Foodie events coming back to Mackay region in 2021
All the delicious details including a celebrity chef serving up seafood by the sea, wine days and `more >>>
Mackay
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Get ready to salivate as major foodie events make their way back onto the must-do calendar.
Greater Whitsunday Food Network's Gillian Molloy has dished out all the delicious details as she steps into the inaugural manager position covering the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.
The first date to pencil in is June 12 for the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.
"I've got to say, I'm very excited," Ms Molloy said.
"I've salivating just talking about it."
Ms Molloy said the event, organised with the Isaac Regional Council, featured celebrity chef Matt Golinski serving a seafood lunch followed by an option to camp by the seaside.
She said they were also in discussion with The Flakyard's Nick Flak to cook up Australian-bush inspired tucker.
"Another really good event we've got coming up is the G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day," Ms Molloy said.
She said the July 17 event was run in conjunction with the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
A location is yet to be confirmed.
"We're looking at securing a local chef for that," Ms Molloy said.
"It's a special day because it's showcasing our food from the region and it's a great menu."
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And if you are interested in checking out behind the scenes of how food gets from the paddock to your plate, the GWFN will also restart its farm tours.
Ms Molloy said they would be focused on micro regions like the Pioneer Valley or Sarina.
She said the tours were a sold-out event in 2019.
"We've got some other exciting events coming out too," Ms Molloy said.
"This year, were going to continue to take it to the next level."
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Ms Molloy's role as manager marks the first full-time position within the not-for-profit GWFN organisation that spearheads the local food movement and agritourism.
She has a hospitality and management background including formerly owning her own restaurant.
"From what I've seen and learnt already there is a real opportunity to build on the existing connections within the food systems," Ms Molloy said.
"I'm looking forward to building those relationships to further promote and advocate for our farmers and value adders in this region."