An annual foodie event which started from humble beginnings nearly 10 years ago has earned the Scenic Rim a national award for driving economic prosperity.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week 2018 won the ‘Economic Development Single Event or Activity’ category at the National Economic Development Awards in Adelaide on 24 October.
The Scenic Rim Regional Council outshone a record number of entries from across Australia, including fellow events category finalists Southern Grampians Shire Council and Logan City Council, to win the award.
Council’s submission for the award was based on 2018 Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, which attracted 40,000 people to the region and contributed more than $2 million to the local economy.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said winning at the National Economic Development Awards reinforced the clear value of the region’s food and drink industries.
“Scenic Rim Eat Local Week is an incredible celebration, and this award demonstrates it runs so much deeper than that,” he said.
“This is a win for the entire local supply chain, from the farmers who grow our incredible local produce right through to everyone who hosts an Eat Local Week event to drive those economic benefits to our region and put money in the pockets of our local operators.”
“Eat Local Week has grown from about four or five events when it started in 2010 to a program of 90 events, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all the people who visit the Scenic Rim during Eat Local Week each year to make it worth our while. We thank each and every one of those visitors for the value they have brought to our region.”
Local dairy farmer and agritourism leader Kay Tommerup of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm said the economic benefits of Eat Local Week were invaluable year-round.
“The actual movement of Eat Local, beyond Eat Local Week, is huge for all of us. The publicity and the recognition that we have gained over the years means that we now have an audience of chefs, cafes and all those people who’ll come to us directly,” she said.
“The Scenic Rim brand really stands for something, and collectively we offer an authentic, character-filled experience through the food of our region.”
The Scenic Rim’s latest win is in addition to the ‘Outstanding Region’ award it won at the delicious. Produce Awards in Sydney earlier this year.
Read: Scenic Rim judged most delicious region in Australia
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week will celebrate its 10th anniversary from 27 June – 5 July 2020. For more information visit www.eatlocalweek.com.au/
