activities and conversations, kids program and live music.

“Our market stalls are not only bringing in Beechmont’s beautiful businesses but are stretching across the Scenic Rim region to include regional food and drinks, renewable energy, Aquaponics, Canungra State School’s Green Team and great arts and crafts. Our live music program showcases the Will Miller Three, Lily White, Afro Pulse drummers and Paul Robert Burton between midday and 4pm.

“In addition, at 11am Afro Pulse drummer Paul Bijkerk will be hosting a free community drumming workshop for up to 40 people called Drum Pulse – this will be a brilliant way to bring our community together in a creative and interactive way. We have a supervised Children’s Program including storytelling, music making and artwork activities.

“A Community Conversation program includes Cheesemaking and Community Gardening. This will run throughout the morning between 10am and midday. Beechmont State School P&C is operating a licensed bar from lunchtime. And of course, our beautiful local and regional artisans, foodies, crafters, health and wellbeing and sustainability practitioners will showcase their goods and services all day in our ‘village square’. It’s the only day of the year Beechmont has a main street and village centre.”

Zest Fest is organised by the Beechmont Area Progress Association (BAPA) to showcase the enterprising businesses, food producers and artisans of Beechmont and the Scenic Rim. Zest Fest is on Sunday June 23 between 9.30am and 4.30pm at the Hall on Graceleigh, 1922 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont. It will be officially opened at 10.20am by Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent and Councillor Virginia West. Entry is $5  for adults and children are free.

For more information go to the website

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Eat Local Week celebrates Scenic Rim food producers

Monday, June 10th, 2013

Eat Local WeekScenic Rim food and wine producers will be celebrated during the Eat Local Week festival, which runs throughout the region from June 23 to June 30.

The week of cooking classes, farm tours, food and wine tastings and hosted dinners culminates in a Winter Harvest Festival on June 29.

Eat Local Week is a celebration of the people who produce food and wine in the Scenic Rim and recognition of the fact that agriculture and tourism are pivotal to the prosperity of the region, contributing more than $210-million annually to the regional economy.

Eat Local Week is a Scenic Rim Regional Council initiative but has been enthusiastically embraced by the Scenic Rim community since launching in 2011. The event encourages residents and visitors to the region to ask the questions – Where does your food come from and who produces it?

Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent, himself a third generation vegetable producer, says participants can meet the producers and follow the journey from paddock to plate.

“Brisbane and Gold Coast residents may not realise that much of the food they consume was grown in the Scenic Rim, which is located just one hour’s drive away,” says Cr Brent.

“We are fortunate to have such fertile farming land, closely located to the city and tourism and agriculture account for more than 30 per cent of the businesses operating in this region.

“Particularly between June and December the paddocks between Boonah and Aratula produce a diverse range of vegetables for markets in Queensland, Australia and overseas. Throughout the year our producers supply beef, pork, dairy products, chicken and boutique food and wine products to the market.

“Eat Local Week is a celebration of this industry and of the people who not only grow the food, but those who sell it. During the week participating cafes, restaurants and caterers are asked to make Scenic Rim food and wine a feature of their menus. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to learn first-hand how their food is produced and seek tips for impressing in the kitchen.” (more…)

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Tractor event set to pull in a crowd

Monday, June 10th, 2013

tractor-pull

Eat Local Week’s 2013 signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival at Aratula, is hoping to pull in the crowds with tonnes of fun.
Twelve tonnes to be precise, the weight of the John Deere tractor competitors are being challenged to drag as part of the Kalbar and District Community Bank Tractor Pulling Competition at the festival on Saturday, 29 June.
“We are encouraging teams of 12 to sign up for this great charity event and pit their combined strength against a tractor kindly supplied by Kalfresh,” Mayor John Brent said.
“The team which clocks up the fastest time moving the tractor over a distance of 20 metres will win a cash prize for their nominated sporting club or community group.
“It’s a great money spinner for your local club in exchange for a bit of sweat and muscle.” First prize in the event is $1000, second prize is $750 and third prize is $250.
Entry forms are available from the Kalbar and District Community Bank branch or by calling Council’s Sport and Recreation Officer on 5540 5057.
Kalbar and District Community Bank chairman Wilson Neuendorf said the organisation was pleased to be able to lend its support to the Winter Harvest Festival.
“This event will be a great celebration of the region’s farming and agri-business community,” he said.
Apart from enjoying the tractor pulling event, visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of Scenic Rim-produced food and beverages and tasting plates will be available for sale from exhibitor stalls.
Local products and produce will also be on sale in a farmer’s market.
Throughout the day there will be live music and entertainment, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and plenty of family friendly activities.
“This will be a great day out for Scenic Rim locals and visitors to the region and I would encourage everyone to get along and enjoy the produce and activities,” Cr Brent said.
To find out more visit www.eatlocalweek.com.au

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