A night of twilight tastings in the garden grounds of Firescreek Winery at the Central Coast Makers Trail Spring Soiree on September 28 was a resounding success.
Guests sampled oysters, award-winning cheese, botanical wines and chocolate among numerous other delicacies.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch MP said $290,400 was provided by the NSW Government through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund to help fund the event.
“The Central Coast Makers Trail aims to increase visitation to food tourism businesses on the Central Coast,” Crouch said.
The Trail currently takes in Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Firescreek Winery, The Chocolate Factory Gosford and Little Creek Cheese Factory.
“The soiree officially launched the trail by celebrating local food artisans and the wares at Firescreek Winery, Holgate,” Crouch said.
Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), Frank Sammut, said The Central Coast has a strong food and beverage manufacturing presence, contributing $1.4B in output to the region.
“(Our vision is) to build a collaborative and resilient food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem, which not only boosts economic and social prosperity in our region but contributes to ensuring more Australians have access to high-quality, nutritious and affordable locally-made food and drink,” Sammut said.
“CCIC has worked on this project for the past five years with Regional Development Australia Central Coast and our stakeholders, and to now see it being one step closer to reality is exciting and a great opportunity for the region.
“This is a key element in the establishment of a food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem in the region.”
The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund is backing projects that bring communities together, support tourism, boost business recovery and increase preparedness for future bushfires, acknowledging recovery is a long process.
Source:
Media release, Oct 28
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch