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From the catwalk to the cheese platter and the event’s floral theme, the highly anticipated Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria gala dinner on Thursday 9 June in Melbourne will showcase the depth and strength of Victoria’s $12 billion agricultural industry.
The night’s hosts, The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), are urging the Victorian agricultural sector to come together at the dinner to celebrate its achievements and in particular show support for the State’s dairy farmers in light of recent events.
VFF President Peter Tuohey said: “It’s understandable that our dairy farmers, in fact the entire agricultural industry, are in shock at recent events and what this means for the future. As in times of drought and other industry crises, let’s band together, support our friends and celebrate our great industry. The cheese platter alone is worth coming for with four locally produced award-winning cheeses on offer.”
Echoing this sentiment, RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said with many of the menu’s producers being winners of the RASV’s Australian Food Awards (AFA), Australia’s leading fine food awards program, guests are in for a night of culinary delight.
“The Australian Food Awards (formally the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA)) are designed to inspire excellence in agricultural and what better way to celebrate than at the Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria gala dinner. The AFA’s national brand seal of excellence is highly sought after and offers significant and ongoing value to participants, so we’re thrilled to be able to recognise them further at this gala industry event.”
Victorian producers such as Barry Charlton, owner and master cheesemaker at RMFFA medal winning Berrys Creek Cheese at Fish Creek, are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase their produce alongside Boosey Creek Cheese, Boosey (RMFFA medal winner), Lactalis Jindi at Gippsland (RMFFA medal winner winner) and Montefiore Cheese Australia at Thomastown (RMFFA medal winner).
“We are very happy and proud to be able to support an event like Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria,” said Mr Charlton. “It’s exciting to be part of something of this scale and to see Victorian agriculture represented in such a great way.”
Other Victorian producers featuring on the menu (see below for full menu) include:
- Myti Blue, Geelong – Mussels
- Luv a Duck, Port Melbourne – Duck
- Ashburton Meats, Ashburton – Beef and lamb (RMFFA medal winner)
- Hazledenes, Bendigo – Chicken
- Bright Chocolate, Bright – Chocolate (RMFFA medal winner)
- Australian Garlic Producers, Mildura – Garlic (RMFFA medal winner)
- Maluka Estate, Deans Marsh – Olive oil (RMFFA medal winner)
- King Valley Walnuts, Myrrhee, King Valley – Walnuts (RMFFA medal winner)
- Murray River Salt, Mildura – Salt (RMFFA medal winner)
- St David Dairy, Fitzroy – Butter (RMFFA medal winner)
- Lemnos Foods, Dandenong South – Feta cheese
- Zeally Bay Sourdough, Torquay – Bread (RMFFA medal winner)
- Mount Buffalo Olives, Porepunkah – Quince paste (RMFFA medal winner)
- Organic Delights, Tatura – Dried apricots (RMFFA medal winner)
- Procal Dairies, Campbellfield – Natural yoghurt (RMFFA medal winner)
- Schruers & Sons, Devon Meadows – Celery
- Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs, Clyde – Fresh herbs
To complement the evening’s four courses, a selection of beverages have been sourced from the best of local producers, with wine to be supplied by while wine will be supplied by the Bellarine Peninsula’s Scotchmans Hill, cider from Napoleone Cider at Coldstream and Furphy Beer from Geelong.
As a celebration of the best of Victorian produce and the people who produce it, Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria, will shine a light not only on the finest foods produced by Victorian farmers, but the finest fashions they also help to create.
The night will be opened in style with the latest fashions from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).To highlight the diversity and exceptional quality of Australian-grown wool, AWI has prepared five looks from high fashion to AFL player and supporter wear as part of its ‘Fibre of Football’ initiative, for this year’ gala dinner.
In further support of local Victorian talent, the evening’s floral arrangements will be themed by Flowers Victoria, with assistance from Box Hill TAFE floristry students. Major sponsor, Coles, is also continuing its support of Victoria’s agricultural industry and will create a beautiful display of fresh fruit and vegetables, with take home bags for attendees to enjoy after the event.
Now in its fourth year, the Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria gala dinner is the premier event on the Victorian agriculture social calendar, and will be held on Thursday 9 June at Central Pier Docklands. Australian swimming legend Giaan Rooney is back by popular demand as MC, and will be joined by guest speaker and country AFL advocate Kevin Sheedy.
If you’re coming to the dinner, why not make a day of it and attend the 2016 AgriVictoria – State of Opportunity Summit from 9am to 5pm at Melbourne’s Park Hyatt. For more information about both events please visit their websites:
Attractive ticket packages available – tickets can be purchased online from:
