|
|
|
|
Chair's Report
October 2016
Hope you’ve all heard the News - Byron Shire and Hinterland declared the best Food Producing region in Australia at the Delicious Magazine Food Awards. To me the hinterland is the Northern Rivers - our fabulous beef, pork, rice, cheese, milk, cane, bush-foods, fresh local produce, beer & beverages, cafes, restaurants, caterers, chefs, our value adding industry etc. etc. .
There are very few areas in Australia where the food industry collaborates like we do - so a huge congratulations everybody, we are an exciting innovative, sustainable industry that is creating not just jobs and careers for our region, but superb food that is recognized as the best in Australia.
Hope to see you all at the “Ready Steady Sell” on Wednesday it will be a great afternoon for anyone who sells or buys a product.
Pam Brook
Chair
|
|
|
My Mayor Rules...what a hoot!
|
|
|
Thanks to all who participated in our NRF My Mayor Rules Cook-off at Sample Food Festival in Bangalow earlier this month - either up on stage, by contributing product to our "mystery box" of ingredients, as a volunteer or as crowd support....it was a great afternoon, thanks to you with lots of fun. Team Lismore and Team Kyogle won their respective events, but the real winners were of course, our local producers! A big thank you to our sponsors of this event for making it happen: Brookfarm, Bangalow Sweet Pork & The Kitchen Shelf.
Speaking of winning, it's been an exciting month for our regional food industry - with so many NRF members picking up awards all over the place. Congratulations to all the NRF producers, food service providers, food manufacturers who have collectively won an award at this year's Delicious Australia Produce awards....Byron Bay & Hinterland taking out "Outstanding Region" ! Other winners in these awards included: Salumi Australia who picked up a gold medal in the "From the Sea" category for Bottarga and winner of the Unearthed Next Gen Chef - Josh Lewis from Fleet, Bunswick Heads.
Earlier this month we saw another big win with Husk Distillers picking up an award for their Ink Gin for Best Spirits Innovation at the Australian Drinks Awards. Last, but not least...a huge congratulations to all the Northern Rivers Business Awards 2016 winners including: Hemp Foods Australia, Husk Distillers, Stone & Wood and The Farm. Well done!
Anne Briggs
NRF Executive Officer
|
|
|
NRF Welcomes New Members:
|
|
|
Teven Valley Farm is a small manufacturer of Ice Cream and Meatballs featuring ingredients that are sourced either on farm or from other Northern NSW growers/manufacturers. Teven Valley Farm offers direct sale to the public via local markets as well as a wholesale to small retailers, caterers, cafés and restaurants. As a small manufacturer Teven Valley Farm makes product “to order” and is happy to work with wholesale partners for specific product offerings or projects. More information contact: Mark Parry E: markp@tevenvalleyfarm.com.au.
|
|
|
Byron bay confectionery uses the finest ingredients, produciung the highest quality fudge , brittles and toffee. We love to keep our customers happy with fresh products and efficient service. More information contact: Rodney Sudmalis E: rodney@byronbayconfectionery.com.
|
|
|
The NRF Events Committee Presents
Ready, Steady, Sell...
|
|
|
Are you looking for help to get your product to market and onto the shelves? Do you currently sell via the markets, but would like to expand into retail? Then this event was created just for you! We have a great line up of NRF member speakers who will be sharing their own experiences in getting their product to market & on the shelves. Our speakers will include:
- Lisa Kelly, (Store Manager, Spar Lismore) - How to get your product in our store
- Eddie Brook (Business Development Manager, Brookfarm) - the 30 second sales pitch! Selling your product to the buyers...
- Ray Karam, Nourish Bulk Health Organics - tips for producers wanting to get products on shelves
- Steve Blick (Stone & Wood) - getting product onto shelves - the S&W experience!.
Come along and hear first hand from people doing it well....ask your questions and chat with like minded people in our dynamic local food industry.
Date: Wednesday September 28th from 4 - 7pm
Venue: The Point, Ballina
Cost: $45 NRF Members $65 non-members
More info and tickets here
|
|
|
The NRF Grower Group presents:
“Show me the money”...alternative sources for innovative agri-food projects
|
|
|
November 3rd, 4 - 7pm
100 Mile Table, Banksia Drive, Byron Industrial Estate
This event is aimed at local Northern Rivers food producers / growers & everyone in the local food industry who has wondered about funding special development projects.
Do you know what crowdfunding is all about, if it's right for you and how to go about it? What are the alternatives around to help develop new projects?
With a great line up of local expertise, this event at the always delicious 100 Mile Table, will be a popular one, so book soon!
Our speakers will include:
- Stu Anderson, Flow Hive – talking about their recent experiences with crowdfunding their Flow Hive invention
- Mark Napper, The Business Bloke – on “how to get there…” and
- Jeremy Gilder, on seeking Innovation Funding for projects
|
|
|
Save the Date: NRF Events Coming Up...
|
|
|
8th December NRF AGM & Xmas Party -Watch this space...details coming soon!
NRF Harvest Food Festival 5-7 May 2017
|
|
|
Other Events Coming Up...
|
|
|
The Balcony: We would love you to join us for Melbourne Cup at Balcony Bar!
|
|
This year we have something for every pony. With multiple screens, sweepstakes and best dressed prizes you'd be silly not to get involved. Just $49 for a sit down lunch with sparkling on arrival, or for those feeling a little more fancy, you'll be treated to French Champagne, oysters and 4 courses for $69.
If sit down isn't your thing, cocktail parties are available for groups of 30+ guests. The race will be screened from multiple locations within the venue and with best dressed prizes, sweepstakes and a whole lot more it’s going to be a hoot!
Email info@balcony.com.au for enquiries and booking details.
|
|
|
|
Beach Byron Bay: Sunset Dinners
|
|
|
The return of Spring can only mean one thing - our dinners are back.
Escape to the beach and dine with us every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm and discover why our sunset dinners are a unique experience.
Catch up over a cocktail, dine on fresh local seafood or simply stroll off the beach for fish and chips in the park.
We can't wait to see you back at sundown.
To book call 1300 583 766 or email enquiries@beachbyronbay.com.au.
www.beachbyronbay.com.au
|
|
|
Blue Kitchen Gourmet The South side Shindigs...
|
|
|
Blue Kitchen Gourmet Foods have started a music gig twice a month - the South Side Shindig. They are a lovely way to unwind and spend a little time with friends, watching some great local talent in the northern Rivers region. Our gigs will run on the second and fourth sundays, sometimes a saturday if scheduling is possible for the band. Obviously our lovely menu items are available as well as a few shindig specials. Details of all our upcoming events are listed on our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/BlueKitchenGourmetFoods
|
|
|
Immerse yourself in Taste the Tweed, a celebration of local food and food culture brought to you by Tweed Foodie Fest.
On Friday 30 September, the main street of Murwillumbah will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace of food stalls, showcasing the fresh produce and gastronomic diversity of the Tweed. Then on Saturday 22 October, the Hastings Point headland will come alive with the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of a food lover’s paradise.
The very best local restaurants will be in attendance, serving up delicious tasting plates for $6 and $12, allowing you to experience the tastes and talents of the Tweed in a progressive dinner style.
Seating is $15 per person and must be booked in advance. We recommend you also pre-purchase some $6 coupons to use as currency on the night.
Cash is not accepted at any of the stalls, so purchase your coupons online before you come, or bring cash (only) on the night to purchase from our coupon stands.
Please note that no EFTPOS or credit card facilities will be available for coupon purchases on the night.
This event is delivered by Tweed Foodie Fest, in conjunction with Destination Tweed, under the Taste the Tweed banner which aims to promote the diverse array of quality food and beverage experiences on offer in the Tweed.
Cost: Tables $15 per person, Tasting plates $6 and $12.
Location: Hastings Point Headland, Yugari Drive, Hastings Point NSW
Book online at http://www.tweedfoodiefest.com.au/
For more details contact Kerry Turner of Tweed Foodie Fest on 0401 871 096. |
|
|
NORTEC Events Coming Up…
NORTEC Small Business Solutions are holding workshops for small business owners wanting to get savvy with social media marketing for their business. Being held in Ballina (11 Oct) and Kirra (12 Oct), more details can be found here http://www.nortecsmallbiz.org/social-media---11--12-october-2016.html
Want to be part of a Club that does great things for our community?
NORTEC Staffing Solutions have recently launched their Club Employ 2020 program, aiming to increase employment growth in our region. It’s free to join and you can earn rewards for your business and your community! For more information visit www.nortec.org.au
|
|
|
Holos School of Regenerative Design: Get Started in Permaculture
|
|
Get started in Permaculture and learn how to design and implement food production, water harvesting and energy producing systems.October 7-9th, 2016.
This introductory course will get you started in Permaculture design. You will learn about Permaculture’s ethics and key designing concepts. This course will upskill you to start designing and implementing food production system (for urban spaces, home blocks and farms), water harvesting and alternative energy systems. More information: http://www.holosdesign.com.au/
|
|
|
Winners are Grinners!! Northern Rivers Producers Pick up Awards!
|
|
|
Throughout September, we’ve seen and heard of lots of NRF members winning food & alcohol awards. Here are a few outstanding achievements:
|
|
|
Delicious Australia Produce Award Winners 2016
|
|
|
The Delicious Australia Produce Awards Gold medalists and trophy winners were announced earlier this month, with some outstanding local winners including....Byron Bay & Hinterland for Outstanding Region, Salumi Australia - gold medallist in "From the Sea" category for Bottarga and winner of the Unearthed Next Gen Chef - Josh Lewis from Fleet, Brunswick Heads. The Byron Farmer's Markets were also named state winners. Congratulations all!!
|
|
|
Husk Distillers Ink Gin wins Best Innovation in Spirits
|
|
Husk Distillers Ink Gin has been awarded Best Innovation in the spirits category at the Australian Drinks Awards, the country’s most prestigious drinks industry competition. In a highly competitive category, Ink Gin was competing against some of the biggest global brands. No non-global brand has ever won the prestigious award, and Ink Gin is the first spirit from a craft distillery to win the title, proving how far the Australian craft spirit industry has come in recent years.
For more information, call Harriet on T: 0406 063 040 or email: harriet@huskdistillers.com
|
|
|
NSW Business Chamber: Northern Rivers Business Awards
2016 Winners
|
|
|
Congratulations to our 2016 regional winners, who will proceed as finalists representing the Northern Rivers region to the NSW Business Chamber State Awards. Some of the food based businesses included:
|
|
|
Employer of Choice: Stone & Wood Brewing Co - Murwillumbah
Excellence in Innovation: Husk Distillers - Tumbulgum
Excellence in Sustainability: Stone & Wood Brewing Co - Murwillumbah
Excellence in Business Ethics: The Farm Byron Bay - Byron Bay
Excellence in Export: Hemp Foods Australia - Bangalow
Regional Business of the Year: Stone & Wood Brewing Co - Murwillumbah
More information: http://www.businessannualawards.com.au/Regions/Northern-Rivers/2016-Winners
|
|
|
Stone & Wood Launch The Slow Road
S&W have just launched the first chapter of our mini series The Slow Road, where we picked up Jarrad Dixon (owner of Clunes General Store/Jilly Wines) from Clunes in our beer truck Clyde, before heading back to the brewery to brew a Saison with him.
|
|
|
|
The Slow Road – Chapter 1. Jilly Wines Watch
|
|
Red Dragon Organics has launched it's new labels, just in time for summer! The delicious, high quality, health drinks are now available with a new look. Have you tasted The Dragon lately?
|
|
Brookfarm: Bush Pepper Spice Macadamia Dukkah
easy recipe to share with friends
full recipe here
|
|
|
|
Byron Bay Echo Announce: There’s a venue for every function
|
|
Venues support food-related businesses such as caterers and producers by attracting business to the area. Venues in the Byron area and neighbouring shires, will be found more easily in a new Echo publication called Byron Venue, coming out in October.
A reference guide for both businesses and individuals, Byron Venue will be available in hard copy and as a digital download. It will distributed to corporate event planners in key businesses on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, to private event planners and to people who are looking for a venue for their next event.
If you would like to receive a free copy, or enquire about advertising in the publication, email byronvenue@echo.net.au.
|
|
|
Freshzest Herbs: New Spring Cookbook Available for Download Now
|
|
With eight great new recipes inside, the new Spring Cookbook by Freshzest Herbs is perfect inspiration for spring entertaining! Download for free here: http://www.freshzest.com.au
|
|
|
Hemp Foods Expanding Into Asian Markets
|
|
Over the last month Hemp Foods Australia has been busy attending trade events in both Korea and Hong Kong. The local company has recently expanded into the Asian market with their Australian made and Australian organic hemp products now being exported to both Korea and Japan. Hemp Foods Australia has exciting plan's to expand into multiple international markets, including Taiwan, where hemp foods have recently been legalised . To date the company's export strategy has been a success, as such the company has been nominated as a finalist in the 2016 Northern Rivers Business Awards for excellence in export. More information contact: Hemp Foods Sales, Braden Vernon E: braden@hempfoods.com.au
|
|
|
Bun Coffee: What makes drinking Rainforest Alliance Coffee so good?
|
|
The founder of Rainforest Alliance Daniel Katz started this revolution some 30 years ago, you can taste and feel the goodness in the coffee you are enjoying. By choosing and drinking this coffee you are supporting farmers who are educated, paid correctly and who are using sustainable farming practices to farm their crops, producing some of the world’s most amazing tasting coffee.
So help us at Bun Coffee to make a difference and look out for our top shelf favourite “green packed” Rainforest alliance blend along with the range of single origins. More information, contact Jenny Kennedy at: jenny@buncoffee.com.au.
|
|
Since the very early days of 100 Mile Table we've wanted to put together an amazing take home dinner option for the people of the Byron Shire. At last - we're there.
We are going to be sending out an email every Wednesday with the menu for the next week. You just reply and place your order before 3pm Friday and we will take care of the rest. We are working on a delivery option but at this stage it's just pick up from us here at the shop between 1pm - 3pm. Most meals are suitable for any number of people unless otherwise noted. We will supply very simple reheating instructions with no real cooking required.
If you would like to join our take home meal database please click here and let us know!
Cheers
Sarah & Jeremy, 100MT
|
|
|
Stacks Law Firm, Ballina: INXS building on the Northern Rivers?
|
|
Our client Chris Murphy has been involved in the free range food industry for decades and is involved in a number of local food businesses. Chris is also the long-time manager of INXS and he and the band have a range of exciting new projects underway.
I have been working hard to convince Chris that this region is the place to build the planned INXS exhibition centre and also as part of a larger modern business park.
I see food, music, art, fashion, and supporting businesses all in one area, housed in world class integrated facilities alongside the INXS building which will undoubtedly become a leading Australian & international tourist attraction.
I am looking for your support and ideas to help convince INXS to bring this world class attraction here. Would your business be interested in a home in this “Arts and Agriculture” hub?
Contact Nathan Luke, Director, Stacks Law Firm, Ballina/Byron Bay. e nluke@stacklaw.com.au p 6681 6699
|
|
|
Future Feeders: Do you have land that could be more productive?
|
|
|
Would you like to connect with a local young farmer to develop an agricultural enterprise? Future Feeders is frequently contacted with offers of land and farming opportunities within the Northern Rivers for the development of small farm enterprises. In order to be able to connect land holders to young farmers, this simple platform offers a prototype for bringing young farmers together with farmland. More information here: http://www.futurefeeders.org/farmlinks.html
|
|
Byron Council: Food book showcases the region
The Byron Region Food Book, a showcase of the region’s strength in the food sector, is nearing completion. The book provides a capability guide for buyer groups such as caterers, chefs, food services and major events suppliers to the amazing array of quality food in the Byron region.
There are still opportunities for local food businesses to be involved in the project. Participation in the Food Book is free. For more information contact Jane Laverty at jane.laverty@byron.nsw.gov.au who is working with businesses to complete their profile page.
The book is being produced by the Byron Shire Council’s Byron Region Food Advantage Project. More information: Jane Laverty at Byron Shire Council on T 02 6626 7222.
|
|
|
FIAQ Events Coming Up: Managing Trade Waste In The Food Industry – Breakfast
|
|
|
Date/Time: 07/10/2016 6:45 am - 9:00 am
Location: The Colmslie Hotel, Brisbane
Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) and Food Industry Association of Queensland (FIAQ) are proud to present a practical discussion on trade waste management in food manufacturing. Our experts will explain:
• how trade waste management systems work
• sampling and monitoring through to trade waste treatment
• the process to assess trade waste applications
• the importance of getting critical aspects right such as discharge factors and identifying the correct sampling points for monitoring.
Click Here for a detailed brochure
Join us for breakfast to discuss this and more
FIAQ Members Free for 2 representatives ($20 per person for more than 2)
Non FIAQ Members $20 per person
|
|
|
CSIRO: AgCatalyst
Creating opportunities for agriculture and food, 5 - 6 Dec 2016
Australian Technology Park, Sydney, NSW
We're bringing together more than 400 representatives from business, peak industry bodies, producer groups, research funders and providers, and policy-makers to explore opportunities to shape the future.
Examine the latest in digital technologies, data science and next generation genomics, delve into biologicals, materials science and new bioproducts, discuss the latest developments in food science, precision agriculture and robotics. More information: https://events.csiro.au/Events/2016/July/14/AgCatalyst
|
|
|
Lismore Council: Calling all Rural Advisors and Consultants
Rural advisors and consultants are invited to a free workshop at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre that will look at the environmental and financial benefits of using compost in production. The workshop is on Wednesday 5th October from 8.30am - 2.30pm. Attendance is free and refreshments are provided, but registration is essential. Phone Jeff Kraak T: 0407 663 535.
|
|
|
Mil-Tek Waste Solutions: government rebates program to help businesses recycle better
|
|
Mil-Tek Waste Solutions advise there is a great opportunity for local businesses to get a helping hand from the NSW EPA with their BinTrim program for up to 50% financial rebate to obtain similar equipment if it improves recycling. The NSW EPA program is called BinTrim, see link below for more details: http://www.miltek.com.au/bintrim
If you produce materials that currently go to landfill, and employ less than 200 people then you may be eligible. Mil-tek can help you out by coaching through the process and do all the paperwork to make the process a low burden, high value rebate program. Note: NSW EPA BinTrim Rebates Program wraps up with final applications needed to be submitted by March 2017.
If you require more information, please contact: Christian McLean, General Manager, Mil-tek Waste Solutions M: 0432 735 233 PH: 02 4350 8500 E-Mail: christian.mclean@miltek.com.au.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
