City calls for major gastronomy event proposals

THE City of Greater Bendigo has put the wheels in motion to develop a major annual gastronomy festival, starting next year, and is seeking a “highly experienced event organiser” to put it all together.

Several components have been decided on, which applicants are required to address, including that the festival will celebrate and elevate First Nations culture, creativity and knowledge, plus recognise Bendigo’s creativity, cultural diversity and innovation.

Applicants also need to explain how their proposals improve health and wellbeing, particularly through healthy eating, and prioritise environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture and food production.

City economy and experience manager James Myatt said the expression of interest is open to organisers with a strong track record in event management and creating a festival concept, including delivery and feasibility plans.

“The expression of interest also includes the delivery of a smaller ‘proof of concept’ gastronomy event in 2025 as a taster for exciting things to come,” he said.

“Bendigo’s gastronomy story is about growing, sourcing, cooking and sharing food. It is about how our culture and heritage is represented and shared through what we eat and drink, the places we share meals and the memories we make around food, family and community.

“A major gastronomy festival would be a great way to celebrate and embrace our UNESCO designation with the local community and visitors to our region. Within the Bendigo region, there are over 100 producers, more than 60 cellar doors from the Bendigo and Heathcote wine regions, and over six craft breweries.

“Although the festival will be held in the Greater Bendigo region, the aim is for (it) to acknowledge and potentially involve producers across the broader Region of Gastronomy which covers (eight other shires).”

Applicants must register and submit proposals via the Vendor Panel marketplace by 7 April.