Gascoyne Food Festival boosts economy with an array of food experiences across the region

An abundance of fresh food and culinary delights were served up across the Gascoyne as part of a two-month food festival celebrating the unique tastes of WA’s food bowl. The sell-out Gascoyne Food Festival ran from August-September and saw more than 700 visitors and locals indulge in a series of culinary delights across the region. The local economy received a well-earned boost as 30 per cent of attendees visited the region to support the pastoralists, farmers and producers who work tirelessly to support the industry. Kick starting the event was the Carnarvon Long Table Lunch on August 3, located within the iconic banana plantation. Guests feasted on the finest Mediterranean flavours, shown off by ‘With Love, Chaos and Rigatoni’ author Jenna Holmes and brother and sister duo Daniela and Atillio Maiorano. Another French-inspired long table lunch, with bistro classics infused with local flavours prepared by Michelin-trained head chef Toby Fisher and pastry chef Maree Fisher, was held at the historic 120-year-old Bullara Station woolshed the following week. Then, bush tucker was shared around a firepit under the stars at Gwoonwardu Mia Centre following a day of foraging for native herbs. Dishes were presented by students with the guidance of chefs Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov and Mark Attard. Guests were wined and dined by chef Omo in the Gascoyne Junction, while meat lovers attended Australia’s biggest barbecue at Mt Augustus Tourist Park. The festival offered a free community event on Saturday, August 17. The community were invited to explore cooking demonstrations by WA chefs, food stalls, local produce, and live entertainment from M8 Mewsic. Gascoyne Food Council chair Chris Higham said bad weather saw reduced numbers at the community event but overall the festival was a great success. “We didn’t get the numbers we wanted but it was a great day and an overall success,” she said. Ending this year’s celebrations was the Exmouth Whalebone, held on Friday, September 6, where attendees dressed in cowboy hats and boots to celebrate the best of local brews, produce and live music.