Thanks to IN Noosa Magazine for including our Gympie GourMAY program in its autumn edition! Grab a copy in Noosa or read online at www.innoosamagazine.com.au and listen to the Conversations in Noosa podcast with local producers, chefs and more on www.innoosamagazine.com.au.
For the most current Eat Local Month event information please visit the Gympie Gold Regional Produce website gympieregionalproduce.com.au
Camels @ Camelot p8
Paella in the Paddock p12 Farmer’s Table p12
See Gympie region Food Ambassador Matt Golinksi and produce from our region at the Noosa Food & Wine Festival www.noosafoodandwine.com.au
Gympie Town Centre Growers Market p7 The Thirty Club: Local Showcase Dinner p8
Mary Valley Rattler: Picnic Train p9
Gympie Town Centre Growers Market p7
The Thirty Club: Local Showcase Dinner p8
Mary Valley Rattler: Picnic Train p9
Gourmet & Grooves p19
Valley Farm Tour p17 5 Chefs Long Table Dinner p17 Café & Camels @ Camelot p8
Paella in the Paddock p12 Farmer’s Table p12
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival p18
Welcome to the region!
Eat Local Month – GourMAY is a celebration of the Gympie region’s food industry and local produce.
Celebrating its fifth year, Eat Local Month, which runs across the month of May, provides an opportunity to experience an assortment of food events and activities, from the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival to a series of farm trails throughout the region.
It is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to support our local farmers, producers and food businesses in the Gympie region, and there is something for everyone.
Eat Local Month’s signature event ‘5 Chefs Long Table Dinner’ is an evening headlined by Gympie region’s Food Ambassador Matt Golinski, who will lead a team of local chefs to present a five course degustation experience featuring the best of regional produce.
Eat Local Month – GourMAY is a partnership between Gympie Regional Council, local producers, restaurants, community groups and businesses. I hope you enjoy everything the Gympie region has to offer.
Mick Curran
Whether you’re a home cook, backyard barbecuer or professional chef, I invite you to join me in exploring the incredible array of produce and food related events that the Gympie region offers as part of Eat Local Month.
As the Gympie region’s official Food Ambassador I’ve had the privilege of discovering some of the best seafood, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, dairy, fruit, vegetables, nuts, oils and associated products you will ever taste, right here in the Gympie region.
Driving through the pristine countryside, the car laden with fresh produce, en-route to a local event or perhaps to enjoy a few nights’ R&R in one of the region’s many accommodation houses is the definition of happiness. Then there are the cafes and restaurants to explore.
Come and join me for Eat Local Month and the many other food and tourism related events held throughout the year. Don’t forget to tell them that Matt sent you!
Eat well! Matt
Saturday 25 May
Acclaimed chef and Gympie region
Food Ambassador Matt Golinski will lead a team of local chefs to present a five course degustation experience featuring the best of regional produce. Make a night of it and stay the weekend in Goomeri to honour all things pumpkin with a dinner, festival and glamping package. Meet the producers, hear from chef Matt Golinski and celebrate in GourMAY $110 per person.
Cr Mick Curran BM
Gympie Region Food Ambassador Matt Golinski
Ask for the Signature Dish!
Restaurants and cafes in the Gympie region will be displaying the Gympie Gold Regional Produce symbol on their menu during GourMAY to celebrate dishes created from locally grown produce.
This is your chance to support local farmers, producers and food businesses in the Gympie region.
Gympie Gold Regional
Produce is an initiative of Gympie Regional Council and aims to showcase and promote the diverse range of quality produce grown in the region as well as support and develop a dynamic agriculture and food manufacturing industry.
Region
Ready, Set, GourMAY!
Wednesday 1 May
Get ready for Eat Local Month with the Ready, Set, GourMAY! event in the heart of Mary Street. Join Gympie Region Food Ambassador Matt Golinski as he shows you how to use local produce available at the market to make delicious meals. Demonstration times are 9:30am and 11.00am. With local musicians, locally grown food and products, it’s a great community event.
Cost: FREE
Time: 7.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Centre Stage, Mary Street, Gympie
Information: Gympie Regional Council on 1300 307 800 or council@gympie.qld.gov.au
Gympie Town Centre Growers Market
Every Wednesday
Enjoy a relaxed shopping experience at a true grower’s market right in the heart of Gympie. This boutique farmers market features produce grown and produced in the Gympie region.
Explore the Town Centre while you are here.
Cost: FREE
Time: Every Wednesday, 7.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Centre Stage, Mary Street, Gympie
Information: www.gympieregionalproduce.com.au
The Thirty Club: Local Showcase Dinner
Thursday 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 May
The Thirty Club is limited to thirty people who are treated to a seven course degustation style menu designed by Charlie’s Hotel chef James Barnden.
The focus is local, with local and in season produce featured in every course. The menu will vary slightly from week to week depending on seasonal availability, and local producers are on hand to share the experience.
Cost: $60 per person
When: Every Thursday throughout GourMAY
Where: Charlie’s Hotel, Nash Street, Gympie
Information: Booking essential. Phone Charlie’s Hotel on 07 5482 1119 to book your place
Mary Valley Rattler: Picnic Train
Every Thursday
Enjoy a three hour journey through the stunning Mary Valley on the vintage RM76 Railmotor affectionately known as the ‘Red Rocket’.
Pack your own picnic or purchase a gourmet picnic pack prepared by our Chef to be enjoyed at the Historic Amamoor Station. The gourmet picnic available at time of booking for $25 per person includes a Rhodavale ham, Kenilworth Dairies red leicester and salad roll, a 600ml bottle of water, Azahara Brut Piccolo, the muffin of the day with butter, marinated olives, a taste of Kenilworth Dairies Tuscany Romano Green Cheese and rosemary oat biscuits.
Cost: $55 Adults, $45 Concession, $30 Child (4-12 years), children under 4 travel free with an adult
Information: Book online www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/buy-tickets/ or phone 07 5482 2750
For group bookings, please contact our Functions Coordinator at functions@maryvalleyrattler.com.au
Café & Camels @ Camelot
Every Sunday
Camelot Dairies is an award winning camel dairy located in the surrounding hills of Gympie and has the happiest camels!
Come and relax at the café and enjoy a Camelot Dairies blended coffee and a delicious selection of freshly baked cakes. Along with camel rides and lots of good vibe camel cuddles, there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Camelot Camel Dairies, 36 Waugh Road, Scrubby Creek
Information: www.camelotcameldairies.com.au or phone 0407 631 682. Eftpos available
Mary Valley Country Degustation
Saturday 4 May
Mary Valley Country themed Degustation Dinner - seven delectable courses perfectly paired with seven tantalising wines. The event highlights Casella wines and features farm-to-table Mary Valley Country produce. Our feature chefs will be presenting a variety of sensational and contrasting flavours on the night and the evening is complete with live music. Bookings essential. Price is inclusive of wines.
Cost: $70 per person
Time: 6.30pm
Where: Kandanga Country Club, 4 Bowling Club Road, Kandanga
Information: Phone 54843253 or email manager@ kandangacc.ocm.au
Berry Farmstay
Saturday 4 May and Saturday 11 May
Cooloola Berries is offering exclusive farm accommodation for families who love nature and luxury camping without the hassle. Packages for one night stays are available for up to five guests. Enjoy a night under the stars, sample the first of the strawberry season for 2019, then get together the following morning for a cooked breakfast and farm tour at Cooloola Berries farm gate café (note Cooloola Farm Trail operates on 4 and 5 May).
Cost: $595 (based on one night stay for two adults and two children, includes local picnic basket on arrival, breakfast and farm tour)
Where: Cooloola Berries, 856 Tagigan Road, Wolvi
Information: Bookings essential. Phone 5486 7512 or visit hello@cooloolaberries.com.au or facebook at www.cooloolaberries.com.au
Cooloola Farm Trail
Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May
Welcome to the Cooloola Farm Trail, part of the Gympie and Noosa regions. Pick your ideal farm gate destination, meet producers and learn more about their product direct from the farm.
Cost: FREE
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Where: Broadmeadows Farm – 491a Wahpunga Lane, Kin Kin Phone 0404 470 490 or enquiries@broadmeadosfarm.com.au
Noosa Black Coffee – Kin Kin. noosablack.com or 5485 4638
Lindols Macadamias – 1565 Tin Can Bay Road, Goomborian www.lindols.com.au
Biofields Organics – 1476 Tin Can Bay Road, Goomborian
Rossmount Nursery and Rural Retreat – 26 Burns Road, Ross Creek Phone 0423 775 401
Information: No bookings required. Please wear closed in shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and respect the family farm you visit.
Paella in the Paddock
Every Sunday
On Sunday afternoons, Jason gets out his big paella pans and cooks up a feast while live music plays in the background. Local and seasonal paella features Spanish spicy chorizo sausage from Southern Cross Smallgoods, served with salad and bread.
Cost: $15 per person
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm, full cafe menu available all day Farm gate open 8.00am – 5.00pm daily
Where: Cooloola Berries, 856 Tagigan Road, Wolvi
Information: Bookings recommended. Phone 5486 7512 or visit hello@cooloolaberries.com.au or facebook www.cooloolaberries.com.au
Farmer’s Table
Every Sunday
Take a seat at our long table and learn about Jason’s passion for farming at our Farmer’s Table breakfast and farm tour at Cooloola Berries. This very special event includes cooked breakfast, continental buffet, espresso coffee and farm tour.
Cost: Breakfast is $35 for adults, $15 children
Time: 9.00am start – tour 10.00am to 11.00am
Where: Cooloola Berries, 856 Tagigan Road, Wolvi
Information: Bookings essential. Phone 5486 7512 or visit hello@cooloolaberries.com.au or facebook www.cooloolaberries.com.au
Big Rosella Festival
Sunday 5 May
Come along to this annual one of a kind festival and celebrate all things Rosella! Showcasing Rosella (Hibiscus) fruits grown at Petersen’s Farm in Woolooga, 45km NW of Gympie. You’ll see more than 5,000 Rosella plants ready for picking. There will be farm walks/tours, cooking demonstrations with chefs Glen Barratt, James Barnden, and Dan & Steph Mulheron using fresh ‘straight from the farm’ produce. CC’s Kitchen’s Fine Food Products and Petersen’s Farm produce are available for sale.
Cost: $5 per person, children under 12 free
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Where: Petersen’s Farm, 2 Reilly Road, Woolooga
Information: Bring a hat, sunscreen and walking shoes and a healthy appetite to enjoy delicious local produce. Smoking and dog free event.
CC & Greg Petersen; phone 0411 624 648 or email cc@ccskitchen.com.au or visit www.ccskitchen.com.au
Twinkle Twinkle little star… Join Amamoor Lodge as they take the tables outside and have dinner ‘Under the Stars’. A four course meal featuring the best regional seasonal produce. With the smell of the camp fire burning in the background, join us at communal tables of 8-10. Have a fun evening with old or new friends.
Information: Bookings essential. Phone 5484 3500 or email stay@amamoorlodge.com.au
Our Farm Your Food Tour and Showcase
Lunch at Bunya Grove
Saturday 11 May
Enjoy peace, tranquility and spectacular views over the persimmon orchard while enjoying an amazing lunch and farm tour in this very special collaboration between Bunya Grove Produce, Black Ant Gourmet and Wonderworld Organics. Executive Chef Jodie Williams and the team from Black Ant Gourmet will showcase some of the Mary Valley’s finest producers. A highlight of this special lunch includes Bunya Grove Produce’s ethically raised pastured free-range chicken, pork, beef, eggs, duck eggs and sweet non-astringent persimmons. Each dish will be perfectly partnered with the Wonderworld's Organics vegetables and greens. A taste sensation. Produce you eat on the day will be available to purchase. Bring an esky to stock up on all your favourites direct from the farmers. Eftpos available.
Cost: $149pp includes morning tea, farm tour, showcase buffet lunch, beverages and booking fee
Time: 11.00am morning tea
11.30am Our Farm Your Food tour starts with Mick and Kylie
12.30pm lunch star ts, showcasing Bunya Grove Produce’s Finest
3.30pm lunch ends and the cold room stocked with local produce 4.00pm day concludes
Where: Bunya Grove, 255 Amamoor Creek Road, Amamoor
Information: Bookings essential. This event is not suitable for children 12 and under. Must wear closed in shoes for the farm tour and bring a hat and sunscreen! Please notify us of any dietary requirements prior to the event. Bring an esky to buy from the cold room.
For enquiries call Kylie on 0400 778 160. Book via eventbrite.com.au
Piggy in the Middle Farm Open Day
Sunday 12 May
Are you looking for a unique experience this Mother’s Day? Come and join Piggy in the Middle for a farm tour followed by a special Mother’s Day lunch. Gain firsthand knowledge of our sustainable and ethical farming practices, see where your food comes from and how it is raised as well as enjoying delicious farm fresh produce. To mark the occasion, we would love to capture your memories and take your family portrait. Cost includes lunch and your family photo, emailed to you as a digital copy.
Cost: Adults $25, children 5-16 years of age $10, family of four $60, CSA Club Piggy members FREE ENTRY
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Where: 94 Batts Road, Kilkivan Information: Book online at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ piggy-in-the-middle-farm-tour-tickets info@piggyinthemiddle.com.au
Also on Facebook and Instagram
Noosa Country Drive
Thursday 16 May
Join an authentic Noosa Country Drive experience! Your day will begin from Noosa Heads, where an air conditioned bus will take you through the scenic Noosa Hinterland to Waterford Park where you will be greeted by Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan. Your lunch will be a feast created by local Chef Dan Penfold using local produce, served with matched Mr Riggs wines in the conservatory overlooking the lake.
Cost: $180 per person
Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm
Where: Waterford Park, Kin Kin via Noosa
Information: Bookings essential at 0473 902 261 or www.sunshinecoastfoodie.com.au
Gympie District Show
Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 May
The Gympie District Show is an annual event celebrating the agricultural industry and products from our region as well as the talent of our people as they compete in a range of competitions. View showjumping, honey demonstrations, big tractors and baby animals, all over three days in the heart of Gympie.
Cost: Visit www.gympieshow.com.au for details. Family and three day passes are available
Information: Visit www.gympieshow.com.au. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, wear comfortable shoes and bring your sense of adventure!
GourMAY Tapas
Saturday 18 May
Join Kandanga Kitchen for GourMAY Tapas crafted from local seasonal ingredients.
Cost: $35 per person
Time: From 4.00pm
Where: Kandanga Kitchen, Main Street, Kandanga
Information: Bookings essential at hello@kandangakitchen.com.au or phone 0490 496 706
Mary Valley Farm Tour
Saturday 25 May
Come on a journey through the Mary Valley and visit a range of farms specialising in organic beef, free range pork, grassfed eggs, avocadoes, honey, and more. For the full list of the participating Mary Valley Farms and to book your farm tours visit www.gympieregionalproduce.com.au. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, wear comfortable shoes and your sense of adventure!
Cost: FREE
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Information: Phone Kandanga Farm Store on 0428 776 348. For the full list of the participating Mary Valley Farms and to book your farm tours visit www.gympieregionalproduce.com.au
5 Chefs Long Table Dinner
Saturday 25 May
Gympie Regional Council presents the Signature Event of Eat Local Month with acclaimed chef and Gympie Region Food Ambassador Matt Golinski. Matt will lead a team of local chefs to present a five course degustation experience featuring the best of regional produce. Make a night of it and stay the weekend in Goomeri to honour all things pumpkin with a dinner, festival and glamping package. Meet the producers, hear from chef Matt Golinski and celebrate in GourMAY style!
Cost: $110 per person
Time: 5.00pm – 11.00pm
Where: Goomeri Hall of Memory, 17 Boonara Street, Goomeri
Information: Book online at eventbrite.com.au
Includes a drink on arrival, five course meal and entertainment. Licensed event Phone 1300 307 800 or email economicdevelopment@gympie.qld.gov.au
GOOMERI
FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 26 MAY
An event filled day of entertainment, fun and frivolity will again be offered at the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival. Join the thousands of people who flock to the town of Goomeri for a great day of pumpkin fun. In 2019, look forward to some great entertainment including the legendary Great Australian Pumpkin Roll™. There is also the Great Australian Pumpkin Roll Lucky Spot of $1000, entertaining Outback and Heritage Street Parade, Pumpkin Power Shot Put, Pumpkin Pull and other pumpkin competitions. Enjoy the roving entertainment and hilarious pumpkin competitions with great prizes to be won.
A variety of pumpkin foods will be available. Free shows and entertainment all day. Cooking demonstrations in the park and music on the main stage.
Free entry | 6am to 6pm | Moore and Boonara Streets, Goomeri
Visit www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au | Bring a hat and sunscreen
Car parking available | Wheelchair friendly with accessible parking and facilities
Featuring Chef and Gympie region Food Ambassador Matt Golinksi
Eat Local Month is a whole month dedicated to celebrating the local produce, producers and food of the Gympie region. From farm tours to long table dinners, GourMAY is a great opportunity to explore, taste and discover the Gympie region.
Visit gympieregionalproduce.com.au or phone 1300 307 800 for more information about events and activities during Eat Local Month
