Gunnedah 100 Mile Paddock to Plate Long Lunch
Gunnedah 100 Mile Paddock to Plate Long Lunch
Supporting local producers and communities across the north west - connecting consumers to local provenance
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI022-080
The issue
Funding became available early in 2019 through the National Landcare Regional Land Partnerships Program to host a provenance event in the Gunnedah community.
To this end, Landcare and the Gunnedah Show Society collaborated to co-host an inaugural 100 Mile Paddock to Plate Long Lunch to be held at the Gunnedah Showgrounds on Sunday 26 May 2019 for 120 guests.
The event aimed to bring the community together; creating opportunities to engage directly with local producers and businesses, and to raise knowledge and awareness of produce grown and sourced within 100 miles of Gunnedah.
Overarching themes included showcasing provenance; highlighting the ways producers are adapting to changing seasonal and market demands; and demonstrating market and supply chain traceability.
The solution
TRLA engaged several innovative and emerging local producers and regional suppliers from within the 100 mile radius, to supply produce to feature on the menu and to attend the event and share their paddock to plate story with guests on the day.
A volunteer force rallied from across the local co-hosting community organisations to deliver the event, including designing the menu; setting up the venue; preparing, cooking and serving food and drinks; and manning market stalls to promote the local co-host community organisations and to sell produce on behalf of producers on the day.
The impact
The event sold out and was an overwhelming success, with incredible interest and support from producers and the community alike.
Despite the region being in the midst of ongoing drought conditions, those producers who were in a position to supply produce for the menu were incredibly supportive and receptive of the opportunity to showcase regional produce and connect with local consumers.
Key facts
- Gunnedah's inaugural 100 Mile Paddock to Plate Long Lunch was co-hosted by Landcare and the Gunnedah Show Society on May 26, 2019.
- It was an overwhelming success, including a seasonal menu featuring fresh, local produce; and four innovative, local producers sharing their paddock to plate story with guests on the day.