CALLING ALL FOODIES FOR A GOURMET GETAWAY IN THE ST GEORGE REGION
The St George Region is preparing to host a Gourmet Getaway over the Australia Day long-weekend from 26-28 January with an array of unique and tantalising culinary events.
The Gourmet Getaway includes a delectable foodie extravaganza, ranging from an intimate Long Table in the Vines dinner at Riversands Wines, to a refined Country High Tea in the historic Anchorage Homestead, a preserves competition and farmers’ markets at the Great Australian Bites event and the excitement of Yabby-Racing and a Hot-Wing-Eating Contest to the musical beats of Triple J’s Hottest 100 at the Australian Hotel.
To help celebrate this array of events will be the esteemed culinary expert Alison Alexander as the 2024 Balonne Australia Day Ambassador, who is renowned for her culinary expertise and passion for celebrating regional flavours.
Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole is thrilled to welcome Alison Alexander as the 2024 Australia Day Ambassador to help us celebrate the culinary delights we offer in the Shire.
“This is a great opportunity for people to come and celebrate the great lifestyle opportunities our Shire and the St George Region has to offer.
“I am particularly looking forward to celebrating our 2024 Australia Day Award recipients and what better way to do this than with a weekend of fun, food and festivities.
“There will be no shortage of events to tempt the tastebuds throughout the weekend and I hope people are ready for a great line-up of celebrations and entertainment.”
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:
Friday 26 January - Australia Day Awards Presentation
Kicking off at 8 am at the St George Amphitheatre, the weekend festivities will commence with the prestigious Australia Day Awards Presentation. Alison Alexander, our Australia Day Ambassador, will grace the occasion with honours, music, and a delightful celebration of achievements.
Friday 26 January – Long Table in the Vines – Riversands Wines, St George
Later in the day, from 6pm to 10pm, the spotlight shifts to Riversands Wines for the Long Table in the Vines—a culinary extravaganza promising an unforgettable feast for the senses. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to savour exquisite dishes amidst the stunning summer vines.
Saturday 27 January – The Australian Hotel, St George
Get ready to hit the Aussie Hotel for a Triple J Hottest 100 Listening Party that’s more pumped up than a kangaroo on a trampoline! From 12pm the joint will be turned into a musical wonderland with beats and banter, complete with Yabby Racing and a Hot-Wing-Eating Contest!
Saturday 27 January - Great Australian Bites
The culinary journey continues at The Hub in St George from 4pm with the Great Australian Bites markets — a showcase of home-grown entertainment and the finest local food and produce.
Sunday 28 January - High Tea at Anchorage Homestead, St George
The weekend concludes with a with a touch of class – a Country-Style High Tea from 9:30 am to 11am at the historical Anchorage Homestead, where attendees can indulge in a delightful array of teas, pastries, and finger sandwiches in the charming ambiance of this historical venue.
Booking Information:
To secure a spot for the Long Table in the Vines at Riversands Wines by visiting: https://www.riversandswines.com/australia-day-bookings
To secure your spot at the High Tea at the Anchorage Homestead contact 0484 306 496.
The Australia Day Awards and the Great Australian Bites are proudly presented by the Balonne Shire Council in partnership with the Queensland Government and the National Australia Day Council.
About St George Region
Less than four hours’ drive from Toowoomba, the bustling town of St George, in southwest Queensland, beckons with its unique river-town charm. Perched on the banks of the Balonne River it is the perfect base from which to explore the region.
For information on accommodation options in St George, visit www.stgeorgeregion.com.au/where-to-stay-in-st-george
About Alison Alexander OAM
Alison Alexander OAM is a Brisbane-based food consultant, the inaugural Queensland Food Fellow and Food Ambassador for the Scenic Rim Regional area. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day Order of Australia Awards and in 2013, was awarded the Citibank Professional Excellence Award to honour her major contribution to the restaurant industry.
Alison is renowned for her food knowledge, her celebration of Queensland producers for more than 40 years and is held in high regard by local industry. Alison has been a guest presenter on ABC Radio for 25 years and has written for numerous publications. She regularly leads food tours within Queensland and interstate to encourage awareness of regional produce and appears as a guest chef, cookery teacher and speaker at events. She is often asked to judge food competitions and has been a Chief Judge for the Royal Queensland Show Preserves section.
ENDS
For more information:
Josh Euler - Corporate Communications Manager
0423 786 672
josh.euler@balonne.qld.gov.au