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A new 3 week festival is coming to East Gippsland this winter

Images Supplied

One takeaway from 2020 we’re glad to embrace is the backyard getaway. Amidst the uncertainty of international (and at times interstate) travel, there’s never been a better time to explore your own state. From charming small towns, a vibrant arts scene, local produce the envy of many, spectacular coastlines, excellent eateries and much more, there’s one place that has this all wrapped up – East Gippsland.

East Gippsland Winter Festival (June 18 to July 11) is a celebration of all things art, music, wine, craft beer and local produce. Spread over three weeks there will be a raft of activities including interactive art installations, pop-up events, live music, workshops, exclusive dinners and lavish feasts showcasing the best the region has to offer.

With bushfires, drought and Covid challenging many a local business, festival founder Adam Bloem was looking for a way to attract more people to the region. ’I wanted something that encouraged people to stay a bit longer and travel around and explore all of the little towns and villages.’

We now have over 70 events on our festival program and the majority of these have been devised and organised by local businesses, community groups and passionate locals. The response has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of visitors to East Gippsland over winter where there will be lots of things to see, do, eat and drink right across the region.

From Mallacoota to Paynesville, north to Omeo and everywhere in between, friendly locals can’t wait to share their special corner of the world with you. Kick it off on Friday, June 18 with the official festival opening in Bairnsdale with live music and roving performers, as well as a bevy of food/wine options and art projections throughout the town.

Pencil in the Pinot Picnic and Masterclass on Sunday, June 20 thanks to the acclaimed Sardine Eatery + Bar and Lightfoot & Sons Winery. This not-to-be-missed event salutes Gippsland Lakes District’s exceptional pinot noir at Lightfoot and Son’s cellar door. The winemaker-guided Masterclass will take place in their barrel room with guests enjoying a Sardine Eatery picnic box filled with cheese, charcuterie and conserves.

This year’s winter solstice on Monday, June 21 just happens to coincide with World Bathing Day. Join bathers from across the globe at sunrise for a live-streamed Global Sound Bath. From the new pop-up bathing area on the future Metung Hot Springs site, drink in the beauty of the natural surrounds for a calm and balanced start to your day.

#worldbathingday

The Lakes Light Festival on Saturday, June 26 promises to be a festival highlight. Watch a mural painting as it unfolds in both a virtual sense and in reality at the former iceworks factory, and now arts hub, in Lakes Entrance.

Is it time to unleash your inner artist? Then don’t miss the lantern making workshop on Tuesday, June 29 in Swifts Creek. This idyllic town in the Tambo Valley is quickly developing a strong reputation for its arts scene and part in the Great Alpine Arts Trail. Experienced local artists will guide you through the process and shine a light on your creative side. Great fun for all ages!

One of the festival standouts has to be the Sailors Grave Deep Winter Festival on Saturday, July 3. Sailors Grave is a darling of the craft beer scene for good reason. Their complex beers (and idiosyncratic branding) tell the story of their unique region, their terroir. None more so than their recent release Dark Emu Dark Lager, a collaboration with Uncle Bruce Pascoe honouring indigenous culture and knowledge.

The Deep Winter event kicks off at 6 pm at the home of Sailors Grave brewery, a 100-year-old butter factory on the banks of the Snowy River. Music will be provided by post-punk Oz rock band Shepparton Airplane and other special guests, with food by Melbourne butchers Meatsmith. Co-founders Gab and Chris Moore can’t wait to welcome you.

By now you’re thinking it might be a great idea to plan a little exercise and thankfully the area has some of the most scenic trails in the state. Little River Gorge Walk will certainly get the blood pumping but also rewards that effort with a stunning view over one of Victoria’s deepest gorges and the mis-named Little River. Of course, a leisurely stroll around one of the area’s many lakes might be more your pace. Check out some of the options here.

So many activities – both day and night – means you’re going to need somewhere to stay. With accommodation options from traditional B&Bs, luxe glamping or maybe a waterside retreat complete with mooring for your boat, there’s no excuse not to head east this winter.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: East Gippsland Winter Festival
WHERE: Various locations around East Gippsland
WHEN: Saturday 19th June – Sunday 11th July 2021
MORE INFO:  Register for program updates at the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.

The Geelong Arts Centre launches its wistful Winter Escape Season

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After a year of cancelled events and a winter spent indoors, now is the time to jump back into the world. The Geelong Arts Centre has launched its 2021 Winter Escape Season to help you do it.

Geelong’s home of all things performing arts, the Geelong Arts Centre is no stranger to a killer season of events, stage shows and spectacles. Their upcoming Winter Escape Season is setting a cracking pace as their coolest yet with performances from some of Australia’s most exciting creatives.

Held across three spaces – Ryrie Street Building, the redeveloped Costa Hall and The Pier – the season consists of dizzying cabarets, operas, theatre and comedy, as well shows from our First Nations performers, all in a COVID-safe way.

“We are thrilled to return to the home of Where Creativity Meets, in both Costa Hall and Ryrie Street, to provide the G21 community with a Winter Escape in the comfort of their very own backyard; connecting them to world-class performances and multi-arts experiences,” Geelong Arts Centre Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, Joel McGuinness said.

From big name acts like Isaiah Firebrace performing his huge pop hits, to quirky comedy lectures about Love Song Dedications by the group Ten Tonne Sparrow, there’s a night of entertainment for everyone at the festival. Other events include the gripping play Prima Facie by the Griffin Theatre Company and Carmen the opera from Opera Australia. A full list of shows can be found on the Geelong Arts Centre website.

Tickets are on sale now for individuals, groups and multi-passes. Audience capacities are strictly limited, so be sure to get in quick. After all, what better way is there to get warmed up over winter other than some electrifying performances?

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Geelong Arts Centre 2021 Winter Escape Season
WHERE: Geelong Arts Centre | 81 Ryrie Street, Geelong
WHEN: 29 May – 30 October 2021
MORE INFO: Geelong Arts Centre

Batter up, Summer of Seafood Festival is coming to Apollo Bay

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Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is back with a twist this February, dishing up more than just excellent fish and chips (although they do have that in spades too.) Where the event usually consists of three or more days of large-scale events celebrating all things seafood, this year COVID has them taking a more intimate route.

Aptly titled a ‘Summer of Seafood’, the festival includes a series of COVID friendly events dotted throughout February. Think freshly caught local seafood – from mussels to oysters, Southern Rock Lobster to blue-eye trevalla – as well as informative conversations, and one helluva party.

The most low-key event, a relaxed lunch on the deck of the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Coop, is sadly sold out but features tastings of squid, octopus and other fresh catches alongside craft beer by Prickly Moses and other local wines from festival partners. But don’t be disheartened, there is more seafood-fun to be had.

The SOS End of Summer Block Party on February 27th is where thing’s get really epic. Here, live DJ sets, local bands and the finest food come together in one family-friendly event. Punters can munch on giant paella pans from the team at ORA Coffee Bar, smoked meats from Sticks and Bones BBQ, Abalone Pizzas from the team at the Distillery and seafood specials at The Brewhouse. All the while being serenaded by local acts BEANS, Bones and Jones, The Beachniks, Libby Steel, The Fillmores, Outtatime, The Rank Outsiders and Jarosite Band.

For those who fancy an education on all things underwater, Conversations 2021: Underwater – Underfoot is the place to be. The one-day event features talks with local fishermen about the wild year that was 2020, as well as a discussion with Simon Branigan from The Nature Conservancy Australia about a new partnership bringing shellfish reefs back from the brink of extinction.

In the afternoon they’ll be chats about Country, fire management, the year that has been and what we can all learn from it with paleoecologist and biogeographer Michael-Shawn Fletcher and scientist and conservation ecologist Dr. Jack Pascoe. That’s on February 13th with extremely limited places available, so get booking!

Despite this year’s event being smaller than usual, there is so much happening. For locals who love to fish there’s the Fish of the Summer competition, and for folks who enjoy oysters be sure to get to The True Story of Oysters and Champagne night hosted by our very own food writer Richard Cornish along with Max Allen. 

For the full line up of events and more information, head to Apollo Bay Seafood Festival’s website. We’ll see ya there.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Summer of Seafood
WHERE: Apollo Bay
WHEN: February 13th – 27th
MORE INFO: Apollo Bay Seafood Festival


	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
SummerSalt festival set to shake up Ballarat

		

					

	


		

		
 Images Supplied


There’s nothing quite like summer in Australia. Backyard cricket, icy beers in the esky, sweltering days combated by the pedestal fan. Chuck in a bit of outdoor live music and you’ve got a recipe for memories made. So imagine our delight when we got wind of Ballarat’s SummerSalt festival, a one-day outdoor live music event exemplifying the best of Aussie summer.


Coming for the first time ever to Ballarat’s North Gardens, the festival is boasting an incredible line-up of home-grown artists. Punters can expect to get down to The Tesky Brothers, The Cat Empire, Boy & Bear, John Butler, Montaigne and Emily Wurramara – a pretty sweet mix of dance vibes and chill vibes. 


Across the years SummerSalt has become synonymous with warm days spent with friends, be it at their Glenelg beach event in Adelaide or Stuart Park fest in Wollongong. The organisers bring the party to every locale, and we’re pretty stoked to see local acts hitting the Ballarat stage.


From the high-energy anthems of The Cat Empire to the indie-pop bangers from Boy & Bear, the good vibes will be flowing from noon till nine, with a couple of rest ops to refill your glass or bask in the sunshine. Best of all, things are keeping COVID safe, so we can bring back the festive spirit feeling secure.


The site is fully serviced with a public bar offering up local beers, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. Plus there are plenty of food options for everyone, including vegans – so no need to pack snacks. 


Coming to us on February 28th, SummerSalt festival is set to be a banger. It’s the perfect day for us to shake off the dust of lockdown with an outdoor boogie, and for musicians to dive back on stage. 


“By the time we step on to the SummerSalt stage, it will have been 12 months since we have been on tour, so you cannot imagine how excited we are to play live again with this brilliant line-up of artists,” said Felix Riebl of The Cat Empire.


We feel you, Felix. Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster.


THE DETAILS

WHAT: SummerSalt Festival Ballarat

WHERE: North Gardens, Ballarat

WHEN: 12:30PM – 9PM, 28th February 2021

MORE INFO: SummerSalt Festival



	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Outdoor Dining and Live Music is coming to Queenscliff

		

					

	


		

		
Images via The Pelican Bar



Over the last two decades, festival lovers have flocked from far and wide to enjoy the Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF), one of the most beloved regional music events on the calendar. So when they announced the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the 2020 iteration, fans were pretty gutted.


Thankfully, however, the team behind QMF promised they’d find a backup plan to bring live music to the Bellarine Peninsula. And guess what, they’ve come good.


‘The Pelican Bar’ unites live music and performance with Victoria’s world-class culinary scene into one COVID-safe dining and live entertainment experience. All on the sunny shores of Swan Bay.


Underneath an airy Marquee tent, guests can expect to find themselves munching on a menu provided by the award-winning restaurant The Q-Train, whose chef’s lovingly prepare the best produce from the region. Paired with the region’s favourite beverages (Prickly Moses, Flying Brick, Queenscliff Distillery and Scotchman’s Hill Winery all feature), the food and drink is set to be pretty damn epic.


That’s only half the fun, though. The QMF team has curated a dazzling array of live performances to keep you entertained throughout lunch or dinner. There’s music, cabaret, comedy, trivia and more still to be announced.


An awesome lineup of both national and local legends are set to grace the stage, such as Ella Hooper, Rach Brennan & The Pines, The Black Sorrows (Acoustic), Nathan Seeckts, The Kite Machine, Nardia & Wayne Jury, Bob Evans, Pierce Brothers, D’Arcy Spiller, plus many more.


With so many live performances cancelled of late, this event is sure to be one helluva time for Victorians. It is a very welcome glimpse into normality: one full of good food, stellar entertainment and very welcome sunshine.


Table groups between four and ten are available, and patrons must be seated for the entire two-hour session.


THE DETAILS:


WHAT: The Pelican Bar

WHERE: Swan Bay, Queenscliff

WHEN: November 27th 2020 – January 31st 2021

MORE INFO: The Pelican Bar

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
King Valley’s Food & Wine Festival Really is a Weekend Fit for a King

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Marnie Bodin 
Images supplied


If you’re searching for a regal exploration of food and wine over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (6 – 7 June), then head to the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King.


The annual food and wine festival celebrates everything the cool-climate wine region has to offer, from its Italian-influenced wines and fantastic local produce to local artists and family-friendly atmosphere.


With family roots in the region dating back to just after the first world war, Grace Darling, from Darling Estate, knows that the King Valley is particularly special. 


The valley has an awesome community spirit. Everyone works together to create an amazing weekend… It’s a real celebration of the food, wine and hospitality that the King Valley has to offer.


Darling Estate Wines, are celebrating the family’s 100th year in King Valley. To mark the occasion, there’ll be a few special vintages available to taste alongside the winery’s current releases. Once you’ve tried the range, grab a glass of red and a famous home-made sausage and cosy up by the fire pit. There are activities for the kids too, so everyone can sit back and relax. 


At the valley’s oldest winery, Brown Brothers, take a tour of the family cellar and taste the full range of wines, while the kids can entertain themselves with a giant chess set or on the playground. 


Architecture lovers should pay a visit to Chrismont, where, inside the award-winning building, you’ll find tastings of all Chrismont and La Zona wines, while the restaurant will offer slow-cooked Italian dishes to celebrate the season.


Dal Zotto continues the Italian-influence with pizza, pasta and prosecco all weekend long, alongside live music and kids entertainment, while King River Estate will showcase its range of traditional and alternative varietals with Italian street food providing the ideal accompaniment.


The exceptional combination of Italian fare, a wide range of tastings, live music and fun for the kids is also available at Pizzini, Sam Miranda and Politini wineries. 


At La Cantina indulge in family recipes, including Nonna’s lasagne, before browsing the market stalls to find local produce, handmade goods and coffee. You’ll also want to enjoy tastings of wines made in a traditional Tuscan manner, with no added preservatives, all while you’re serenaded by live music. 


If you prefer an amber brew, King River Brewing is also worth a visit. The full range of craft and seasonal beers will be available to purchase but it’s hard to go past a tasting paddle on the day. 


It’s not all food and wine though – the King Valley Art Show also takes place this weekend, showcasing works from artists near and far.


If you’re worried about the June weather, Grace Darling thinks it won’t be a problem. “The weekend is somehow always blessed with good weather, even though it’s the middle of winter”. 


Your $25 festival ticket includes access to participating wineries, free tastings, festival menus, entertainment, and either a Spiegelau tasting glass (drinkers) or reusable water bottle(non-drinkers) to take home. Kids play free. 


#getbacktohighcountry




THE DETAILS


WHAT: Weekend Fit for a King

WHERE: Participating Wineries and Venues. King Valley (view the full list)

WHEN: 6-7 June

MORE INFORMATION: winesofthekingvalley.com.au

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Tastes of Rutherglen: Wine, food, fun.

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Richard Cornish 
Images by Phoebe Powell


This Labour Day long weekend, head to Rutherglen and explore this beautiful 160-year-old wine region on the Murray River. Winemakers of Rutherglen are urging people to put this fun two-day event in their diary to help businesses that were affected by bushfire and smoke this summer. That said, the fires stayed well away from Rutherglen and recent heavy rains have cleared the smoke and brought a green tinge to the countryside. 


This celebration sees this much-respected and welcoming wine community open up their vineyards and wineries like never before. Eighteen wineries are taking part, offering behind the scenes vintage tours, wine masterclasses, art and wine tours, lakeside picnics, live music, food and wine matching masterclasses, even a morning vineyard yoga session at Scion. “We look forward to welcoming everyone with warm smiles on this special long weekend,” says Sally Brown from Scion. “It’s been a challenging summer for our region and your support will go a long way.”


Tastes of Rutherglen sees the wineries pouring their delicious wines for tasting as usual, so visitors can experience the ethereal Rieslings, powerful Durifs, full-bodied Shiraz and Rutherglen’s globally recognised fortified wines. Added to this, wineries are teaming up with local chefs who have created special dishes from regional produce to match back with the wines. At the castle-like All Saints Estate, you can try a plate of charcoal-grilled sardines with a crisp Riesling. Or you could be enjoying a plate of crisp local pork, cooked by award-winning chef Briony Bradford at Jones Winery & Vineyard with a glass of their Jimmy’s Block. Or perhaps sit by the river, watching the turtles at Pfeiffer Wines with a glass of Tempranillo and a plate of spicy lamb tagine. Meanwhile, at the historic cellars of DeBortoli Rutherglen Estate, they will be serving a rich chicken and pork terrine matched with Fiano, prepared by the chef of their award-winning restaurant Tuileries. All wineries are offering between two and four different food and wine matches. “Rutherglen is becoming recognised for the excellent food we serve alongside our wines,” says Mandy Jones of Jones Winery & Restaurant. “We really take pride in what we grow locally and we are fiercely proud to put that produce on the plate in our restaurants.”   


Running between the wineries all day Saturday and Sunday is a non-stop bus shuttle that also stops in the heart of Rutherglen. Book a room, leave the car and let someone else drive you around. There are also buses servicing the towns of the region from Beechworth to Albury to Wangaratta. 


Each day the wineries are offering rare insights into the culture and traditions, some seven generations old, behind the winemaking process. It could be a tour of Warrabilla Wines as they crush and ferment grapes to make their big bold reds, or an insight into the luscious fortified wines Rutherglen is synonymous with at Chambers Rosewood Winery, or even a sneak preview of the new exclusive range at Cofield Wines.


What you will understand when you come to Rutherglen is that this is not just a wine region; it is a wine community. It’s a place of mostly small family-owned wineries, some of them generations old, where you can still meet the winemakers and learn from them face to face.


That is what Rutherglen is about. On the Friday night before the big weekend drop by Scion just outside the Rutherglen township and kick back with cocktails and handmade wines with young winemaker Rowly Milhinch. (He makes a really delicate Durif in the French style). That same night Anton Thirkildsen from Valhalla Wines will be spinning discs from his vinyl collection and pouring wines from his collection.


While the festivities wrap up on Sunday afternoon, Rutherglen’s cellar doors will be open for business for more tasting and sales on Monday, Labour Day. Rutherglen is also home to some iconic pubs with sprawling verandahs, wine bars such as Thousand Pound, and the sensational pie shop Parker Pies. This is a dining destination with the award-winning restaurant at Jones Winery, The Terrace at All Saints Estate, Taste at Rutherglen a la carte restaurant as well as some exceptional atmospheric dining at the wineries throughout the year. With brilliant accommodation from farmstay to five stars, this long weekend is a great time to fall in love, or re-unite the romance with Rutherglen. 


#getbacktohighcountry




THE DETAILS:


WHAT: Tastes of Rutherglen

WHERE: Rutherglen

WHEN: 7th-8th March

MORE INFO & TICKETS: tastesofrutherglen.com.au

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Dive into art and culture at Upstream Festival

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Penny Cordner 
Images supplied


Four days, two cities, one festival. Immerse yourself in some of the best local and national art and cultural experiences this March at Albury-Wodonga’s ‘Upstream – Festival of Art + Culture’ (March 6-9). 


This family-friendly festival is a celebration of collaboration and connection, with Wodonga Council and AlburyCity coming together to celebrate their shared diversity and creativity. With everything from jazz music and one-of-a-kind dance troupes to art installations and circus performers, these four days promise to surprise and delight at every turn.  


Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie is excited for the wider community to embrace all the festival has to offer.


“The great thing about this festival is that it is for everyone – families, art lovers, visitors, locals. Everyone will find something to enjoy,” says Speedie. 


The festival opens at Noreuil Park foreshore on Friday night (March 6). Catch a set from the energetic Shirazz Jazz Band, be awed by the twists and tumbles of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and keep an eye out for the laser show along the banks of the Murray River. Take part in a giant game of chess, and then head to one of the food trucks or dessert stations to refuel. 


“Kicking off the festival on our beautiful foreshore with music, acrobatic feats, food trucks and an amazing laser show over the river will truly set the scene for the four days,” says Albury City Mayor Cr Kevin Mack.


Kicking off the festival on our beautiful foreshore with music, acrobatic feats, food trucks and an amazing laser show over the river will truly set the scene for the four days.


Another not-to-be-missed event is the family-friendly Messy Arty Party (Saturday 7 March). This action-packed session will tire kids of all ages. Join in the Colour Run – where you’ll be covered in a rainbow of chalk from head to toe as you complete various challenges, or keep cool at Water Works – a mobile water structure. Embrace your inner musician by signing up to make your very own percussion instruments, get creative and take part in Clay Play, or challenge someone at Waterbomb Volleyball. Whichever way you go, there is fun for the whole family. 


In the afternoon, head to the Cube Chill-out Session where you will enjoy a range of local performers including resident company PROJECTion Dance. There will also be complimentary nibbles, giant games and you can grab a drink at the pop-up bar.


In the evening, it’s all about the Upstream Street Party with many performances to choose from. Make sure you catch one of three shows from The Three Belles – a whirlwind of dance perched atop five-metre sway poles in Richardson Park (Saturday 5.15pm, 6.40pm and 8.05pm). 


Art-lovers should immerse themselves in the swirling droplets of Flow States – an installation inspired by the Murray River, which has been made from hundreds of droplets of tissue paper, or enter the Neon Forest and navigate through a kaleidoscope of treetops to uncover hidden objects. 


There’s even an eight-minute puppet experience, ‘Nightmare,’ which is performed inside a horse float to an audience of just eight.


Sunday, March 8 brings a Market of Curious Things, with beautiful handmade trinkets and keepsakes, as well as performances of Mexican and Latin American music and the local Murray Riverina Jazz Orchestra. 


“We have a fantastic arts and cultural industry here on the border and this will be a great opportunity for local and visitors alike to experience it all including our public art trails and galleries,” says Mack. 


The festival name is inspired by the natural landmark of the Murray River (the meeting point of the two cities) and the idea that to ‘go upstream’ is to go against the current, encouraging you to try new and unexpected experiences. 


#getbacktohighcountry




THE DETAILS:


WHAT: Upstream – Festival of Art + Culture

WHERE: Albury/Wodonga

WHEN: 6th – 9th March

MORE INFO: upstream.org.au

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Gippsland gears up for Farm World 2020

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Penny Cordner 
Images supplied


PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED


Gippsland is gearing up for its largest annual agricultural and lifestyle event of the year: Farm World. This four-day show (26-29 March), running at Lardner Park will have everything from DIY passions and agri-tech zones to an animal nursery, cooking demonstrations and live music. 


A haven for the farming community and anyone with a passion for the great outdoors, Farm World provides visitors with the opportunity to chat with experts in the field, learn all there is to know about farm animals, and purchase products directly from the makers and suppliers. 


Joanne Kingwill, Lardner Park – Marketing & Communications Manager says there are regular exhibitors who have attended every Farm World since inception (1963), plus new exhibitors that bring exciting additions to the event.   


Whether you are a farmer, hobbyist, city dweller or just a kid – there are exhibits and activations that will appeal to everyone, including state of the art tractors and farm machinery, plants and garden items, livestock, food and drink, clothing, cars and boats.


Lardner Park, 120 hectares of farmland only minutes from Warragul and Drouin and just over an hour from Melbourne CBD, welcomes more than 50,000 visitors through the gates over four days. Farmers travel from all over the country for the show, plus there are bus groups and day-trippers who make the annual pilgrimage.


Joanne says that this success is due to the fact that Farm World is ever-changing but retains the authenticity of a true field day. 


“Many exhibitors are thinking outside the box and making their stands engaging, innovative and with a huge focus on the entire customer experience,” she says. 


This year, Farmer Darryl will be returning with more than 100 animals for the whole family to meet and greet. Get up-close with sheep, lambs, goats, piglets, ducks, geese, hens and chickens, and listen to Darryl’s tales about Polly the Lorikeet and how she found her sparkle. Kids can join in with bottle feeding the calves, put their hand up to feed and brush some of the more cuddly animals or learn to walk an alpaca. 


Another favourite for many attendees, and Joanne’s personal highlight, is The Telstra Women in AG lunch (Thursday 26 March) – a celebration of women who are making real impacts in their businesses and communities. 


“It’s an afternoon for fabulous networking in a casual and charismatic environment over a delicious lunch and a glass of wine,” she says. 


Attendees will also have the chance to hear first-hand from three inspirational speakers: Frauke Bolten-Boshammer from Kimberley Fine Diamonds, Megan Williams from The Camel Milk Co. and Sophie Stewart from Got You Girl. 


On Saturday and Sunday only, the Events Centre will come alive as Farm World’s Market Place.  Here you can stock up on everything from honey products and vegan breakfast cereals to preserves, wooden chopping boards and native flowers. 


Home cooks or foodies should check out one of the live cooking demonstrations on the main stage and then wander to the exhibit from local Gippsland store, String + Salt – where there will be an enormous display of quality cookware and goods to peruse.  


And when it comes to fuel for the day, there will be more than enough to choose from. Sweet-tooths can enjoy donuts, milkshakes, coffee, meringues, cakes and chocolates, while those looking for something a little more substantial can pick from paella, pizza, dumplings, calamari and more. There will also be craft beers, gin, vodka, rum and wine on offer, to keep you going all day.


Looking for a challenge? Enter Farm World’s Fittest Farmer, which will take place in the Entertainment Arena on Sunday, or simply come along and watch as they battle it out for the title. 


#getbacktogippsland




THE DETAILS


PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED


MORE INFO: http://lardnerpark.com.au/farm-world/

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Go Direct – Grassroots Bushfire Relief Fundraisers

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Ruth Meighan 
Images supplied



I think it’s safe to say that all of us have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the 2020 bushfires that are still burning. The silver lining in all this devastation is the incredible upswell of support from the Australian and international community.


It really does make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to see so many people, from all walks of life, dig deep into their pockets in order to help out those who have lost so much – including such great losses to wildlife.


However, questions have been raised in the media about how much of these funds actually reaches the intended target. It’s a touchy subject and not our role to dig too deep there; instead, we thought we would put together a list of grassroots fundraising activities that aim to support the affected communities directly.


Please email hello@ohomedia.com.au if you know of any others.


High Country Comeback

#notevenanhourout


So much of the prolific tourism trade of January was lost when the evacuation notices were given to the North East of Victoria. Visitors to the region had to cancel their holidays and locals had little to no income. High Country Comeback is an event that brings the food, drinks and fun of the High-Country to your doorstep!


On Sunday, Feb 2nd 2020, you can see all that the North East has to offer, with no need to pack the car and get a dog sitter! Head to The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne – Door entry is a donation to the NE Vic local CFA brigades and wildlife rescue organisations. 


https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/high-country-comeback-tickets-91107518039


Gather Festival

#fourhoursout


Showcasing more than just music, Gather Festival (Feb 08 2020), embraces the “sweet life” of the high country, with a family-friendly vibe. Take your mountain bike and enjoy the trails before putting on your dancing shoes and revelling with some delicious ales! You’ll be supporting local musicians, the hospitality industry and boutique crafters.


Hosted by the fire-affected community of Mt. Beauty, come and soak in the beautiful surroundings whilst grooving along to the likes of Dallas Frasca, Sarah McLeod, Richard Perso and many more. Bring the kids, a picnic rug and support this beautiful little town. All profits will go to local emergency services. 


https://www.gatherfestival.com.au/


Art Aid Gippsland

#threehoursout


For a bit of culture whilst on your #roadtripforgood visit the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale and view the Art Aid Gippsland exhibition (15th Feb – 15th March 2020). Numerous artists have donated works – over 500 in fact! These works will be auctioned at the conclusion of the exhibition. 


Entry is free with the auction taking place at 4pm of March 15th 2020 at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre. All funds raised will go to  Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF), supporting those who lost their homes in the devastating bushfires.


http://www.gippslandartgallery.com/exhibitions/


King River Brewing

#threehoursout


The day before having to evacuate, the brewers at King River Brewing had already added #thankscfa to their barcodes! Now that they are back in the brewhouse and making the most of what’s left of the summer trade, they are allocating 50% of profits from sales of their Summer Ale to the CFA Relief Fund.


Before you head off on your road trip, check out #beerforbushfirerelief to see who else is doing an ongoing fundraiser.


http://kingriverbrewing.com.au/


Hitch to the Sticks – Bushfire Benefit

#threehoursout 


Superjesus Official, Dallas Frasca, Barry Morgan’s World of Organs! Does it get any better? Yes, it does…this family-friendly fest is setting out to raise lots of coin for Victorian Bushfire Appeal and Blaze Aid. 100% of profits from merch and donations on the day plus profits from the event. 


But wait, it keeps getting better – kids under 13 are free! If you’re quick enough you can even book the bus and stay overnight in the Mohyu locale – the gateway to the King Valley. This will be a day of celebration, and you can bask in the knowledge that you will be directly helping communities in need.


https://ahitchtothesticks.com/hitch-series/


Brighter Days

#threeandahalfhoursout 


Since its inception 7 years ago, the Brighter Days Festival has always had community & family support at its heart. A 3-day event combining music, bikes & cars into a family friendly atmosphere.


Initially set up to give support to The Cooper Trewin Memorial (SUDC) Research Fund, DEBRA Foundation and The EB Research Foundation. Every year the foundation looks to give additional funds to those in need and 2020 will see them contributing to the CFA Ovens Valley Group of Brigades – you can support the local bushfire relief effort by purchasing a festival ticket, raffle ticket or merchandise.


https://www.brighterdays.org.au/




Shop 2 Support

#everywhere 


A Facebook-based platform for fire-affected businesses to make their presence known. If you’re planning a holiday check out the numerous posts – you’ll find everything from online products to amazing accommodation deals.


The beauty of this platform is you get to directly support the people who are doing it the hardest, which then feeds back into the local community. 


https://www.facebook.com/groups/S2SBFC/about/


It’s My Shout

#fourhoursout 


At a time when East Gippsland should have been booming with tourists, the bushfires were tearing through the landscape. Leaving local business owners with not only the possible loss of their homes, but also their livelihoods. 


This is where #itsmyshout comes in. This online initiative creates a way to pay it forward to the many affected small businesses. Purchase a virtual item and know that your donation will go directly to the respective business. 


https://www.itsmyshout.com.au/


Spend With Them

#everywhere 


It’s one thing to donate to a worthy cause, but many retail and produce companies are sitting on stock that they haven’t been able to move due to the bushfire emergency that hit Victoria in January. Inspired by #buyfromthebush a support network for drought-affected areas, “Spend With Them” gives fire-affected businesses the opportunity to showcase their wares to a larger audience. 


Highlighting brilliant regional products like, ‘Better than Sex’ brownies from @milchcafebar in Falls Creek Victoria and ‘Memphis Style BBQ sauce @alpinesauceco. These are both perfect examples of the entrepreneurialism required to keep small, family-owned cafes afloat. 


https://www.instagram.com/spendwiththem/


Go Fund Me

#everywhere  


Even though GoFundMe take a percentage of donations, at the very least you are able to read the personal plights of the individual or organisation. Do a search with the keywords, “bushfire” “Victoria” “wildlife” and see how you can make a difference. 


https://au.gofundme.com/