With the Real Food Festival just weeks away, some of the chefs involved are hitting the road to give local Sunshine Coast communities a taste of things to come.
Record crowds are expected to flock to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to tickle their tastebuds at the two-day Festival on the 7th and 8th of September that aims to celebrate the Sunshine Coast real food community.
In the lead up to the event, a program of in-store promotions will take place at six sponsor locations throughout the Sunshine Coast:

• 15 August –  IGA Maroochydore – 4-6pm with Chris White from Hungry Feel Eating House
• 17 August –  Kunara Organic Marketplace (The Natural Foodstore) – 2:30-4:30pm with Tania Hubbard from Gluten Free Grain Free Co.
• 22 August –  IGA Cooroy – 10-11:30am with Tania Hubbard from Gluten Free Grain Free Co.
• 24 August –  IGA Mt Coolum – 10am-12noon with Chris Klaas from Chris Klaas Food Photography
• 30 August –  IGA Maleny – 10:30am-12:30pm with Peter Brettell from Wild Rocket @ Misty’s
• 31 August –  Jeffers Market Maroochydore – 1-3pm with Peter Wolfe, the Free Ranging Chef

At each promotion, a local chef will don their apron and prepare tastings for customers, to preview what they can expect at the Real Food Festival.
Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the Festival will host more than 120 Sunshine-Coast based exhibitors ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste the flavours of the world at a wide range of ready-to-eat food stalls and experience a variety of activities including cooking and ‘how to’ demonstrations in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen and Eumundi Market Food Craft tent, or join in on the information sessions and discussions at the Food For Thought or Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas venues.
“We’re lucky to have some talented Sunshine Coast chefs presenting at the Real Food Festival, and we’ve invited them to help out with the in-store promotion program,” Julie said.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet the chef and enjoy a sample of real food,” Julie said.
The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7th – 8th September from 9am to 4pm daily and will showcase an abundance of local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants. Entry is $15 for a daily adult pass and children under 16 are free.
For more information on the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au

The Sunshine Coast’s Real Food Festival promises to offer more than just amazing food this year, incorporating a range of family-friendly entertainment into the program of the weekend-long food fiesta.

The Festival, held from 7th to 8th September, will once again host a spectacular array of local food and produce, but will also see local musical acts and performers hit the stage to provide live entertainment for festival go-ers.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said the Festival was a great location to hold a Sunday session with friend and family, offering plenty of delicious food, local wine and beer, stellar entertainment and an amazing atmosphere.

“There are plenty of things to see and do to suit any age, palate or preference, including activities for kids,” Julie said.

Relax on one of the hay bails at ‘The Stage’ and be entertained by Acoustic Pop singer songwriter Carl Wockner, appearing on Sunday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, or be dazzled by vocal stylings of the BossaNova Cowboy, Harii Bandhu, performing at 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday.

“The Woombye Pub will be set up throughout the Festival and will have Sunshine Coast Brewery ales on tap,” Julie said.

“They will also be running ‘meet the brewer’ sessions each day at 1.30pm, offering amateur home brewers a perfect chance to ask questions,” she said.

“We will also have roving entertainment by a number of artists, including street performer Great Scott who will be amusing guests with his talent in juggling and comedy,” Julie said.

Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the festival will also host more than 120 Sunshine Coast based exhibits ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services.

There will also be a full schedule of cooking demonstrations and information sessions across its four exciting venues – the Kunara Real Food Kitchen, Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas, Food for Thought and Eumundi Markets Food Craft.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7th -8th September from 9am to 4pm daily and will showcase an abundance of local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants. Entry is $15 for a daily adult pass and children under 16 are free.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au.

The Sunshine Coast’s very own gluten free grain free expert and author, Tania Hubbard will be hosting a special workshop in Ipswich on Tuesday, 20 August to make living gluten and grain free easier.

Gluten Free Grain Free Company Co-Founder, Tania said it could be difficult to change a lifetime of eating habits and these workshops aimed to give people the practical skills to make a smooth transition to gluten and grain free eating.

“Cutting out gluten and grains can be overwhelming and most people find it a challenge to know that they can and can’t eat,” Tania said.

“Particularly, because gluten is often used as a filler and is hidden within many staple grocery items, like pasta sauces,” Tania said.

The two-hour workshop, ‘food you will love’, will be held at Showplace Reception Centre at the Ipswich Showgrounds, 81 Warwick Road from 7pm to 9pm.

The workshop will provide real life skills in making gluten, grain and nut free pastry, pizza and snacks, seasonal dishes, gluten and grain free bread, kids lunch box ideas, plus hints and tips on how to use one ingredient lots of ways.

“My workshop is about getting back to basics and what great food is, and learning how to easily integrate gluten and grain free foods into your lifestyle,” Tania said.

Tania began her gluten and grain free journey several years ago when she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains. Determined to continue enjoying food, Tania went on to develop her own recipes and write a leading cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.

Tania’s cookbook is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

Tania said the book offered recipes that not only tasted great, but are nutrient dense and provided a wider benefit to people other than just being gluten-free.

The workshop is $20 per person and includes a workbook and a delicious gluten, grain, nut and dairy free supper. Tania’s cookbook and bake@home range of artisan cake mixes will be available for sale. Tickets are limited, so be quick. To secure a place in the workshop, please email jacinta@glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

Gluten free grain free – food we love and Tania’s popular bake@home range is also available for purchase online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

The 2013 Real Food Festival program has now been officially released, revealing the exciting line-up of diverse presenters to appear at the two-day event from 7th to 8th September.

Declared as an election-free zone, the Festival will offer a spectacular taste of the food and produce the Sunshine Coast has to offer as well as a great program of cooking demonstrations and information sessions for those wanting to find out more.

The program was announced at a long-table lunch held at Spicers Clovelly Estate, catered by two-hat chef, Cameron Matthews of The Long Apron restaurant. The very special share menu lunch, for festival stakeholders, was Mr Matthews’ interpretation of the Sunshine Coast’s history of food on a plate.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said she was thrilled to announce the program and name the array of guest chefs and food experts that would be showcased at the festival.

“We have a full schedule across four exciting venues – as well as plenty of family-friendly entertainment and activities for the kids,” Julie said.

“The Kunara Real Food Kitchen will showcase some of the best local chefs performing cooking demonstrations, including Shane Bailey from Berardo’s in Noosa and Chris White from The Hungry Feel in Buderim,” Julie said.

“The Food for Thought venue is sure to get minds ‘ticking over’, covering discussions ranging from genetically modified foods to the connection between food and spirituality,” Julie said.

“There is even a chance for people to take a food photography workshop, learn how to keep backyard chickens and grow edible gardens at the Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas and Eumundi Market Food Craft venues,” she said.

Julie said there would be plenty of things to see and do – to suit any age, palate or preference.

Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the festival will also host more than 120 Sunshine Coast based exhibits ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7th – 8th September from 9am to 4pm daily and will showcase an abundance of local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants. Entry is $15 for a daily adult pass and children under 16 are free.

To view the 2013 Festival Program, visit www.realfoodfestival.com.au/2013-program or for more information on the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au.

The long-anticipated 2013 Real Food Festival program will be revealed over an exclusive lunch for Festival stakeholders at Spicers Clovelly Estate on Wednesday, 7th August.

The long table meal will be catered by Spicers’ own two-hat chef, Cameron Matthews of The Long Apron restaurant, who will take guests including Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, on a culinary journey through the history of food on the Sunshine Coast. Each course will tell a story that reflects a different era and the local foods enjoyed at that time.

Long standing Sunshine Coast-based charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help is urgently seeking volunteers to help it to continue providing its valuable services.

Bloomhill receives no ongoing government funding and is operated by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Bloomhill Manger of Volunteer Services, Alexsandra Bert said the charity was keen to boost the number of active volunteers across most roles at Bloomhill.

“Volunteers are at the heart of Bloomhill and contribute enormously to the community by enabling us to provide a high level of care to its growing number of clients,” Ms Bert said.

Bloomhill is seeking volunteers to work in its Op Shops at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Cooroy and Nambour, as well as its Distribution Centre at Kunda Park. Traffic Managers at the Cotton Tree Markets on Sunday mornings and volunteer drivers for trips to Brisbane are also needed.

“We would love to have some more volunteers to help out on Saturday mornings at the Op Shops as well as around the Bloomhill Centre in Buderim,” Ms Bert said.

Bloomhill provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast, offering counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and can be really rewarding, knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others,” Ms Bert said.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Bloomhill on 07 5445 5794 or email admin@bloomhill.com.au.

The Gluten Free Grain Free Company’s artisan, ready to bake cake mix range has been recognised as Australia’s leading Health & Wellness product at this year’s 2013 Food Magazine Awards.

The cake mix range was announced as this year’s winner in the Health & Wellness category at the Awards Dinner held at the Crystal Palace in Luna Park Sydney on Friday night (26 July). The company was also recognised as a finalist in the Prepared Food category for best practice and innovation in food processing in Australia and New Zealand.

Gluten Free Grain Free Company Co-Founder and creator of the range, Tania Hubbard said she was honoured and humbled that her cake mixes were recognised amongst other such well-known and amazing food products.

“The quality resides in the ingredients I chose and how we craft the product,” Tania said.

The range is considered to be one of the finest ‘artisan style’ cake mixes available on the market, offering a delicious alternative for cafe’s, schools, home bakers and anyone seeking a sweet treat that is packed with natural and nutrient dense ingredients, is gluten free, grain free, nut free and dairy free, as well as free of preservatives and additives.

Tania’s journey began several years ago when after suffering migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains.

“I was determined not to let my diagnosis stop me from enjoying food, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her passion and talent for food. It started with a stall at the local markets that then led Tania and her husband and business partner, Eric to co-found one of Australia’s first gluten and grain free cafes.

The couple then went on to establish the Gluten Free Grain Free Company, releasing Tania’s first cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, and now developing their own gluten and grain free range of bread and cake mixes. With a rising demand and popularity for the company’s quality products, Tania and Eric sold the cafe in May 2012 to focus on building the company.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

To enquire about stocking the food service industry range or to receive an information package, please email info@glutenfreegrainfree.com.au

For a complete list of stockists of Tania’s cookbook and bake@home range or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au

The Real Food Festival is just around the corner, and will once again bring together the best local produce and services from paddock to plate.

Record crowds are expected to flock to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to tickle their tastebuds at the two-day festival from the 7th to 8th September that aims to celebrate the Sunshine Coast real food community.

Community transport and care organisation, ComLink is searching for volunteer drivers to offer their valuable time to help others in need.

ComLink Chief Executive, Feda Adra said drivers were a vital part of ComLink and without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing our valuable services to the community.

“We are in particular need of drivers in the North Lakes area and are looking for those with a hold a current small or medium rigid license that can drive a bus, or regular car drivers are also welcome,” Ms Adra said.

ComLink is a not-for profit organisation and charity providing community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain their social inclusion from North Brisbane and throughout the Sunshine Coast.

The North Lakes division of ComLink undertakes medical transport services for Queensland Health including hospital transfers, admissions and discharges, as well as some trips for the transport disadvantaged.

“Currently, ComLink has only 17 volunteers in the North Lakes area that complete an average of 140 trips per week, but due to a rising need for our services and limited resources, there are times we are unable to deliver all that is requested of us,” Ms Adra said.

Steve Mason, a volunteer driver for ComLink and long-term resident of North Lakes said the thing he enjoyed most about volunteering was meeting new people.

“I have always believed in a sense of community and by volunteering, I personally get back a lot more than I give,” Steve said.

Ms Adra said ComLink serviced more than 3,800 clients and many of them rely on ComLink as their only means of transport.

“Everyone working for ComLink is considered family and volunteers can come and go as they please, the level of commitment is completely up to them,” Ms Adra said.

If you are interested in becoming a ComLink volunteer, please contact Mobility Manager Robyn Elkojje on 1300 761 011.

Image: ComLink volunteer, Steve Mason assisting a ComLink client.

ComLink, a community transport and care organisation, is looking for volunteer drivers in the Bundaberg region to offer their valuable time to drive this precious cargo.

Following the launch of its new Bundaberg region Community Transport Management Pilot Project on 27 May and preceding its new Kindergarten Transport Solutions Project to be launched in July, ComLink is calling for volunteers to help it meet the needs of the transport disadvantaged in the area.

ComLink State Manager, Peter Watling said volunteers were a vital part of ComLink and without them, the charity wouldn’t be able to continue providing its valuable services to the Bundaberg community and surrounding regions.

“We are in particular need of volunteer drivers that hold a current C class or drivers license to do the morning and afternoon Kindergarten runs in Childers and Gin Gin,” Mr Watling said.

“We are also in need of volunteers to do general appointment runs for clients too,” he said.

The Kindergarten Transport Solutions Project is a five-year initiative, funded significantly through the Department of Education, Training and Employment that will service eight (8) local kindergartens including Gin Gin Kindergarten, Wallaville Kindy Care, The Mango Tree Child Care Centre, South Kolan Community Kindergarten, Gin Gin Family Day Care Service, Isis Community Preschool and Kindergarten, Childers Bright Horizons and Isis Family Day Care Service.

Gin Gin Kindergarten Director, Sharon Cameron said the transport service would make it easier for children living in outlying areas to access kindergarten services.

“The service will be particularly great help to those families that struggle to bring their children to Kindy, because of parents working away in mines or other financial barriers,” Ms Cameron said.

“We are really excited about the new bus and will look to the possibility of using it for outings and excursions for the children too,” Ms Cameron said.

Mr Watling said ComLink’s services were in real need within the Bundaberg region.

“ComLink services more than 3,800 clients and growing, with many of them relying on ComLink as their only means of transport,” Mr Watling said.

The Bundaberg Community Transport Management Project, developed in conjunction with the Bundaberg Regional Council, will see ComLink endeavor to link people with transport providers in the region and its success will be determined by how well it is used by the Bundaberg community.

ComLink is a not-for profit organisation and charity providing community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain their social inclusion from North Brisbane and through to the Bundaberg region.

“Everyone working for ComLink is considered family and volunteers can come and go as they please, the level of commitment is completely up to them,” Mr Watling said.

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and can be really rewarding, knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others,” Mr Watling said.

If you would like to find out more information, make a booking or to become a ComLink volunteer, please visit www.comlink.org.au or call 1300 761 011.