A group of local businesses have come together to create Meet the Makers, an experience with a focus on showcasing local artisans on the Central Coast.
Among the businesses is Broken Bay Pearls in Mooney Mooney, which regularly conducts boat tours from Woy Woy to its farms in Brisbane Water between Woy Woy and Hardys Bay.
The company decided to collaborate with three other makers on the Central Coast to help share and display the local produce in the area.
Executive Manager of Pearls Australia Penny Arrow said the trail had been a collaboration for over a year and had only come to fruition in recent months.
“The basis of the trail is to have an immersive experience in one or all four of the participating businesses, people are invited to meet the makers behind the locally grown products that are handcrafted on the Central Coast,” Arrow said.
“The trail starts at Broken Bay Pearls, then The Chocolate and Nougat Factory in Gosford, Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate, and ends at Little Creek Cheese in Wyong.
“We aim to showcase great produce and their makers to the local community, and each business offers the opportunity to learn more, and sample the produce along the way.”
Arrow said the trail was a continuous venture for the business, where customers had a behind the scenes look at the farm and its history
Founder of Firescreek Botanical Winery Nadia O’Connell said the trail was an important way for people to be involved within the community.
“After getting to know other local producers over the last year we decided to make a mark for the Central Coast to showcase all the amazing artisans who produce here,” O’Connell said.
“People are becoming interested in where their produce comes from, the artisan skills behind the creation of produce and having a more immersive understanding of the day in the life of a primary producer.”
Arrow said they had worked in conjunction with the Central Coast Council to welcome more local makers and creators to join the trail.
“We want to shine a light on the innovative producers from the hinterland to the coast who want to share their story,” she said.
Hayley McMahon