Celebrating Local Talent and Produce at the Riverina Harvest Festival
Murrumbidgee Landcare teamed up with a group of local not-for-profits to bring the Riverina Harvest Festival to life, a two-day celebration showcasing the region’s rich agricultural and artistic diversity
Capacity building - LEP23_036_LLC2_5
The issue
Despite being the food bowl of NSW, Riverina producers often struggle with local visibility and connecting with the community around our rich, high-quality local produce. A number of local not-for-profit community gardens, growers, and like-minded businesses were approached with the idea of an event that would showcase local food producers, nurseries, and community gardens alongside the talents of local performers. A community group was formed, but during the planning phase, they realised there were gaps and obstacles they were unsure how to overcome, particularly around planning, insurance, and event facilitation.
They reached out to Murrumbidgee Landcare, and we recognised the importance of this event for the community. With our skills and resources, we decided to take the festival under our banner and guide the group. Given our work with both community groups and producers, we saw this as a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap and bring the event to life for the benefit of the entire region.
The solution
Murrumbidgee Landcare provided logistical and administrative support, securing insurance and facilitating the planning process. The two-day festival featured local food producers, food vendors, nurseries, and community gardens, alongside artistic performances. From the very start, local First Nations people were involved in every aspect of the event, ensuring their input was reflected in all elements. From business owners, speakers, artists, to food stalls, the festival was a true representation of the region’s cultural and agricultural diversity. Educational workshops and conference talks focused on sustainable farming, gardening, and native food systems were also offered. This collaborative approach ensured the event was not only a showcase of the region's talent but a space for learning and community-building.
The impact
The two-day festival strengthened connections between local producers, not-for-profits, community gardens, like-minded individuals and businesses, local artists, and the broader community. It highlighted the amazing resources available in the region, now more accessible as people became aware of their existence and where to find them. The festival showcased the richness of Riverina’s agricultural and creative heritage, providing a platform for small producers and artisans to boost their visibility. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees calling for the festival to become an annual event, recognising its importance in fostering community engagement and supporting local talent. Head to our website for more information The Riverina Harvest Festival 2025 - Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc
Key facts
- 90 people attended the conference
- An estimated 1500 people enjoyed the festival day
- We showcased 40 local vendors, 11 local performers, 13 speakers and 12 workshops.
- The event is set to become an annual celebration.