Seafood lovers from Sydney to Dubbo will get a chance to hook some of the State’s world-class seafood at a series of free events thanks to the NSW Government’s Eat More NSW Seafood Grants Program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the free events, to be held in Sydney, the Hawkesbury, Newcastle and regional parts of the state, including Bermagui, Ballina, Wallis Lakes and Coffs Harbour, will help put the State’s seafood industry on a plate.
“We have some of the best seafood in the world, and the Eat More NSW Seafood Program encourages everyone to buy locally-sourced seafood,” Mr Toole said.
“And now we’re making it easier than ever to net a catch no matter where you live by bringing seafood to our farmers with the first ever seafood festival in Dubbo.
“These events not only help the seafood industry bounce back after a tough couple of years, but will also put some of the state’s top tourism destinations on display.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Professional Fishers Association will host the events, which will feature fresh catch, mobile food vendors, market stalls, competitions and games.
“The seafood industry makes an immense contribution to the NSW economy, but the past few years will go down as some of the toughest in recent memory,” Mr Saunders said.
“After drought, bushfires, a global pandemic and unprecedented floods,
there’s no better time to support our fishers by enjoying their world-class seafood, no matter where you live in the State.
“The festivals will also teach people about the importance of sustainable fishing and aquaculture, and how they can support this by buying local.”
CEO of the Professional Fishers Association Tricia Beatty has welcomed the NSW Government’s support of the industry.
“The hard working commercial fishers across NSW proudly provide a large variety of sustainable, high quality seafood and these events will give them a stage to showcase their expertise to regional communities,” Ms Beatty said.
The Taste of Seafood Festivals will kick off with four premier events in Sydney, Bermagui, Dubbo and Ballina later this year, with the remaining events to follow in the first half of 2023.
The Eat More NSW Seafood Program is a partnership between the NSW Government and the NSW Seafood Industry Council to promote the consumption of NSW seafood and help foster greater community awareness and support for the industry.
Visit Taste of Seafood Festivals NSW for more information.
