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Chair's Report
June 2016
I’m just off to the Networking meeting to celebrate our 100th member “The Balcony and Oyster Bar”. Hope I see lots of you there. Our Networking events team of Phil Coram, Rebecca Zentveld, Bruno Pouget, Martin Brook and Ilias the Greek, plus the indefatiguable Anne Briggs have organized a great set of networking events this year.
We do want to continue to provide opportunities to build your skills or connect you with those who can help you. We’d love to hear your feedback on the areas you need help with so that we can work out how we can provide it to you. Just email Anne at info@northrnriversfood.org.au or myself at pam@brookfarm.com.au
This month Northern Rivers Food has presented a submission to Byron Shire Council on their Draft Rural Land Strategy. We wanted to see a far greater emphasis on the preservation and encouragement of active agricultural use of rural land in Byron Shire and a specific strategy to achieve this. If you’d like a copy of our submission again I’m happy to email that to you.
Happy Networking
Pam Brook
Chair
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Meet our NRF Events Committee
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The NRF Events Committee: Phil Coram (Chair), Rebecca Zentveld, ilias & Martin Brook...and not in picture Bruno Pouget... hard at work planning upcoming events, at The Spotted Pig.
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NRF runs on volunteer assistance with opportunities for our members to get involved in a number of committees. This month we'd like to profile the people who organise our regular NRF get togethers & networking events. We hold these every 4-6 weeks and try to vary the location, the type of event and offer opportunities for people in the local food industry to get together, share some ideas over some great local food! So who are the elusive NRF Events Committee? Introducing: Phil Coram (Chair), Rebecca Zentveld, Martin Brook, ilias, & Bruno Pouget. Take a bow!!
Anne Briggs
NRF Executive Officer
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NRF MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA & NEW MEMBERS
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To join NRF as a full member, food businesses must comply with criteria, namely:
- food business must be primarily located in the Northern Rivers region, AND
- The goods and/or services produced by the business must be primarily created within the region using local produce where available; AND
- The business has a commitment to using local labour for operations within the region.
NRF also offer an Industry Affiliate level of membership (non-voting) which includes professionals servicing the food industry.
NRF Welcomes our new full members & industry affiliates for this month!
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Alive Foods are a husband and wife team producing & selling organic raw sauerkraut & other fermented foods. Based in the new Byron Food Hub, we sell at the local farmers markets & health food stores. We place a strong emphasis on ethical & organic food production and focus on creating superior fermented foods for health & welbeing. More information contact: Anna Surrey & David Mendes T: 0403095004 E: info@byronbayalivefoods.com.
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Crow-ket is a new business venture by local Chef Michael Desmond and his wife Cherie. Crow-Ket create hand made European influenced croquettes and flavoured hash browns using organic potatoes, quality local and artisan produce, served with a selection of home made sauces and with a choice from a selection of salads or cassoulet of the day. More information please contact: T: 0434100812 E:crowketpopup@gmail.com.
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Extraordinary Foods is a healthy, artisan snack producer from Byron Bay. We believe healthy and tasty shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, our products are humble proof. We care about our ingredients, packaging and process. We work with local Australian organic farmers and suppliers, use recycled and recyclable packaging and do almost everything by hand. More info: Olga Plotnikova E: olga@extraordinaryfoods.com.au w: http://extraordinaryfoods.com.au/
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The Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber
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The Northern Rivers, NSW Business Chamber provides a comprehensive range of products and services deisgned to assist member businesses grow and meet a variety of compliance issues in the Northern Rivers region. We also work closely with the Local Chambers to ensure there is one strong voice to represent the Northern Rivers region on a variety of issues. More info contact: Ailesh O'Brien Regional Co-ordinator E: ailesh.obrien@nswbc.com.au.
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Next NRF Networking Event Coming Up....
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The Food Collective - Stronger Together!!
Byron Food Hub Launch
Thursday June 23rd 5.30pm-8.30pm
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Don't miss this special NRF Event to celebrate the launch of the new Byron Food Hub!
Join us Thursday June 23rd from 5.30pm - 8.30pm when the tenants of the Byron Food Hub will be hosting a NRF get together with a difference! Come along for some great food, beer & wine and mingle with like minded local food industry types!
The Byron Food Hub is an exciting, new multi-unit commercial facility for food production, distribution and sales built in the Mullumbimby Industrial Area to service the expansion and development of Byron Shire food products. The hub consists of five units tailor made for cottage food producers who have outgrown their 'backyard' premises.
The Byron Food Hub's creators Richard Kowalski & Sharon McGrath, have developed the hub in response to feedback that there was a shortage in Byron Shire of premises for small-scale commercial food producers.
Tenants have fully-serviced, adaptable, work spaces and commercial kitchen infrastructure to allow customised setups to suit most food production requirements.
Apart from the new premises themselves, the Byron Food Hub businesses have been working together to share resources for collective gain - one of the surprise bonuses of joining forces with other like minded food businesses.
Hear all about their individual and collective stories, taste the food and enjoy our special launch night. More info and register here!
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NRF Member Events Coming Up...
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The Balcony: Parlour Burger Pop Up
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Sean Connolly’s famous burgers hit Byron for a week long pop up in celebration of International Burger Day
Saturday 28th May – Friday 3rd June
Limited Edition Parlor Burger Menu 12pm – 6pm.
Get your daily burger hit for just $12
For more information and to check out what else is happening at Balcony Bar head to www.balcony.com.au call us 02 6680 9666 email info@balcony.com.au
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Harvest, Newrybar: Real Food Cooking School Launched
The Real Food Projects Cooking School is set to launch their second location this week with hands on classes to be held in the 107 year old Bakery at Harvest in Newrybar.
With classes teaching everything from pickles and jam to sausages and making bacon, the school is a celebration of the amazing local and seasonal produce in the area as well as local artisans and chefs.
Run by self-taught cook, sustainable food advocate and author Kate Walsh, the school is collaboration with Harvest in Newrybar. The Harvest chefs will be getting out of the kitchen and in front of students alongside Kate to showcase their passion and skills. On staff Forager Peter Hardwick will also be helping source unusual native ingredients for as many classes as possible.
“The Real Food Cooking School puts the spotlight on simple ways we can change the way we cook, shop and think about food. Giving people the knowledge of where their food comes from and the skills to make amazing and nutritious meals from scratch is one of the best ways we can fix our broken food system,” said Walsh
“I’m so excited to be working with team at Harvest - a restaurant and community that also has the same passion for local, seasonal and ethical produce and a commitment to feeding people delicious food’, said Walsh.
The classes will be held in a 107-year-old bakery, which is still fired up each morning to make bread for the restaurant and local community. The first classes include seasonal pickles, jams, sausages, cocktail essentials from scratch and BBQ Basics.
See the first round of classes here www.realfoodprojects.com/classes.
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Beach Byron Bay Offer an Event Management Service
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Did you know Beach Byron Bay offers an event management service for all styles of functions, including product launches, corporate events, special occasions, birthdays and large group get-togethers? We are committed to delivering unforgettable events in extraordinary locations. Both in our flagship venue Beach Byron Bay and in and around Byron Bay. We love to celebrate and showcase the best of beach dining with a passion for great food, seasonality and a relaxed atmosphere. Discover more at www.beachbyronbay.com.au or call 1300 583 766.
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Francisco Table Pop-Ups in July!
Francisco's Table is a roaming restaurant popping up at different locations around the Byron Shire. The philosophy behind Francisco's cooking is honesty and simplicity, though not without a touch of decadence! His food is inspired, amongst many things, by the amazing local produce that is sourced from a wide community of growers and farmers. Hearty in every sense, Francisco's food will nourish and delight.
At Francisco's Table you will share a table loaded with delectable dishes with your neighbours, friends and fellow food lovers.
Coming up in July:
dinner Coorabell Hall July 2nd &
lunch at Jasper Corner, Federal July 10.
$70pp BYO
For bookings and inquires E: francisco.food@gmail.com or phone 0416057705.
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Taste of Kingscliff & Tweed Coast Coming up...
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Taste of Kingscliff and Tweed Coast defines the coastal and regional character of our area by hosting a series of events over 10 days in various locations along our Tweed Coast and hinterland. The coastal culture of our region is fused with our regional agricultural heritage by using our fresh and locally grown produce in our chef menus and tasting events, showcasing our coastal restaurants and food businesses and sharing our spectacular views and stunning locations. Our tours and walks featured in our program outline the development of our region through industry including agriculture, fishing and education as well as continuing the magic of a traditional Aussie beach holiday in a relaxed, happy and beautiful place.
Taste Food Festival will be held: 8-17 July 2016, with 22 events over 10 days. More info here: tastetweed.com.au
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NORTEC: June Workshops
Get Business Fit for Commonwealth Games!
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Having the Commonwealth Games on our doorstop is like winning the lottery for small businesses!
It is estimated that over 1 million tickets will be sold for the XXI Games to locals, national and international visitors. What can and should you be doing as a business to make the most of this opportunity and cut through the clutter?
NORTEC will be hosting workshops this June run by industry experts dedicated to assisting you get your business fit for this one off event.. More info here
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NRF Member Foodie News...
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THE FARM WELCOMES NEW PARTNER GROWERS!
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The Passion Plot
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Fresh as at The Farm and Lynette & Josh at The Farm
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THE FARM is delighted to introduce three groups of new partner growers working individual plots within the working property’s soil rich 80 acres.
All are youthful, passionate and working in conjunction with The Farm and Three Blue Ducks to promote fresh, local, seasonal produce grown ethically and ecologically. All espouse the ‘paddock to plate’ ethos.
The three teams call themselves “PASSION PLOT, “FRESH AS AT THE FARM and the third -simply “LYNETTE & JOSH AT THE FARM.
Produce and flowers from their plots are used by The Three Blue Ducks’ chefs, by Flowers at The Farm and are available for purchase at the popular in –house produce store.
PASSION PLOT is a collective of four mates clearly passionate about paddock-to-plate, organic, regenerative and ethical ecological farming methods. All except one are locals and share backgrounds in farming, produce retail sales and marketing, property maintenance and hospitality.
FRESH AS AT THE FARM is also a four teamer with a track record in market gardening and running a farm stand in Bangalow. Produce education is its passion.
LYNETTE & JOSH AT THE FARM is a duo and both fifth generation Byronians. Lynette and Josh love getting their hands dirty with their acre of mixed leafy greens, herbs and edible flowers. They are committed to growing their vegetables organically and completely spray-free. They decided to join the team at The Farm for its ‘Grow, Feed, Educate’ ethos and believe the concept will build community.
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TNR: Federal Budget Alert
TNR Business Services and Advisory can provide assistance and planning to manage the impacts of the budget on your personal wealth or business operations. For a budget summary and how local businesses may be impacted please read more here. More information, please contact TNR T: +61 2 6626 3000 W: www.tnr.com.au
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Bun Coffee repackages Organic Rich Drinking Chocolate
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Bun Coffee has recently repackaged its popular 250g Organic Rich Drinking Chocolate, replacing the original box with a stylish pouch that has a number of advantages for both customers and the company.
Bun Coffee’s owner David Kennedy said the main benefit of the new pouch is it doesn’t get damaged as easily and fits more snugly alongside other products, thus reducing the need for protective packaging during shipping.
“Our Organic Rich Drinking Chocolate now arrives at our wholesalers and online customers looking as good as it did when it left the warehouse,” said David.
“The pouch looks great on a shelf display and the change also allowed us to reduce the packaging to one level of packaging rather than the previous bag within a box.”
“A resealable zip lock on the pouch makes the 250g Chocolate more customer friendly, reducing spillage and exposure to moisture.”
“It’s been a great move and with winter finally arriving, we’re looking forward to a peak in sales during the colder months.”
More information: sales@buncoffee.com.au
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Korean tour delivers great results for local macas!
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Millions of Korean consumers are set to learn more about macadamias than ever before with a successful 4-day promotional tour in Australia’s beautiful Byron Bay hinterland demonstrating the many benefits of our own native nut.
On 27 April, Korean celebrity chef and web comic artist Kim Poong sky-dived into Byron Bay with Korean power bloggers Alice and JinHyun Han. Together, they’re sharing their Aussie macadamia experiences with millions of Korean fans via their blogs and social media channels.
Imports of Australian macadamias to South Korea have more than doubled in the past 12 months, with the choice of macadamia products in Korea more abundant than ever.
Highlights from the event included:
- high tea in a macadamia orchard,
- shopping for fresh produce at local retailers,
- poolside cocktail function with Australian macadamia industry marketers showcasing Australian macadamia products
- six course macadamia degustation dinner with growers,
- 4WD orchard tour,
- macadamia oil spa treatments,
- filming of a cooking segment under the shade of beautiful macadamia trees,
- visit to local farmers’ markets,
- visit to Macadamia Castle,
- and a local beer tasting paired with a selection of flavoured macadamias.
Celebrity Kim Poong was a great sport and has been posting to his own Facebook page with 75,000 followers and also on his Instagram account (200,000 followers).
The two bloggers each have over 12,000 visitors a day to their blogs and are posting some great images and stories, here are their blog post links: Jinhyun Han Post 1, Jinhyun Han Post 2, Jinhyun Han Post 3, Elise Blog Post 1, Elise Blog Post 2 and Alice's Facebook page.
Our Australian Macadamias Korean Facebook page now features some great posts including his 'arrival' in Australia by tandem skydive, shopping locally for macadamias, cooking in an orchard, and several quizzes to encourage fan involvement.
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Hampered: Byron’s Original Gift Cases
Northern Rivers – Delightful, Invigorating, Intriguing!
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Hampered want memories of Byron Bay & the Northern Rivers region to linger in our visitor's life a little longer....
That is why we have created our Snazzy, Sophisticated Gift cases ready to stowaway. Brimming with a selection of original goodies that abound throughout this area of Goodness and ideal for our local tourism industry.
Sean & Paul create and personally manufacture each case using the old original machinery from over 75 years ago . . . recycled boxboard , leather seconds for handles bringing a emotive, tactile original gift experience to all. . . Even the most discerning!
We are offering readers of this month’s NRF e- news readers a discounted rate of $50 per small case, $85 per large case. Use Code ‘ NRF ‘ at checkout. (Limited Numbers). More info: www.hamperedcases.com.au
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Love Food: Hate Waste Workshops
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A Free Love Food Hate Waste Cooking Workshop was held recently at Murwillumbah ACE to help busy parents save money and waste less food.
“On average, in NSW, $2.5 Billion of food is thrown away each year, much of which could have been eaten,” said Linda Tohver, Education Coordinator for NE Waste. “That amounts to more than $1,000 per household each year that could be saved by better ways of managing our food shopping, cooking and storage practices.”
Alison Drover, our love food hate waste chef, is a “locavore -frugavore”, sustainable food consultant, stylist/designer, writer, educator, speaker and organic food gardener. She is independently recognised for her work championing food responsibility and as an educator engaging people practically in learning skills that are designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of people and planet.
Alison helps equip participants to reduce their food waste effectively and efficiently. Her focus is on encouraging family to support local, learning to conserve and preserve, utilise more parts of vegetable or meat and be able to improvise and hone their creativity in the kitchen to produce nutritious and delicious meals for their family every day.
The next workshop will be run in Byron Bay June 23rd. The workshops are coordinated by North East Waste and Tweed Shire Council, supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
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Regional Bushfoods Producers “Pop-Up” in Martin Place
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Much to the delight of many workers expecting their usual lunch time fare, a group of Regional Bushfoods producers “popped up” in Martin Place, Sydney on the 19th May 2016. The event supported by Department of Industry and a partnership between bushfood sensations Inc, Blak markets and Markets in May highlighted the diversity and wonderful tastes of our Native foods.
Throughout the four hours, passers-by were enticed by the smells of great food whilst Freds Bushtucker (Wollongong) Mark Olive Catering and A taste of the Bush cooked and displayed our enticing native flavours. Blak Markets displayed Aboriginal arts and crafts and people were able to participate in and view traditional wood working and weaving demonstrations.
Events such as these allow Regional manufactures the ability to “test” their products on a wider audience and create a greater acceptance and awareness of their product. The Bushfoods Industry is at last gaining momentum in the domestic markets and more and more people are stepping up to taste and understand the healthy alternatives provided by our native fare.
Enquiries from some major players in Sydney were taken and it is hoped that from this we will get to see Bushfoods on the menu at home, in restaurants and in supermarkets a lot more. The Event is a part of the NSW Department of Industry’s Bushfood project that is providing a number of workshops and events throughout 2016.
To find out more about the ‘Bushfoods Sensations’ initiative or to get involved contact Roxanne Smith, Business Development Manager in the Department of Industry’s Office of Regional Development on 02 6627 3202.
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