PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE

December 21st, 2009 nola

 

Women’s Only PDC in Far North Queensland with Rosemary Morrow
Acclaimed author of “The Earth Users Guide to Permaculture”

Sunday 14th March– Sunday 28th March 2010
Walkamin
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to take part in a very special two week Women’s Only
Permaculture Design Certificate Course, taught by one of the best, internationally renowned
teachers in the world. Rosemary is the acclaimed author of “The Earth Users Guide to
Permaculture” and a role model for all aspiring female Permaculturists.

This rare Women’s Only event promises to be an opportunity not to be missed.

The course will incorporate intensive theory and practice in all aspects of Permaculture Design.

This course is being held at FreeRange Permaculture’s demonstration site “Rosella Waters”,

a stunning 6 acres situated  right on the banks of the Barron River.
Bookings
The course fee for this two week course is $1,300. This fee includes all meals (omni or veg) and
basic camping facilities over the two week period.

For details  click here   (PDF document takes time to download)

To book your place or for more information contact:-
Kym & Georgie Kruse
FreeRange Permaculture Design & Education for Urban & Rural Development
Rosella Waters
331 Henry Hannam Drive
Walkamin, QLD 4872
Mail: PO Box 225, Walkamin QLD 4872

Web: http://www.freerangepermaculture.com.au/
Email: frp@freerangepermaculture.com.au
Home Phone: +61 (07) 4086 8019
Mobile:  +61 (0)407 243 298 or +61 (0)437 267 323 

Alternatively call Kym on + 61(0) 407 243 298 or Georgie on +61 (0) 437 267 323.

Agri-Food Tourism Project for TNQ

December 21st, 2009 nola

           
TOURISM FUNDING BOOST FOR CAIRNS
9 December 2009 

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced a consortium of North Queensland tourism stakeholders have received a TQUAL Grant of $446,010 for an innovative project to develop the region’s tropical food attractions.

The project - led by Advance Cairns - will help diversify the region’s economy and deliver a regional food brand and a food consumer show, as well as extra marketing and promotion.

Minister Ferguson said: “Two million visitors arrive at Cairns airport every year, so developing North Queensland’s food tourism experience presents great opportunities to disperse visitors across Tropical North Queensland.

“It is expected that around 20 new food tourism operators will emerge as a result of this funding, which will drive economic growth and will be a catalyst for regional development.

“This funding will help the Cairns tourism industry be better positioned in a highly competitive market and give domestic and international travellers more reasons to travel in North Queensland.

“The Government is pleased to be investing in a more professional, innovative and competitive tourism industry.”
Tourism in Australia is a $40 billion industry which directly employs 497,000 people and generates almost 9% of Australia’s exports.

The other recipients of the Government’s $8.3 million TQUAL Grants program will be released in the near future.
Media contact:  Michael Bradley – 0420 371 744

Chef’s Tour of the Tablelands

December 7th, 2009 nola

Local Chefs Discover the Regions Produce

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On Thursday 3rd December 25 chefs from Tropical North Queensland’s best restaurants embarked on a tour of the tablelands.  Visiting 13 sites and 5 producers that included fruit, vegetable and herb growers, meat producers, native food producers, cheese maker, nuts, coffee,  a distillery and an ice-creamery, they were astounded at the quality of products available regionally. 

 The tour was organised by Australian Tropical Foods as part of a Food Industry project, initiated by Advance Cairns and funded through Queensland Government Department of Education, Economic Development and Innovation.  It bought together chefs and farmers face-to-face in an effort to source local food for the regions restaurant menus. 

Just-picked ultra fresh zucchini’s with beautiful flowers were like a magnet for chefs who would prefer their produce comes directly to them from the Tablelands instead of the road trip to Brisbane and back.

The meat producers who care with a passion about their animals and the quality of the meat will surely receive some orders, and for many chefs, they were unaware of the beautiful local cheese on offer.

The day was long and action packed and dropping into Mt Uncle Distillery in the late afternoon for a Mojito (or two) made of their new Platinum Rum just hit the right spot.  That was followed by the final visit of the day at Emerald Creek Ice-Creamery where a feeding frenzy of around 15 great tropical flavours was eagerly consumed.

The day was a great success and set the plans for another tour in the early part of 2010 to include the Cassowary Coast .

For more images go to Chefs Tour of the Tablelands

Food Processors of the Region – Got 10 minutes?

October 20th, 2009 nola

Food Processors input will assist the industry

The Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation has  initiated a capability survey to get a snapshot of Food Manufacturing for the Far North Queensland Region.

They want the information to have knowledge of the size and value of the FNQ Food sector.
This will enable them to look at possible assistance for the Food sector in the areas of business assistance, project funding, investment and promotion.

The survey is a tick and flick and should only take 10 minutes. Can you fill it out and email or fax it back.

All information is confidential and no single company will be singled out as all the information will be collated into one report.

If you are not sure how to answer question please give your best estimate. Please answer all the questions as it could affect outcome of report.

Here is the survey  processed-food-survey1  for Food Processors / Manufacturers only.

If you have any queries, contact either Belinda Down or Elisha Hulme :-

Belinda Down, Senior Regional Development Officer, Cairns Centre
Employment and Industry Development
Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation
Ground Floor, Cnr Grafton & Hartley St, Cairns Queensland 4870
T+61 7 40481119  F+61 7 40481122
E:  belinda.down@dtrdi.qld.gov.au
w: www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au

Elisha Hulme
Graduate Officer - Cairns Centre
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
Ground Floor, Cnr of Grafton and Hartley Streets, Cairns
T: (07) 4039 8095 (ext. 98095)
E: elisha.hulme@dtrdi.qld.gov.au

 

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Forum - Major Projects in the Cairns and surrounding region

October 19th, 2009 nola

 

All manufacturers, construction industry representatives and value-adding service providers are invited to attend a forum to discuss major project supply chain opportunities in the Cairns and surrounding area.

Date:         Friday 30 October 2009
Time:        7:00am (breakfast and registration) for 7:30am start
Finish:      1:00pm
Venue:     Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

for more information and invitation click here

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Taste of the Tablelands

October 18th, 2009 nola

The Taste of the Tablelands held in Atherton on Sunday 18th October was certainly a popular event with crowds enjoying the fabulous foods of the region

 

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Good Food & Wine Show - Queensland

October 17th, 2009 nola

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A Celebration of Good Food, Good Wine & Good Times!Friday 6 November to Sunday 8 November, 2009
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

 
Come and discover thousands of tastes, flavours, products and techniques from hundreds of exhibitors at the 2009 Good Food & Wine Show.

It’s like Australia’s biggest gourmet deli, most fascinating kitchen shops and delicious restaurants - and it’s all waiting for you to discover!

This show is a must for anyone interested in placing your product in front of the consumer.  It’s a show that attracts ‘foodies’ chefs and retailers.

It is also worth just visiting to see the trends and competition in your market.

If you are interested in participating with others to reduce costs, let me know a.s.a.p. at info@australiantropicalfoods.com

For more information: http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Fine Food Queensland - 2010

October 17th, 2009 nola

fine-food-queensland
Sunday 21st March until Tuesday 23st March 2010
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Southbank, Brisbane.

If you work in the retail, foodservice or hospitality industry, then you simply cannot afford to miss Fine Food & Hospitality Queensland. It only takes one visit to discover hundreds of new ideas that could change the way you do business.

What you will see
Hospitality Queensland is the definitive event for the restaurant, hotel & motel industry. It features exhibitors with the latest foodservice & hospitality equipment ideas. Hospitality Queensland runs alongside Fine Food Queensland, creating Queensland’s premier hospitality event.

Fine Food Queensland is the largest food industry event in northern Australia. It is a showcase of the best food and drink ideas from Australia and regional areas. The show runs in conjunction with Hospitality Queensland, featuring the latest kitchen & accommodation equipment.

For more information: http://www.foodqueensland.com.au

 

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What food products are in the region?

October 17th, 2009 nola

Through this website I am constantly asked to source food products and would like to know what we have in the region that could be added to my database. 

ducksRecently I was asked where Soursop could be purchased in both Brisbane and Melbourne as they had heard of its cancer fighting properties.  Chefs ask me for certain products (e.g. organic ducks and duck eggs) and it is great when I am able to link the two.

Do you have an interesting food product, or do you know anyone who does?   Please contact me or ask your neighbour/friend to contact me here .  There maybe business opportunities awaiting.

 

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Cool Food for Hot Times

October 17th, 2009 nola

16 October 2009
A summer food showcase of regional Queensland produce has proven that kangaroo, among other unique food, is leaping on to restaurant plates around the state.

Monday’s showcase at Brisbane’s Restaurant Two tantalised the tastebuds of chefs, food buyers, industry representatives and food media, and exposed some of Queensland’s lesser-known treasures.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) Associate Director-General Rob Setter said outstanding Queensland-grown produce featured at the event.   read on…

 

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