Paddock to Plate a success

The Harvey Visitor Centre’s inaugural Harvey Region Paddock to Plate bus tour and luncheon was held on March 16 and was hailed a “roaring success”.

Participants were taken on a tour of four local farms and given a factory tour of Brownes Dairy in Brunswick.

“It was incredible to see the amazing passion and unbelievably hard-work these producers put in for outstanding results,” Harvey Visitor Centre manager Gemma Longford said.

The tour started at the centre, where participants boarded the coach with operator Joe Morabito and Mrs Longford, who then took them to the Brownes Factory in Brunswick to learn about cheese production.

From there, the group visited historic beef farm Melville Park, Truly Organic Farm, Yambellup Estate and Moojelup Farm in Cookernup.

The tour was followed by a two-course lunch by Thyme and Place Catering at Eden Grove Function Centre, created entirely with local produce found within the Shire of Harvey, paired with local wines from Vineyard 28, Fifth Estate, Moojelup Farm and Harvey River Estate.

Supported by Harvey Water, the Harvey Region Paddock to Plate event was praised, with many wishing to pre-register for their tickets next year. “We had so much support in this venture from local operators, primary producers, Harvey Water and members of the public that I think we can say with some confidence that the event will become an annual affair,” Mrs Longford said.

“Harvey Water was very pleased to support this initiative by the Harvey Visitor Centre. Finding ways to highlight the region’s amazing produce grown using our water is very rewarding for the Harvey Water Team,” Harvey Water general manager Bradd Hamersley said.