2008 Regional Flagship Events Program open for entries

Tourism NSW is encouraging events organisers in regional NSW to submit expressions of interest for the 2008 Regional Flagship Events Program. NSW Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown announced that under this program annual one-off grants of $10,000 and funding of $60,000 over three years were available to assist organisers with marketing and promoting their event to a wider audience. Regional events starting between 1 January and 31 December 2008 are eligible for the grants. Events funded under this program in previous years have included the NSW Tourism Award-winning Hunter Valley Steamfest, and the highly successful Parkes Elvis Festival. Information on the Regional Flagship Events Program is available at www.tourism.nsw.gov.au/corporate or from the Regional Flagship Event C oordinator on (02) 9931 1506.

CHEERS FOR CHEESE 

From 21 May to 18 November 2007, Bega Cheese www.begacheese.com.au will donate ten cents from every block of Bega Cheese sold to provide much needed financial support to drought stricken communities around Australia. Bega Cheese, located in the Bega Valley, NSW, is owned and operated by 100 local dairy farmers. It has been a part of the Australian landscape since 1899 and is a company that is passionate about Australian farming. Like Australian farmers across the country, Bega Cheese and its dairy farmers have experienced the devastating hardship that comes with drought. But with hardship comes the amazing ability for rural communities to unite and lend a hand. The funds will be distributed nationally by the Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA) – to families and communities affected by drought. Bega Cheese expects to raise in excess of Au$600,000 and will make an advance donation of Au$100,000 to expedite the assistance to the community.If you know of other companies making a difference to drought-affected communities, please let us know.

Star City to host 2007 NSW Tourism Awards

NSW Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown has announced that Star City’s Grand Harbour Ballroom will be the backdrop for this year’s NSW Tourism Awards on Thursday 15 November. Minister Brown said Star City was considered to be the most competitive venue for service, style, accessibility, entertainment options, accommodation and event costs. Nominations for the 2007 NSW Tourism Awards close on 31 July 2007 and entries close at 5pm, 4 September 2007. The finalists will be revealed in October. For more information about entering the awards, contact Shan Lawson at awards@ticnsw.com.au  

Upcoming Tourism Events

2007 South Coast Tourism Awards
The 2007 South Coast Tourism Awards will be held at the Catalina Country Club in Batemans Bay on Wednesday 27 June. The Awards are the main event for tourism on the South Coast of NSW, recognising excellence in tourism carried out by South Coast tourism businesses and organisations.
More information: www.scpromotions.com.au 

2007 Inland NSW Tourism Awards
The 2007 Inland NSW Tourism Awards will be held in Wentworth in Outback NSW. These awards celebrate tourism businesses in Outback NSW, New England North West, Central NSW and the Riverina.
More information: www.inlandtourismawards.com.au

Do you have an interest in food safety?

If you have a role to play in the future of food and food safety, you may want to register for The Food Safety Conference 2007 to be held in Sydney on 19-21 September. The three-day Future Directions program will bring together some of the foremost specialists in food safety and regulation from Australia and overseas to present, lead discussions and conduct masterclasses on crucial issues for the consumer, regulatory, health and industry sectors. Masterclasses in food safety, allergies, labelling, standardisation or dietary modelling and  speakers from the World Health Organisation, FSANZ, NSW Food Authority, ACCC, Choice and more. View the comprehensive program and register online at www.foodsafetyconference.com.au Early bird registration closes on 30th June 2007.  (Reproduced with permission of Food Standards Australia New Zealand.)

Top Tastes in Tasmania

Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge will play host to Tastings at the Top from June 23-26 - a deliciously indulgent food and wine event set against the backdrop of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. Food consultant Helen Waterworth and Peter Bourne, otherwise known as Sydney's Wine Man, will take guests on this culinary journey. Now in its 13th year the event has become synonymous with Tasmania's reputation as a gastronomic haven. Providores displaying their wares this year include boutique cheese producers Heidi Farm, Elgaar Farm and Tasmanian Highland Cheese, inland salmon farm 41 Degrees South and Springfield Deer Farm. There will also be a host of emerging specialty producers. All food can be washed down with quality wines from Devil's Corner, Pirie Estate and Hardy's Bay of Fires. From degustation dinners and lively cooking demonstrations, to wilderness walks and fly-fishing tutorials, Tastings at the Top encompasses classic Tasmania. www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au

The Art of Hospitality

CHOCOHOLICS' ALERT

The inaugural Chocolate Rush Festival will take place on the weekend of the 4 and 5 August 2007. The City of Bendigo will be consumed by chocolate lovers from all over the state as they converge on Bendigo to learn more about their favourite pastime. More details: www.chocolaterush.com.au

APEC Summit holiday campaign

Tourism NSW has developed a campaign called “The Bonus Long Weekend Getaway” for the APEC Summit public holiday weekend for Sydneysiders from September 7 to 9. A campaign overview and participation forms were sent to Regional Tourism Organisations this week. “The Bonus Long Weekend Getaway” will soon be available on the Tourism NSW consumer website. Operators can get involved by providing offers and prizes for the campaign. Participation is free of charge, however, operators are required to be listed on the Tourism NSW website through the Get Connected program, which is also free of charge. For a copy of the campaign overview and participation forms click here.

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS

If you are interested in bridging the gap between what your business aspires to achieve and what it needs to do to be globally
competitive, these workshops may be helpful. One of the world's foremost business improvement leaders Professor Peter Hines Chairman of SA Partners Pty Ltd, the largest Lean Thinking implementation training group in Europe and other leading business improvement strategists will be speaking at workshops in Melbourne 18 and 19 June, and Sydney 27 and 28 June 2007.
www.intelog.com.au  InteLog is one of Australia's leading supply chain consulting groups working throughou Australia and Asia designing and implementing supply chain and logistics solutions for customers in the food, transport, warehousing, and many other sectors.

An event for your future….. LIVE GREEN.. green city living made easy

Produced by the City of Sydney, this inaugural event will feature organic & local produce market and food stalls, eco lifestyle stalls with everything from make-up, clothes to water tanks and talks and seminars. There will be some great entertainment from Sydney’s best bands, DJs and performers, an organic bar and leading chefs, including Live Green Ambassador, Kylie Kwong, cooking fresh produce. Visitors will also be able to find out about Sustainable Sydney 2030, a plan to take us there. For more information tphelps@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or call Trudy Phelps 9265 9168.
To book stalls contact SHE Events: seamus@shevents.com.au 
When: 10am – 4pm, Saturday 25 August
Where: Victoria Park, Camperdown

ONLY AUSTRALIAN RESORT NOMINATED IN  WORLD  TRAVEL AWARD,

The Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, was recently the only Australian property to be nominated in the World Green Category in the 2007 World Travel Awards at the world’s largest international travel convention, ITB, in Berlin, Germany, hailed by "The Wall Street Journal" as the Travel industry’s "Oscars". The “Leading Eco-lodge of the World” category also includes lodges from Egypt, Nicaragua, Peru and Ecuador. Owners, Terry and Cathy Maloney, recognised as pioneers of Australian ecotourism, have described their nomination as an outstanding accolade from the international travel industry. The Lodge has adopted the same methodologies of the area’s original inhabitants, the Kuku Yulanji Aboriginal people in preserving, enhancing and avoiding detrimental effects on the environment, keeping Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa at the forefront of sustainable eco-tourism development in Australia and overseas.
Voting is through the travel agent industry and winners of the Green 2007 World Travel Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in Turks and Caicos Islands in December. 
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa ph: +61 7 4098 3511 or email terry@daintree-ecolodge.com.au

2007 NSW Tourism Awards workshops

Workshops are underway across NSW with excellent attendance and support so far from the areas of Parkes, Wentworth, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie and the Hunter. There are still many workshops to be held, so don’t miss out. Click here for a full listing of workshop dates and locations. To register, please contact NSW Tourism Awards Coordinator, Shan Lawson at awards@ticnsw.com.au

Flavours News

flavours, that lovely cookery school in the ACT announces its next Wine Maker’s Dinner and Chef’s Table. Be quick: it is on May 18th at 7pm. Lerida Estate on Lake George will co-host a degustation dinner, matching a variety of current release wines with a menu prepared by the flavours Culinary Team, and  the ideal opportunity to taste Lerida’s excellent wines skilfully matched with a fine menu and to chat with the wine maker. Contact Stephen Brooke on 02 6295 7722 or email info@flavours.com.au for reservations.
Can't make that? Flavours five-course Degustation Dinners are about to recommence every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm. Flights of matching wines are available or you can purchase wine by the glass or a bottle from the wine list. Flavours  at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Market, Cnr Dalby & Mildura Streets, Fyshwick, ACT.

READ THIS

Enterprising Food: the directory of food and beverage producers in the Maroochy Hinterland was formally launched by Maroochy Mayor Joe Natoli, Councillor Greg Fahey and Peter Howard in Montville on April 30.The directory lists hundreds of products and provides a means for our local businesses to reach a wider market of consumers. These were well represented at the launch. Producers of cookies, olive oil, wine, beer, fresh vegetables and fruit were all there, alongside chefs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, wholesalers and retailers. www.localharvest.com

LOG ON TO THIS

The Sunshine Coast now has it's own fine food & produce directory.There are over 100 listings of local food and wine producers, browse these pages to discover some of the Sunshine Coast’s bountiful food treasures! www.localharvest.com.au

LIVING LEGENDS

Living Legends of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest winemaking region, are set to be recognised by their peers, as part of an exciting new initiative set up by the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. The first inductees will be announced when the industry gathers at the inaugural Hunter Valley Legends Dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Tuesday 5 June 2007. Four initial “Legends” will be selected from those who have worked for a minimum of 30 years in the Hunter Valley, and made a significant contribution to the welfare of the Hunter Valley wine industry. Other awards on the night will recognise ‘Winemaker of the Year’, ‘Hunter Valley Rising Star of the Year’, ‘Vineyard of the Year’ and ‘Cellar Door of the Year’. The dinner will also conclude the Hunter Harvest Celebrations to be held throughout Hunter Valley Wine Country in May. The Hunter Valley produces approximately 39 million litres of wine annually which is worth more than A$270 million, and in addition attracts over 2.5 million visitors per year, both of which significantly underpin the region’s economy. Tickets: 
02 4991 4533. Further information please contact:Gus Maher 0417 464 556 
gus@winehuntermarketing.com.au 

REAL FOOD ACTIVIST

From www.theorganicsdirectory.com.au comes the information that Sally Fallon, a real food activist, researcher and author will be in Australia soon to present some public talks from May 19th to June 6th. Bookings and details: www.westonapriceaus.org.au or 1300 797 762.

FOOD TALKS AT RIVERINA GROVE 

The Italian influences in Griffith make it the perfect destination to brush up on food appreciation. Discover the art of pasta-making, test home-made sauces and learn all about cheese and wine matching at Riverina Grove on the June long weekend (9-11 June). www.riverinagrove.com.au

BUDERIM BEER

Buderim Ginger’s all-new and long-awaited, premium Ginger Beer with a genuine ginger taste has just been released. It contains no artificial flavours or colours – just refreshing real ginger. Listed as an official icon by the National Trust of Queensland, Buderim Ginger represents an important part of the state’s history winning a lasting place in Queensland’s cultural identity. Buderim Ginger’s latest creation is sure to tempt the tastebuds of the nation.

2007 HM AWARDS    

Nominations for the 2007 HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence are now open and are available online, via a new, dedicated website, www.hmawards.com.au  The Awards are open to staff and properties across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 20th June, 2007. Thirty-eight HM Awards will be awarded in 2007 and recognise excellence over a range of categories, from people and departments to properties and chains.

MURRAY'S CRAFT BEER WINS AT AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL BEER AWARDS   

Murray’s Craft Brewing Co (located at The Pub With No Beer – work THAT one out!) has won Silver medals for both its entrants in this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) with Murray’s Nirvana Pale Ale and Murray’s Sassy Blonde.The AIBA is Australia’s most prestigious beer event and the second largest of its type in the world. A renowned barometer of diversity in beer brewing across the world, the 2007 event attracted 941 beers from a record 189 exhibitors across 39 countries. Both beers are available on tap at The Pub With No Beer in Taylors Arm, north coast NSW, and have recently been bottled for sale in selected retailers, hotels and restaurants in NSW, Newcastle, the NSW North Coast and most recently Melbourne. www.murraysbrewingco.com.au 

DIARY NOTE

The Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Weekend is scheduled for  June 9th - 11th. More news after the launch party will be held on  June 1st at Coolangatta Estate but knowing that the Festival Patron is local treasure and internationally recognised cooking school prinicipal, Elise Pascoe, you can be sure that the wine will be well-matched with sumptuous local food. Details of Cellar door activities and opening hours for participating wineries can be found at www.shoalhavencoast.com.au or phone 1300 662 808 (Shoalhaven Visitors Centre).

UPCOMING SYDNEY FOOD EVENTS

• Sydney Italian Festival:
22 May – 11 June www.sydneyitalianfestival.com.au
• Sydney Writers' Festival (this year is emphasising  food):
28 May – 3 June www.swf.org.au  
• Manly Food and Wine Festival:
2 – 3 June www.manly.nsw.gov.a u/foodandwine
• The Rocks Aroma Coffee Festival:
22 July www.therocks.com.au  

CAMEMBERT IN ORANGE

“MONSIEUR CAMEMBERT”, the triple ARIA award winning Gypsy Rock ensemble will be performing some of their deliciously wicked and critically acclaimed repertoire at Borrodell on the Mount (P 59), the vineyard and cellar door in the Towac valley, near Orange, NSW,  from 7pm on Saturday 12 May. Their European and ethically influenced music will inspire and enliven all those in attendance, with a feast of frivolity, fine wine and food!
 “Borrodell on the Mount”, Lake Canobolas Road, Orange, NSW, $90 includes music and dinner served from the Sisters Rock Restaurant. Bookings essential – 02 6365 3425, www.borrodell.com.au

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The world's smallest 'Pot Distillery' Tamborine Mountain Distillery's (p. 169) in Queensland recently took on the biggest world distillers and and beat them, winning GOLD at the recent World Spirits Competition held Austria!  Jubilant owner, Michael Ward says ‘We’ve won Gold with our Absinthe! Known commercially as Moulin Rooz'.  Distiller, Alla Ward distilled individual botanicals (including the bitter wormwood) to make up the complex and aromatic pastis style bitters to create this high 60% ALC.VOL of liquid gold. This win was added to by more wonderful achievements of another gold medal received for their Australian Herbal Liqueur and a silver medal for the 2 Rooz Vodka Neutral. For more information contact Michael Ward 07 5545 3452 or www.tamborinemountaindistillery.com  or info@tamborinemountaindistillery.com

Walkabout the wineries in Rutherglen

Over the Queenís Birthday long weekend, head to the north-east of Victoria for the annual four-day† Rutherglen Winery Walkabout festival and†spend up to three days among the 20 participating Rutherglen wineries, sampling the unique range of varietals on tasting at each winery.†Besides tasting delicious wine, the festival also features live music and local produce markets tutored wine tastings, great food and a series of unique breakfasts and dinners. Rutherglen is one of Australiaís oldest wine-growing districts, renowned for producing robust red wines that cellar well for many years and crisp, modern-style whites, but is best known for its superb fortified wines, especially muscats. Return for the Winery Walkabout in June, the 10-day Tastes of Rutherglen Gourmet Getaway in March and the Rutherglen Tour de Muscat cycling weekend in November.†For more information on the Rutherglen Winery Walkabout Weekend and accommodation options, phone the Walkabout Event Hotline on 1300 787 929 or visit www.rutherglenvic.com.au

Merlo takes the language of coffee to regional Queensland†

This May,†Merlo Coffee, the iconic Queensland coffee house establshed in 1996, is bringing their popular Coffee Appreciation Sessions to Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton.†Coffee Appreciation Sessions are free, but bookings are essential.

Townsville
Monday 14 May, 6.30pm
CÈst Si Bon, 48 Gregory St, North Ward, Townsville
Ph: 07 4772 5828

Mackay
Thursday 17 May, 7.30am
Coral Cay Resort, 16-18 Nebo Road, Mackay
Ph: 07 4957 7677

Rockhampton
Friday 18 May, 5.30pm
The Coffee House, 51 Williams St, Rockhamptom
Ph: 07 4927 5722

Merlo Coffee was established by Brisbane boy Dean Merlo and heralded†the beginning of the coffee revolution in Queensland. Merlo is now one of the countryís leading espresso coffee companies with two coffee factories and five Italian espresso bars inspired Bar Merlo stores throughout Brisbane.
More information: www.merlo.com.au. (Advise:Kath Rose. kath@kathrose.com)

Sample Mornington Peninsula’s finest drops

The Mornington Peninsula, a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, has more vineyards per kilometre than anywhere else in Australia – 174 vineyards at last count. Sample its specialities – pinot noir and chardonnay – or perhaps the local pinot gris, which is also winning acclaim – at the annual Winter Wine Weekend, from 9 – 12 June. Every year, the Mornington Peninsula Cellar Doors make visitors especially welcome over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Christened Winter Wine Weekend, cellar doors across the Peninsula will be abuzz with their freshly bottled 2006 vintage pinots and chardonnays alongside other very individual varieties, blends and styles. Over 200 wines from 50 wineries will be on show at the opening event in Red Hill – the Winter Wine Festival - on Saturday 9 June. Taste wines and listen and learn  of the region's key winemakers at free seminars during the day, and over the weekend also enjoy a gourmet frankfurt, steaming paella, or emu snag. For more information about any events as part of this great occasion, phone the Mornington Peninsula Tourism Office on (03) 5989 2377. Full program or brochure available at www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
 For further details on Winter Wine Weekend call 03 5989 2377 or visit www.mpva.com.au

OTHER UPCOMING FOOD & WINE SHOWS

The Good Food & Wine Show
Melbourne Exhibition Centre
1-3 June 2007
www.goodfoodshow.com.au

The Good Food & Wine Show
Sydney Convention
& Exhibition Centre
15-17 June 2007
www.goodfoodshow.com.au

WA Wine & Food Festival
Perth Exhibition
Convention Centre
6-8 July 2007
www.wineandfood.com.au

Security Expo
Sydney Convention
& Exhibition Centre
10-12 July 2007
www.securityexpo.com.au

Retail Expo
Melbourne Exhibition Centre
14-16 August 2007
www.retailexpo.com.au

Fine Food & Hotel Australia
Sydney Convention
& Exhibition Centre
24-27 September 2007
www.finefood.com.au

Wine & Spirits Australia
Wharf 8, Darling Harbour
24-26 September 2007
www.wineandspirits.com.au

The Good Food & Wine Show
Brisbane Convention Centre
9-11 November 2007
www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Fine Food & Hospitality
Queensland
Brisbane Convention Centre
9-11 March 2008
www.foodqueensland.com.au

Restaurant Awards

Top NSW restaurants will be recognised at a gala dinner to be held during the Fine Food exhibition in Sydney.

The dinner and awards evening will be staged by Restaurant & Catering NSW at 7pm on Monday 24 September at Star City. For information and bookings contact the association www.rcnsw.asn.au.

Organic events coming up:

29 May - 1 June - 2007 Australian Vegetable Industry Conference. Despite the challenges, including rising imports, restrictions on fertilisers, severe water shortages, and the continuing effects of drought, the vegetable industry has much to celebrate. The theme of this year's conference to be held at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, is 'vegetables claim centre plate' and will provide an opportunity to showcase the work of growers, researchers, supply-chain partners and other industry stakeholders in securing the value and viability of our produce through innovation. The BFA will participate as an exhibitor at the event in conjunction with Organic Crop Protectants. For more information visit www.vegieconf.com.au. 

Mulloon Creek consists of 5700 acres of ACO certified 'A' Grade biodynamic farmland east of Bungendore, NSW. Managed by owner Tony Coote, the property has been successful in receiving an Australian Government National Landcare Program grant in order to establish the property as a demonstration site for testing the principles of Natural Sequence Farming.

Natural Sequence Farming (NSF) is a technique developed by Peter Andrews for rural landscape management with the aim of restoring natural water cycles allowing the land to become renewed and be productive despite drought conditions. The results of NSF have led to intense interest from scientists, producers, and now, government. 

Already the once eroded creek at Mulloon Creek has been rapidly transformed into a series of 'leaky weirs', side channels and restored vegetation across 3.5 km in the aim to reconnect the stream with the floodplain. The results are impressive. Mr Coote hopes the site will demonstrate that the natural connection that once existed can be rebuilt by allowing hydration to occur the way nature intended. More information on NSF is available at www.nsfarming.com. A program on NSF will be shown on Catalyst, the ABC’s premier Science program on Thursday 17th May 2007 at 8pm EST and repeated on 22nd May 2007 at 1pm EST. Transcripts of the program will be available after the program at www.catalyst@your.abc.net.au.

(These Snippets from the Organic Advantage newsletter. Click here to subscribe

+++++++++++++++++++

Keep this Date alive!

Live Green presented by Smeaton Hackett Events in conjunction with the City of Sydney will be held from 10am to 4pm, 25 August 2007, Victoria Park, Camperdown, NSW, and will feature organic & local produce stalls, an organic bar and demonstration kitchen featuring renowned chef and author Kylie Kwong, a City of Sydney Precinct – presenting the city’s services and plans for a greener future, practical workshops and seminars and entertainment. For more information

To book stalls: seamus@shevents.com.au 

Considering organics?

Certified organics is growing at around 25 percent per annum in Australia, following trends in the US, UK, Europe and Asia, making it one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors. The opportunity exists for new entrants into the industry as increased demand for organic products, including through retail in major supermarket chains, sees the need for increased production and greater development of the supply chain.

The Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) is currently holding organic roadshows in regions Australia-wide in an effort to facilitate the sector’s ever-continuing growth. In Melbourne a one-day roadshow event will consist of talks and forums offering the latest information available to industry as well as first-hand knowledge from successful organic business owners and others. Included in the agenda for the day is information on Victorian government resources including results of trials in composting, lamb and pasture production and the recent launch of the Victorian Organic Food Products Directory 2007.

The day will cover organic horticulture, meat and wool production, the organic wholesale market, retail, marketing, regulation and more. There will be ample opportunity to network with key people in industry, ask questions of successful growers and marketers and learn about products available on display. The day will end with an industry forum followed by an informal dinner open to all interested. Thanks to sponsors of the event, the roadshow is free to attend other than a small charge for catering, organic of course! Sponsors include: Melba Fresh, Organic Crop Protectants, Ladybird Organics and Katek Fertilizers Australia. This event is supported as part of International Composting Awareness Week (www.compostweek.com.au ).
More information: BIOLOGICAL FARMERS OF AUSTRALIA www.bfa.com.au

WHERE: Melrose Melbourne Reception, Cnr Melrose & Carrick Drive, Tullamarine, Melbourne
WHEN: 8:30am to 4:00pm, Friday 11th May 2007
RSVP: Ph. 07 3350 5716, fax. 07 3350 5996, email: info@bfa.com.au by 7th May 2007

TASTINGS AT THE TOP

Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge will play host to Tastings at the Top  - Tasmania’s tastiest and deliciously indulgent food and wine event – from June 23 to 26 this year. Food consultant Helen Waterworth and Peter Bourne, otherwise known as Sydney’s Wine Man, will take guests on a mouth-watering culinary journey.
Producers displaying their wares this year include boutique cheese makers Heidi Farm, Elgaar Farm and Tasmanian Highland Cheese, inland salmon farm 41 Degrees South and Springfield Deer Farm, in addition to a host of emerging specialty producers. Top quality wines includeTamar Ridge, Devil’s Corner, Pirie Estate and Hardy’s Bay of Fires. For bookings contact Voyages Hotels and Resorts on:1300 134 044
Cradle Mountain Lodge: +61(0)3 6492 1303
Email: travel@voyages.com.au 
Web: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au  

Tourism Risk Management Guide available

The APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism has developed a free Tourism Risk Management Guide that supports businesses and destinations to learn about mitigating and responding to the impact of crises. The Guide includes materials for training programs and information on developing a risk management strategy. It is available in CD-ROM and PDF formats. For more information, please contact ian@aicst.org

Queensland’s whispered secrets

Imagine seafood fresh from the trawler, tropical fruits plucked straight from the tree, wine lovingly and expertly created by passionate wine makers - that's a Queensland food experience. Tourism Queensland’s new Food and Wine website will show you where to find the explosion of food and wine, surprising in its depth and consistency, that is now a typical Queensland experience. It's about quality, sustainable and organic produce combined with some of the most exciting chefs around, all drawn to a lifestyle that is the envy of many. Discover hidden secrets, cooking schools, wineries, markets and regional treats at www.queenslandholidays.com.au/food

What’s on In Queensland?

A Celebration of Australian Food and Wine - Noosa Style
18 - 20 May: The ultimate in food and wine with produce sourced nationwide and Australia's leading chefs, growers, producers, wine makers, restaurateurs and food and wine enthusiasts in attendance. This festival is not only about eating and drinking, with hordes of talented jazz and blues musicians roaming Noosa’s boardwalks and stopping in at restaurants and cafes. More information: +61 7 5455 4229, www.celebrationofaustralianfoodandwine.com.au

Reef and Rainforest Carnivale
18-27 May: 30 events in 11 days covering sport to the arts, but if you’re a food lover, this is heaven!! Events include a Taste of Port, Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. Culinary fanatics can indulge their senses with the ‘Gourmet Idols’ cook off. Chef’s from the regions’ premier restaurants join with local celebrities in a four night competition to slice, dice and sauté their way to the gala dinner. The Marlin Marina hosts both the Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. More information: www.port-douglas-carnivale.com.au

Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island
8 to 11 June: Some of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs and winemakers will share their secrets at the annual Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. The weekend event will be hosted by food experts Curtis Stone (Surfing the Menu) and celebrity chef pals, Tobie Puttock of Restaurant Fifteen and Naked Chef, Jimmy Shu from the internationally recognised Hanuman restaurants and Frank Camorroa, from Melbourne’s Mo Vida. www.hamiltonisland.com.au or 13REEF (137333).
Media contact: Susan Boyd 0412 365 122

Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival
9 - 10 June: Relax and unwind, enjoy the sea air and feast on succulent seafood and wine at the Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival 2007 at the Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland / Raby Bay on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. Food, cooking, celebrity chefs, music and all kinds of activities including mud crab tying, oyster shucking and mud crab racing. Watch the experts as they vie for the title of best mud crab wrangler and oyster shucker, then cheer on your favourite in the mud crab races! More information: www.moretonbayseafoodfestival.com.au Media contact: Janine Crawford +61 7 3286 5411

2007 NSW Tourism Awards workshops

The 2007 NSW Tourism Awards have opened and this year sees many exciting changes to the entry process. The Tourism Industry Council NSW will be conducting a series of free workshops around the State to assist entrants with submissions and answer any questions they may have. For a schedule of workshops see www.receive.com.au. For more information or to register your place at a workshop, contact Shan Lawson at awards@ticnsw.com.au

2007 Australian Export Awards open

The 2007 Australian Export Awards recognise Australian businesses for excellence and achievement in exporting - rewarding and profiling the 'best of the best' businesses around the nation. The state winners of each designated national category progress to become a finalist in the Australian Export Awards. For more information on applying for the Export Awards program, please go to www.exportawards.gov.au. Tourism businesses are encouraged to enter in the "Sports, Events and Tourism" category.

PETTAVEL COOKING CLASSES 2007

Geelong's highly acclaimed Pettavel Winery & Restaurant has launched their 2007 cooking class program this week and classes are already booking fast. Executive Chef Matt Dempsey and Sous Chef Graham Jeffries, of Pettavel will conduct another series of classes  this year due to an overwhelming response to classes last year where over 400 food enthusiasts participated, traveling as far afield as Warrnambool, Shepparton and The Mornington Peninsula.  In 2007, classes will run from May to September.  The class program can be downloaded from www.pettavel.com or via post or email by sending requests to events@pettavel.com