AN award-winning milestone has become the icing on the cake for the Scenic Rim’s beloved Eat Local Movement as Eat Local Month celebrates its 15th birthday this month.
Scenic Rim Regional Council recently took home the Local Government Managers Australia Award for Excellence in Collaboration, recognising the Eat Local Movement as one of Queensland’s leading local government initiatives.
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said the recognition highlighted the strong partnership between Council and the region’s producers, farmers, brewers, distillers, winemakers, restaurants and cafes who had helped shape the past 15 years.
“Our region’s Eat Local Movement has evolved from a unique collaboration between Council, our community and agribusinesses in a mix of tourism products, experiences and events showcasing our region as Queensland’s most authentic food tourism destination,” Cr Sharp said
What began as the original Scenic Rim Eat Local Week featuring just 10 events was first launched to help boost seasonal produce sales.
It later expanded following major flood events to support the region’s agricultural and tourism industries.
Over the years, the initiative has grown into one of Queensland’s premier food tourism celebrations.
In 2023, the popularity of Eat Local Week saw the event expanded into a month-long celebration, now known as Eat Local Month.
Today, the festival features more than 120 events across the Scenic Rim, offering visitors authentic paddock-to-plate experiences, farm tours, long lunches, workshops, tastings and hands-on activities celebrating the region’s rich agricultural roots.
The month-long celebration will culminate in the Winter Harvest Festival at Kalbar on Saturday, June 27.
“The Eat Local Movement is a testament to the vision and dedication of the many producers, farmers, brewers, distillers, wine makers, restaurants and cafes,” Cr Sharp said.
“It has not only won a string of awards but also national and international recognition for the region.”
