Come the first weekend in May the rural community of Moree will dazzle, showcasing the impressive depth of its unique culture.
The highlight of the weekend is the Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival, and in conjunction with Tourism Moree, visitors from across the region are invited to take the road less travelled for a weekend immersed in the community spirit of rural Australia.
Now in its 19th year, Moree on a Plate has evolved from a platform to promote the region’s local agri-producers, to a significant destination event attracting fresh food and artisan producers from across NSW and Queensland.
With the Moree community enjoying a penchant for the delicious, and the fun, the festival is just one of the myriad opportunities visitors have to enjoy Moree’s hospitality over the Mother’s Day weekend.
In the lead-up to Moree on a Plate the community is busy planning a smorgasbord of activities and exhibitions sure to leave visitors well-satisfied.
The fun kicks off on Thursday, May 5th at the Moree Gallery, which hosts a very special exhibition by nationally acclaimed jewellery designer, Lucinda Newton of Luone.
There will be drinks and an opening with Port Fairy based Lucinda on the Thursday evening, with her exhibition open until noon Saturday.
On Friday, May 6, the gallery will also open a coinciding group show, featuring works from Australian artists Lucy Hersey, Alexandra Plim, Matt James, Liesl Mott, Margaret Dix, Sally Falkiner, Rebecca Rath and Sarah Bishop.
Local Indigenous art gallery, Yaama Ganu will also be holding an exhibition over the Moree on a Plate festivities, with the gallery, and its adjoining café one of Australia’s most applauded indigenous art centers.
Art continues to abound at Moree’s historic Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) which is hosting ARTEXPRESS throughout the weekend, including Sunday. The exhibition features a selection of artworks from last year’s NSW Higher School Certificate works, reflecting the exciting prospects emerging from Australia’s next generation of artists.
For a fascinating insight into traditional indigenous culture, join native grains specialist Kerrie Saunders on one of her Yinarr-Ma Bush Tucker Tours. Kerrie is a proud Gomeroi woman and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to using the land for food, and what everyday plants have sustained humanity for centuries.
Visitors also have the opportunity to soak up the up the unrivalled atmosphere of Moree – literally – relaxing in the unique artesian waters upon which the town was built. The local mineral rich hot pools offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and are a must whilst in the region.
Visitors to the region will also have the unique opportunity to visit producers on-farm for a first-hand insight into the production of pecans and cotton, with local pecan and cotton farm tours complementing the festival.
For golf enthusiasts, and those with a little more time to spare, Moree’s golf course is the envy of many communities, enjoying a pristine green fairway latticed across the meandering Mehi River.
Moree on a Plate will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 10am to 4pm, and features a full schedule of entertainment, and the Saturday fun needn’t end then.
For rugby enthusiasts, one of the region’s most competitive ‘grudge matches’ will be held at the Moree Rugby Club, and see the Weebolla Bulls take on the Narrabri Blue Boars during what will no doubt be an exciting home game.
Come Mother’s Day on Sunday there will be a feast of opportunity to spoil mum, or that special lady in your life.
Join in BAMM’s ‘Sunday Funday’, a free event at the gallery from 10am to 1pm catering for art buffs and families alike.
In addition to ARTEXPRESS, the gallery has a morning of entertainment planned in the garden, featuring children’s art activities in the gardens, delicious food and coffee.
After years of drought, followed by Covid, Moree is shining once again, and is looking forward to celebrating, and sharing this renewed enthusiasm with visitors from across Australia.
For more information on Moree on a Plate, see www.moreeonaplate.com.au and for what’s on around Moree, see www.moreetourism.com.au
Comments