What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Shore Leave highlights need for Mid West to cash in more on its strengths

It looks like Shore Leave was a great success. The event certainly focuses on what makes this part of the world special. There’s been very positive feedback about the Abrolhos Islands feast, along with the Paddock to Plate meal and, especially about the fresh seafood extravaganza at Fisherman’s Wharf. Scheduling Shore Leave at this time of the year is indeed a masterstroke. We all know it is great weather at the moment, and really showing Geraldton and the Mid West in its best light. So, why has it taken so long for something like this to happen? An event that is a proper signature of the region and its people. For example, the South West has been feted for a long time as a jewel in WA’s crown with its tranquil forests and wineries, off-beat towns and nature walks. This region has been marketed by its strengths, something that has provided it with deserved attention around Australia and the world. There is no doubt that Geraldton and the Mid West also have unique qualities that stand out from the crowd, qualities that are well and truly overdue proper recognition. The ocean, the Abrolhos Islands, the farming hinterland and a pretty regional city cuddling a beautiful bay all come together to make this place stand out from the crowd. Even so, I reckon we need to do more. Shore Leave, in my opinion, has highlighted that we should be promoting ourselves on a more regular basis and not just once a year in April. Recently, travelling back from Perth along Indian Ocean Drive, I decided to pull into the fishing village of Cervantes. The main reason was to have a look at the Lobster Shack, something that has gained a pretty good reputation in recent times. Well, I had my expectations, but the Lobster Shack met them and more. Situated along the beach at Cervantes, the Lobster Shack is, I believe, a family-owned processing factory accompanied by alfresco dining. I was picturing something like Kailis Brothers set up on the wharf at Fremantle and I wasn’t disappointed. Surely, something like this should be prevalent at our Fisherman’s Wharf or along the stretch of beaches near the CBD. Now, I know, there will be those of you who’ll tell me there are valid reasons for this and the situation isn’t so cut and dry. But Shore Leave, for me, continues to highlight the fact that Geraldton and the Mid West need to cash in more often on what it has. Peter Fiorenza hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA