Tourists can get a taste of the Northern Rivers when local producers, cafes, restaurants, distillers and brewers showcase the best of the region at the 10th annual Sample Food Festival in September.
Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the one-day festival in Bangalow will return bigger than ever, with a $75,535 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF) to deliver a huge selection of markets stalls featuring local producers, artisans, musicians, workshops and pop-up events.
“Northern Rivers is a foodie hotspot, and this festival will not only give tourists a slice of the best locally-sourced produce, but also a shot in the arm of the local economy when they spend money in nearby shops, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant, pub or café, and stay local.”
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will put the popular tourism destination on display, with one of Australia’s top vegan chefs Shannon Martinez, best-selling cookbook author Julia Ostro and food writer Magdalena Roze headlining the festival.
“The NSW Government’s funding boost has allowed organisers to secure musicians, chefs, a larger stage, more seating options and activities that ensure patrons experience a taste of everything the Northern Rivers has to offer,” Mr Franklin said.
Sample Food Festival’s Rose Taylor-Tornow said the funding will help the festival return bigger and better than ever after a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions.
“I’m delighted to be able to celebrate our region’s finest restaurants, chefs, distilleries, breweries, producers and artists, along with some special guest chefs at Sample again this September,” Ms Taylor-Tornow said.
The $40 million REAF is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
Applications for Round Two of REAF are now open and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022. For further information, visit: nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
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