Meet the Makers session building local success

COLLABORATION between Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shire Councils produced a successful ‘Meet the Makers’ session at Trulli, Meeniyan on Tuesday, bringing together producers and business operators from across the region.

It was a chance to build relationships and consider how to work together to achieve positive outcomes.

Stephanie Anderton, co-owner of Burra Pantry and Larder, and president of Korumburra Business Association was there chatting with local producers, learning about their products and the stories behind them.

“It’s so important to support these fabulous producers,” she said, crediting them with making the whole area thrive, and remarking that the region continues to get better.

Middle Tarwin based U Goose was one of those producers present on Tuesday, with Ms Anderton soon to stock some of that business’ products at the Burra Pantry and Larder.

Established in 2015, U Goose is a paddock to plate operation.

“We do it all on farm,” co-owner Herb Mackenzie said.

The product range includes whole birds, charcuterie and bone broth, the free-range chicken pate infused with Madeira winning Gold and Best in Class at the recent Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, goose rillettes also claiming gold.

Kim Richardson of Mates Gin Distillery in Wonthaggi outlined the value of the Meet the Makers event.

“Most business operators don’t get the opportunity to go out and individually visit all the other businesses that are in the local area, so to have businesses come together is a great opportunity,” she said.

A conversation with those from next-door stand holder Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese has already led to the prospect of combined tastings, pairing award winning cheese and gin.

Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese production manager Rocky Vega was excited to explore such opportunities and learn more about other companies in the area and what they offer, also noting Tuesday’s promotional opportunity.

“Many times, I’ve been to events like this; people (often) don’t know about Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese although we’re a multi-award-winning cheese company,” Ms Vega said.

“The importance of this kind of event is that you get to see people, put a name to the product and establish new relationships.”

Ms Vega spoke of the well-established working relationship between Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese and Fleming Berries, explaining some of Fleming’s products pair brilliantly with the cheese.

Karen Saunders, who runs B&B Olivi in Yanakie was another attendee at Meet the Makers gathering, keen to learn more about what’s being produced in the area, with the prospect of introducing her guests to a variety of tasty local delights.

As well as sampling products, attendees savoured the hospitality of Trulli.