A proactive group of locals are getting geared up to host the first Wimmera focused food festival - the Dimboola Food Festival.
A conversation among a group of locals about the abundance of quality local produce soon developed into an idea for a new festival.
With a diverse group of members, the committee brings together their passion, talents, commitment and "let's give it a go' attitude to host the festival, which will be held from Friday 19 August to Sunday 21 August.
Above - the organising committee of the Dimboola Food Festival are looking forward to the Wimmera's first local food festival. Photo contributed.
With the Wimmera area producing an array of produce from lentils, chickpeas and canola through to wheat, barley and oats, the committee saw the potential for a festival to celebrate our region's local produce.
Locally produced honey, jams and preserves, eggs, olive oil, Pink Lake salt, vegetables, fruits, wine, native foods, yabbies, duck, turkey, beef, lamb and pork will all be on the menu.
Event Coordinator Mary Clarke said that they have been working hard to ensure that the event is a success and that it showcases what a small community like Dimboola can achieve.
"Like many towns, Dimboola has a lot of talented people who are prepared to volunteer their time to get the festival up and running for 2016 and as we all know, volunteers are the heart and soul of many activities in a country town and putting together an event like this is no different,' Mary said.
The Star Theatre in Lloyd Street is being revamped prior to the festival and will act as the main venue for the weekend.
The committee says that while there is still plenty of work to be done on the former Theatre building, there will be progress in the coming weeks.
They are also organising for producers to present their wares and a variety of dining options for Saturday night ranging from native food experiences, to a scrub BBQ and the highly anticipated off-the-grid dining out at the Arura Campsite.
Displays in Dimboola's main street over coming weeks will continue to build a "bit of a buzz' about the festival in the lead up to the weekend.
The main venue at the Star Theatre will also include a retail outlet, "The Pantry', while cooking demonstrations will be held at "The Kitchen' (Girl Guide Hall) on Lloyd St, Dimboola
Organising Committee Chair La Vergne Lehmann said that the committee is focussed on having their festival reflect our environment, our people, culture and heritage.
La Vergne said that "This is a great opportunity for Dimboola to not only develop a great event but also put itself on the map as a food hub. We hope to encourage new ideas and developments when people see what can be achieved here.'
The marquee event of the weekend will be the off-the-grid dining experience on the banks of the Wimmera River just outside of Dimboola. The gourmet dinner will include several courses featuring some "local hero' produce and prepared by Laharum Grove's Deidre Baum. Other events over the weekend will include Nullawokka native food experiences, a scrub BBQ at Wheaton's Store and a riverside camp oven lunch.
Tickets for the Dimboola Food Festival are available from
Horsham & Grampians Visitor Information Centre (03) 5382 1832
Dim-e-Shop, Dimboola (03) 5389 1588
Mensland, Dimboola (03) 5389 1271
or by appointment at Mason Clarke Preserving Co., Dimboola (03) 5389 2070
and online at www.dimboolafoodfestival.com.au
The early bird weekend pass (not available on the weekend) is $40 and includes complimentary registration pack with wine glass, samples etc. A day pass is $20 (Saturday/ Sunday), Concession $12, Children under 15 free entry
An outline of the weekend
Friday 19th 4.30pm
Nullawokka@Nine Creeks Bush Food Experiences
Twilight tracks - See the sunset over the Little Desert with tastings of native canapés and champagne.
Saturday 20th
Off-the-Grid River Dining - 6.30pm, Arura Girl Guide camp, bus out town.
A marquee in a spectacular out-of-town desert location on the river's edge with a special emphasis on sustainability with the property completely "off-the-grid'
Nullawokka@Nine Creeks Bush Food Experiences - 4.30pm
Dinner under the stars - A cultural evening with an outdoor degustation using Australian bush ingredients
Wheaton's Store Scrub BBQ - 6.00pm
Experience an evening on the farm, dining at an open fire, under the stars,
on food produced at the farm.
Sunday 21st
Nullawokka@Nine Creeks Bush Food Experiences - 10.00am
Nine Creeks tracks - A cultural family-friendly walk through the Nine Creeks reserve including morning tea.
More information about the Dimboola Food Festival and the program of activities on the website www.dimboolafoodfestival.com.au
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