It was on the Central Coast that Ellen Stockwell first came to love food and enjoy the rush of working in the hospitality industry.
Ellen will be one of the stall holders at the Alive Festival now set to take place in Gosford’s Kibble Park on April 30 after being deferred from its original March date due to heavy rains.
“It was my last job (on the Coast), working at a beautiful vegan friendly cafe, that truly cemented my appreciation for how flavourful and fun vegan food could be and that a welcoming team invites welcoming customers,” Stockwell said.
Although she has now relocated to Sydney, she has not lost her passion for all the innovative and home-grown cafés, bakeries and restaurants popping up all over the Coast.
It was the love of all things vegan which led to Stockwell starting her company Ballsy Tea.
“Here was a beverage I loved and I knew had a cult-like following,” she said.
“There were no readily available vegan options for milky teas, and I was missing the hospitality world.
“Ballsy Tea started then and there.
“We make everything from scratch, the tea powders and leaf blends, the boba and the toppings because we want high quality products, made with no added sugars, preservatives or artificial flavours but with all the flavour.”
Stockwell said being at the Alive Festival would be coming full circle.
“My family and friends have been supporting me from the start, trekking it all the way from the Coast to the Sydney Vegan Markets to help serve my specialty tea to thousands of people,” she said.
“Now it’s my turn for the long drive, and I am so excited to be returning to the Central Coast to share Ballsy Tea with my community.”
The plant-based Alive Festival will feature a variety of stalls, live music and speakers, with something for everyone.
Patrons are encouraged to bring picnic rugs, cutlery and containers so they can sample the delicious food offerings on site.
Entry will be free and the festival will kick off at 9am, to conclude at 4pm.
The Alive Plant Based Festival is the Central Coast’s showcase for a sustainable, peaceful and compassionate vegan lifestyle, held every autumn and spring in Kibble Park.
Sustained by locals, the festival aims to create a positive, vibrant and inclusive space.
Stalls will showcase cruelty-free clothing, home wares, eco-products, services, personal care products and treats along with plant-based cuisine including burgers, pastries, wraps, sweet treats and more.
Alive is presented by Vegan NSW, a community-based charity and non-profit organisation.
If you sell vegan and plant-based products and would like to apply for a stall, or are a vegan entertainer who would like to take part, or you would like to volunteer on the day, email alive@vnsw.org.au for details.
Terry Collins