City adopts new Gastronomy Action Plan

FOUR years has been marked since the City of Greater Bendigo’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, with the launch of its UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plan 2025-2029.

The plan outlines various key projects and initiatives that will focus on culture and tourism, events, food security, economic development drivers and environmental sustainability.

It was developed via community and stakeholder consultation in order to understand perceptions of the City of Gastronomy accreditation and to identify priorities for its future use.

Feedback revealed a growing desire to harness it as a driver of local and regional economic prosperity, particularly through tourism and destination development, plus trade and supply chain opportunities.

As a result, the new plan introduces a refreshed focus shaped by identified themes including local prosperity driving initiatives, events and recognition, sustainable development goals, community connection, education, advocacy and international relations, marketing and branding, and culture and tourism.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the plan had taken a holistic and collaborative approach.

“The City would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge all those involved including the other eight Local Government Areas, tourism associations, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups, local industry, global partners, the Victorian Government and the wider community,” she said.

“This is an exciting milestone for our region, recognising the success of the first four years of our coveted designation, and continuing to evolve as a leading destination of gastronomy through a strong collaborative effort from stakeholders.”

Find out more on the COGB website.