The Otways Producers Festival featured the best of the Otways under one roof in a celebration of local makers and growers at the Colac Showgrounds on October 20. The festival showcased market stalls with farm-fresh food, drinks, flowers, and wool from across the region, along with live music, hands-on kids’ activities, maker demonstrations, and an informative line-up of speakers on the festival stage.
Organised by the Otway Harvest Trail, the event shone a light on local people behind small-scale food and fibre production. It also celebrated those who added value to the Otways food basket—winemakers, distillers, brewers, and makers of ice cream, cheese, pasta, preserves, and other tasty treats.
“There was no shortage of delicious food and drink to try, and we had hands-on activities for kids of all ages,” said Tom Dennis, president of the Otway Harvest Trail. “Timboon Fine Ice Cream churned fresh ice cream to taste, and Schulz Organic Dairy hand-churned butter. You could also find out how DK Potatoes made those famous purple chips and take your own spud seedling home with you.”
The organisers aimed to encourage locals to make new connections and think more about the food grown across the Otway Ranges, plains, and hinterland. They also showcased opportunities for jobs and training in the region’s flourishing food bowl.
“We’re lucky to live in such a productive region with good soil, rain, and some seriously hard-working people on the land,” Mr. Dennis explained. “Our region is home to much-loved big brands like Bulla, Western Star, and Australian Lamb, and this festival reminded locals that smaller-scale operators add so much depth and flavour to the place we call home.”
Local makers and growers were interviewed on the festival stage by Colac-born food journalist and broadcaster Wendy Hargreaves, who uncovered the stories behind the produce and explored topics ranging from regenerative farming to job prospects. Food stalls served up good, honest fare, with a variety of drinks enjoyed at the event’s indoor tables.
Some of the local businesses showcased on the day included:
- Schulz Organic Dairy
- Pennyroyal Cheese
- 3JARSFULL
- Timboon Fine Ice Cream
- Otway Pasta Company
- Lake View Cafe Colac
- Drakes Fresh Produce
- Otway Flower Farm
- Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
- Otway Brewing
- DK Potatoes
- Babche Wines
- Keayang Maar Vineyard
- Tarndwarncoort
- Hot Chilli Mama
- Otways Distillery
Check out some highlights of the day below!