Thousands are expected to flock to the Maleny Showgrounds this weekend to enjoy the best local foods the Sunshine Coast has to offer at the Real Food Festival.

The two-day food fiesta is packed with demonstrations and activities for all ages including workshops, ‘how to’ sessions and a range of international cuisines to try that are sure to tickle tastebuds.

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

“There will be a full schedule of cooking demonstrations and information sessions across the Festival’s four exciting venues – the Kunara Real Food Kitchen, Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas, Food for Thought and Eumundi Markets Food Craft,” Julie said.

“And on Saturday 7^th, Mayor Mark Jamieson and Queensland Environment Minister, Andrew Powell will go head-to-head in an exciting cook-off in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen at 11.30am,” Julie said.

The Woombye Pub will have a stall at the Festival with Sunshine Coast Brewery ales on tap and also will be running ‘meet the brewer’ sessions each day at 1.30pm.

 “Relax on one of the hay bales 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 the vocal stylings of the BossaNova Cowboy, Harii Bandhu, performing at 12.30pm on Saturday,” 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.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7^th – 8^th 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

Gluten and grain free food expert and cookbook author, Tania Hubbard will return to her hometown again this year by popular demand, to join the line-up at this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

The Gluten Free Grain Free Company co-owner, Tania will be presenting a series of six cooking demonstrations in the Farm to Plate space at the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival from Friday, 20 September to Sunday, 22 September.

Tania said she was excited to be heading back to the Garden City to share her passion for gluten and grain free living at an event she used to go and see as a child.

“My demonstrations will focus on providing people with easy gluten and grain free recipes and ideas that they can take away and recreate at home,” Tania said.

Tania’s demonstrations on Friday, 20^th will be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm and will focus on gluten and grain free school lunch box ideas and treats for kids. On Saturday, Tania’s first session at 12noon will see her creating a gluten and grain free pad thai using vegetable spaghetti and local seasonal produce, followed by her second session at 4.30pm when she will make sweet and savoury gluten and grain free pastries.

“During my Saturday afternoon demonstration I will be making a delicious savoury tart using local mushrooms, olive oil and goats cheese and followed by a pear and feijoa tart for those with a sweet-tooth,” Tania said.

“On Sunday at 11.30am and 1.30pm, I will be making my gluten, grain, nut and dairy free flat bread with tabouli, followed by chocolate cake,” 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.

“I wanted to help people understand that living gluten and grain free does not mean giving up nutrients or taste,” Tania said.

“People no longer want empty fillers and binders to make up the bulk of their gluten and grain free foods, they are seeking the combination of taste, texture and nutrition”.

The Ergon Energy Flower, Food & Wine Festival is part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ celebrations and is held from Friday, 20 September to Sunday 22,  September in Upper Queens Park on the corner of Margaret and Lindsay Street, Toowoomba. The Festival, which is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors over the three-days, includes floral and artistic displays, gourmet food and wine from the Darling Downs region, gardening workshops, cooking demonstrations and plenty of activities for kids.

Entry to the Festival is $25 for a single adult pass, $20 for concession and $12 for children 15 years and under.

Gluten free grain free – food we love and Tania’s popular bake@home range will be available for purchase at the Festival, or online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

The Sunshine Coast’s annual Real Food Festival returns to the Maleny Showgrounds this weekend, 7^th – 8^th

September and guarantees to deliver the best local produce and food products the Sunshine Coast has to offer. 

The weekend-long food fiesta is jam-packed with demonstrations and activities for all ages including workshops, ‘how to’ sessions and a range of international cuisines to try that are sure to tickle tastebuds.

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

“There will be a full schedule of cooking demonstrations and information sessions across the Festival’s four exciting venues – the Kunara Real Food Kitchen, Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas, Food for Thought and Eumundi Markets Food Craft,” Julie said.

“And on Saturday 7^th, Mayor Mark Jamieson and Queensland Environment Minister, Andrew Powell will go head-to-head in an exciting cook-off in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen at 11.30am,” Julie said.

The Woombye Pub will have a stall at the Festival with Sunshine Coast Brewery ales on tap and also will be running ‘meet the brewer’ sessions each day at 1.30pm.

Live music artists will perform on the main stage and roving street performer Great Scott is sure to keep the crowd laughing with his comedy act and juggling skills.

“Relax on one of the hay bales 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 the vocal stylings of the BossaNova Cowboy, Harii Bandhu, performing at 12.30pm on Saturday,” 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.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7^th – 8^th 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 or to view the full program, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au. You can also ‘like’ the Real Food Festival on Facebook to keep up to date – www.facebook.com/realfoodfestival.

Queensland Environment Minister, Andrew Powell will go head-to-head with Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson in an exciting cook-off at the Real Food Festival on Saturday, 7^th September. 

‘The Mayor & The Minister’ cook-off will start at 11.30am in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen and will be facilitated by Free Ranging Chef, Peter Wolfe.  Mayor Mark Jamieson narrowly won the challenge against Minister Powell last year and is keen to defend his title in 2013.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said the cook-off would see the culinary skills of both men put to the test. 

“The cook-off is always a crowd pleaser and a great way to kick-off the two day festival,” Julie said.

 “Mayor Mark Jamieson and Minister Powell know the stakes are high, competition will be fierce and provide great entertainment.”

Both contestants are great supporters of local food producers and the Real Food Festival, which is now in its third year.

Mayor Jamieson and Minister Powell will need to replicate a dish demonstrated by Chef Peter, using bushfoods and local ingredients.  The criteria for judging will include technique, presentation and, of course, taste.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7^th – 8^th September from 9am to 4pm daily and is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

The Festival, proudly supported by event partner IGA Sunshine Coast, is a weekend-long culinary adventure, featuring more than 110 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 Market Food Craft.   Entry is $15 for a daily adult pass and children under 16 are free.

“The Real Food Festival is about authenticity and enjoying nourishing and delicious food that has been grown and prepared right here in our beautiful Sunshine Coast backyard,” Julie said.

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

Sunshine Coast charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help is calling on locals to embrace the change of season and spring clean their homes and donate unwanted, saleable items to help restock its six Op Shops.

With more than 80 per cent of the charity’s funds raised through Op Shop sales, Bloomhill relies on generous donations from the community to continue providing its valuable services and support to those with cancer on the Coast.

Bloomhill General Manager Mervat Thompson said furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac were sought after but any quality, saleable donations were welcome.

“Our Op Shops are seriously understocked and we are asking the community to dig deep to support cancer care on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Thompson said.

Bloomhill is a long-standing Buderim-based charity offering support and assistance to those affected by cancer and their families on the Sunshine Coast.

Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

Bloomhill Op Shops are located in Buderim on Main Street, Nambour opposite the hospital, Maroochydore on First Ave, Mooloolaba on Brisbane Rd, Caloundra on Bullcock Street and Cooroy on Maple Street.

“All the money raised from the sale of items goes directly to fund Bloomhill and the services it provides to its more than 900 clients.

“To make it easier for people to donate, Bloomhill even offers a free pick-up service for larger items,” Ms Thompson said.

For more information about making a donation or to arrange a FREE collection, please contact the Bloomhill Distribution Centre on 5445 6858 (during business hours) or simply drop your donations into a local Bloomhill Op Shop.

Visitors to the Real Food Festival will have the opportunity to taste the flavours of the world this year, with more than 30 ready-to-eat stalls offering a range of international cuisines.

The festival, held from 7th to 8th September in Maleny is a celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s local food industry from paddock to plate.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said guests could eat their way around the globe, with the festival featuring traditional foods from Africa, Brazil, Italy, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico, Germany, and of course, modern Australia.

“The variety of the foods on offer this year will be amazing – something to suit any age, palate or preference,” Julie said.

The presenting chefs, including Chris White from Hungry Feel Eating House, Laurent Vancam from Chef Laurent, Monica Topliss from Kunara Organic Cafe, Cameron Matthews from The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate and Chris Bond from Pomodoras on Obi, will each be cooking up a storm in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen throughout the weekend.

Monica Topliss’ new cookbook, ‘Topliss in the Kitchen: the secrets to a good life without gluten’, will also be available for sale at the festival, featuring a delicious selection of gluten free recipes, many that are vegan and dairy free too.

“The cooking demonstrations are a great way for people to learn how to use fresh local produce to make restaurant quality dishes in the comfort of their own homes,” Julie said.

“We have a full festival program and a fantastic line-up of presenters, food experts and chefs across four exciting venues,” Julie said.

Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the festival will also host more than 110 Sunshine Coast based exhibits ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services, as well as plenty of family friendly entertainment and activities for the kids.

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 about the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au.

Image (Left – Right): Chris White from Hungry Feel Eating House, Laurent Vancam from Chef Laurent,  Monica Topliss from Kunara Organic Cafe, Cameron Matthews from The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate and Chris Bond from Pomodoras on Obi.

Successful applicants of the Buderim Foundation’s 2013 Grants Program can look forward to the Good News Night on Friday, 20 September when the first round of grants will be announced.

This year, the Grants Program will distribute a record amount of more than $43,000 over two rounds, with the second round to be announced later this year.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said every year the grant total amount reached record highs, as more people become aware of the Foundation and its role within the community.

“The grants program offers the opportunity for worthwhile community initiatives that benefit Buderim and its residents to receive funding,” Prof. Clark said.

The Buderim Foundation’s Good News Night will be held at the Buderim Memorial Hall on Friday, 20 September at 5pm. The event will see the successful community organisations and projects receiving grants announced, as well as a formal report on the achievements and progress of the Foundation over the past year and its future plans to support the community.

Last year the Foundation made available a record total of $23,290 for its grants program, just a small portion of the close to $100,000 that the Foundation is proud to have been able to distribute in the community.

Recipients of the 2012 grants included the Buderim Men’s Shed, Maroochydore State Emergency Services Support Association and Buderim Sails.

“The Foundation started providing grants from 2008 and has since contributed to over 30 different local organisations,” Prof. Clark said.

The goal of the Buderim Foundation is to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future. The Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organisation, which aims to generate income from donations and bequests from community members and provide grants for community projects.

“As a not-for-profit public company, the Foundation relies on the generous contributions of local businesses and residents in order to continue providing grants to quality local community projects and groups,” Prof. Clark said.

The grants are offered to not-for-profit organisations in the Buderim community, or not-for-profit Sunshine Coast community organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community.

The Good News Night is open to all community members and refreshments will be provided. To RSVP for the event, please call 07 5456 1757 or email info@buderimfoundation.org.au by Tuesday, 17 September.

For more information on the Buderim Foundation or the 2013 grants program, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

The Sunshine Coast’s 2013 Real Food Festival will play host to a range of presenters that will provide valuable skills to help people live and eat sustainably.

The two-day Festival, held from 7th to 8th September, is a celebration of the Sunshine Coast real food community, bringing together the best local produce and food services from paddock to plate.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said the Festival was not only a celebration of food, but also provided a great place for people to increase their knowledge, learn practical skills and connect with local food experts and ask questions.

“We wanted to create an event that would act as a hub for everything food, and most importantly to have people walk away from the Festival with a greater knowledge and passion for food,” Julie said.

“There will be a full schedule of food experts and local chefs presenting throughout the weekend across the Festival’s four exciting venues – the Kunara Real Food Kitchen, Food for Thought, Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas and Eumundi Markets Food Craft,” Julie said.

The Eumundi Markets Food Craft venue will see Robin Clayfield present a workshop about permaculture on Saturday at 11.30am. This will be followed by presentations on fermentation and how to cook with home-grown produce.

The Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas venue will also host a range of presentations on sustainable living, including a segment from Kirstie Henning from City Chicks demonstrating how to keep backyard chickens on Saturday, 11.30am, and another on Sunday at 10.30am presented by Cath Manuel from Centre for Growing Sustainability on showing how to grow food in any garden.

Cath Manuel said her presentation would offer an easy, step-by-step process on how to create an organic garden at home.

“I will cover everything a person needs to know, from the first stages of planning the garden, to knowing what to plant and then harvesting the produce – from soil to supper,” Cath said.

Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the festival will also host more than 110 Sunshine Coast based exhibits ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services, as well as plenty of family friendly entertainment and activities for the kids.

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.