Regional entrepreneurs celebrated at showcase event

WORLD-renowned Marcus Oldham College recently brought together some of the best regional producers along with the movers and shakers from regional agribusinesses.

These local producers were bought together to celebrate an evening of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship in an exclusive invitation only event, ‘Innovate the Plate’.

Guests were treated to a pop-up street food market providing them with the opportunity to meet producers and learn a little more about the produce.

The event featured award winning guest chefs Nathan Veach and Ashley Kinnersly-King, who prepared a sumptuous feast using exquisite regional produce whilst leading an interactive conversation from passionate producers, as they shared their entrepreneurial journeys.

It was an interactive, informal evening based around the discovery of some of the region’s burgeoning innovative and talented agribusiness entrepreneurs and their produce, contributing to the region’s growing popularity as a gourmet destination.

The warehouse was creatively transformed, featuring abundant feasting tables for guests and producers to share great food, drinks and conversation.

Event organiser, Heather Kelly, believes that events like Innovate the Plate offered producers and makers great exposure to their industry.

“The opportunity to share learnings and explore opportunities in an informal and uncompetitive environment, where their genuine passion and love for what they do was clear for all to see,” Ms Kelly said.

“The opportunities for food/agribusiness are becoming enormous and Australia is positioned on the edge of the strongest growing region in the world.”

“We have a developed agriculture sector, worldclass food safety and environmental credentials, modern technology and a strong economy to employ skilled labour.”

For more than 50 years, Marcus Oldham College has built an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally for preparing progressive business leaders and entrepreneurs. Located on 200 hectares in Geelong, the College holds a celebrated position in the development of young rural entrepreneurs. The Centre for the Study of Agribusiness (CSA) is the research and development unit within Marcus Oldham.

The mission of the College is to advance agriculture through innovative educational programs in farm, agribusiness and equine business management and to prepare motivated, progressive professionals who will excel in the national and global environment.