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Collaboration Ramps up in 2020 | Made in Gippsland workshop
Made in Gippsland workshop and more!
On top of the ongoing drought, the final weeks of 2019 and the start of the new year have been some of the most challenging days that East Gippsland has ever experienced. The region is now coming to grips with the widespread devastation caused by these bushfires that have to date, burnt over one million hectares. Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by the bushfires and our sincere condolences to those who have lost a family member, colleague or friend.
With some of the fire-grounds active since mid-November, the tireless efforts of the volunteer and career firefighters along with the numerous agencies involved to preserve life and protect property have been incredible. The amazing rapid response to the crisis with support and donations flowing in locally, regionally, nationally and internationally is truly uplifting - the Aussie spirit and the love that people from all walks of life have for this country certainly shines bright in times like these.
The impact on the region's food and fibre sector has not been fully assessed, and may not be for some weeks yet. There is a direct impact with the loss of property, crops, and animals as well as indirect impact through business upheaval due to significant drops in tourist activity, road closures and employee disruption.
The Food & Fibre Gippsland team has been personally checking in with our members who are directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires, as well as other food and fibre producers in East Gippsland. Where appropriate, we've been talking with them to understand what their immediate challenges and needs are, and what we may be able to do to help, both now and in the future.
Food & Fibre Gippsland is continuing to work on our current and pipeline projects that will play an important role in the recovery phases of impacted areas, as well as continue to support a bright and resilient future for Gippsland's broader and vitally important food & fibre sector.
As the region rebuilds, we are deeply committed to collaboratively engaging from the grassroots up to help individuals, businesses and communities get back on their feet - and as we work together with the many other agencies and organisations supporting recovery, we are in it for the long haul.
Moving Ahead with "made in Gippsland"
Think the "Made in Australia" stamp - but a Gippsland version that becomes recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a trust token that assures buyers that the product has been grown or created in Gippsland.
Collaborating with members, industry, stakeholders, educators, researchers, and community, we are working towards a future where Gippsland produce is validated via a provenance brand that consumers know, appreciate and look for.
Join us at Narkoojee Winery for a discussion forum and workshop on Wednesday the 29th of January from 9:45 am to 2:30 pm.
Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided, so it is essential to register. Click here to reserve your seat.
Held every three years, the East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days (EGVID) are on again from May 4 to 8 this year, with planning and planting well underway at Maddies Paddock in Lindenow.
Food & Fibre Gippsland is a supporting partner in the delivery of the event, which is set to attract over 1000 visitors to the region.
EGVID is all about showcasing innovation in vegetable production, extending knowledge and learning, and networking across the industry value chain. There are plenty more opportunities to be an EGVID sponsor, but spots are going quickly - get in touch with the event coordinator to see how your business can support this major event.
The 2020 EGVID event will also incorporate the prestigious Tenth International Spinach Conference, to be held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever. The conference will cover a diverse range of presentations and discussions on market trends, food safety, climate change, technology, research, value chains and much more.
Beyond Donations – Add a bit of Gippsland to your Shopping List.
If there are Gippsland products you can buy either online or pick up via stockists in your neighbourhood or city, choosing some Gippsland produce in your weekly shop is the ongoing help that so many businesses need to get them through a challenging year.
If you're a Gippslander buy local wherever however and whenever you can, the money you spend in your community stays in your community and helps it thrive again. Every little bit counts, so thank you in advance!
And Gippsland businesses are all looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout 2020 to experience firsthand the diverse range of quality produce and products that are grown, manufactured or created in the many towns and villages across the region.
Cellar doors around Gippsland are usually crazy busy at this time of year with plenty of visitors on holidays and lots of locals getting out and about in their own regions. The entire region is hurting from the drop in tourism due to the bushfires, so if you can't visit the cellar door, do the next best thing - stock up on Gippsland wines by ordering online or over the phone!
Our winery members have a wide range of award-winning wines and they'll organise delivery direct to your door.
- Ensay Winery
- L ightfoot & Sons Wines
- Nicholson River Wines
- Tambo Estate Wines
- Glenmaggie Wines
- Blue Gables
- Narkoojee Wines
Don't forget to stock up on Gippsland beers from our craft brewing members as well - either online or via their stockists :
And put it on your to-do list to organize a day trip, a weekend or an even longer holiday that brings you back to the region in 2020 - there's sure to be a warm Gippsland welcome wherever you go!
Hospitality Forum #2 - February 2020
Following on from our successful first hospitality forum in mid 2019, we are bringing everyone together again.
In partnership with TAFE Gippsland, this will be a great opportunity to workshop further ideas for the future as we focus on supporting the food services and hospitality sector to build capacity, drive stronger connectivity to the region's food producers, and address logistics challenges.
With the region's growing reputation in the food tourism market, the workshop content will be designed to complement initiatives from partner organisations like Destination Gippsland and East Gippsland Marketing.
Join us to be part of the collaborative force supporting greater prosperity in the hospitality sector. Participation is free, but registrations are essential! Click here to reserve your seat.
After working closely with our Gippsland Regional Agrifood Employment Programme for many months, Workforce XS has joined Food & Fibre Gippsland as a strategic industry partner member. Workforce XS prides itself on listening carefully to fully understand the people needs of a business. Whether it is temporary staff, on-going labour hire or permanent placement they can help your business by providing the RIGHT people, RIGHT now! WorkforceXS has offices in Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Sale and Warragul. Through this network they are well placed to professionally manage the recruitment, labour hire and staffing needs of local business people.
Willarah Farm is in Mirboo North, Victoria where Will, Sarah and their little daughter Adaline, have a small herd of Speckle Park cattle, many of which were bred by industry leaders, JAD Speckle Park. In time, cattle ready for consumption will be processed locally, ensuring consumers can trace the provenance of their meat. The cattle are renowned for their docile temperaments, maternal capacity and exceptional meat quality, all traits that Will and Sarah value highly. Set along the banks of the Little Morwell River, Willarah Farm is also a beautiful Gippsland wedding venue where wedding ceremonies of all shapes and sizes can be accommodated.
Welcome to both new members-we're delighted you're in the Food & Fibre Gippsland clan and we look forward to collaborating with you in the weeks, months and years ahead!
Help put Gippsland’s Innovation Credentials on the Map!
Food & Fibre Gippsland is supported by the Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) Cluster Programme and therefore part of the national food network.
FIAL (http://www.fial.com.au) is currently compiling the 2020 edition of Celebrating Australian Food and Agribusiness. They want to showcase food businesses and companies who are driving innovation, as well as businesses supporting the food and agribusiness sector by introducing innovative practices.
It could be a seafood supplier that has developed environmentally safe packaging, an Agritech business that is providing drone technology to assist with crop monitoring and management, or a new food product that is opening up new markets with innovative ingredients and presentation.
If your business or someone you know of is doing innovative things in food production, new food or farm products, technical support, packaging or in their supply chains, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email with a few details and we will be in touch.
Food & Beverage processing industries encouraged to speak up!
Major changes are being proposed to the skills standards and qualifications that describe jobs in Australian food and beverage processing industries.
The food and beverage processing project team from Skills Impact will be consulting about these changes during February and March 2020 in a number of face-to-face locations as well as online via two webinars.
To see where and when these consultation events are being held and to register to participate, click here.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
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