Anyone who was lucky enough to be part of the Irwin Interlude Gastronomic Tour over the weekend experienced something very special.

The inaugural Irwin Interlude provided a mix of local history, fantastic food, and useful information. The tour took participants on the back roads of the Irwin region for a glimpse of the fine foods being produced, including okra, olive oils , marron, mangoes, carob and limes. Tickets for the tour sold out a week previously, and on Sunday morning the lucky forty two participants boarded the bus which was hosted by Ros Gillam.

First stop was Silverdale Olive Orchard, where the bus was met by owners Murray and Wendy Small, with Murray resplendent in waistcoat and tails. Guests were free to browse the facility, drink refreshments, taste the olives and olive oil products, and ask a thousand questions about the processes and machinery used in the production of olive oil operation. Pleasantly contented, the participants were then taken on a winding, wonderful trip along back roads such as Melaleuca Road and Piggery Lane, with bus driver and guide Rob Gillam giving a real feel for the people and places of the region, both past and present. One of the highlights was coming upon the Convict Road, of which parts are clearly visible and protected, and Rob’s recollections of growing up in the area.

Next stop was the Rod and Annette Copeland’s market gardens, which produce, among other things, mangoes, corn, rock melons and pumpkin. Guests tasted delicious dried mango and discussed the development and marketing of the Copeland produce, particularly the mangoes. “We are able to grow mangoes early in the year in a season when no other place is suited to growing them,” Rod explained, “This gives us a niche market for our mangoes.”

A little further up the road, the bus came to the marron farm of Terry and Elaine Meares, a series of ponds fully enclosed under net to protect the marron from bird predators. Although the premise of growing marron would seem simple, it is a complicated process requiring water and soil science. Terry gave the group a tour of the ponds and explained some of the steps of growing and marketing marron. He said the Middle East is opening up to be a major market, but their demand for marron far outweighs the supply of marron from Australia at this stage.

By this stage the group were ready for their next gastronomic experience, and arrived at ‘Irwin House’, owned by the Gillam family and the location of the original Irwin Settlement. Many of the buildings, which were built by ticket of leave convicts in the 1850s and 60s, still stand today. Lunch was taken in the beautiful old shearing shed, where for starters guests were treated to a tasting of wine from the Irwin River Vineyard. Guests then sat at long trestle tables and delighted in Irwin Marron Chowder for entree, followed by a main course of ‘Avoca’ Beef Kebabs, ‘Irwin House’ Lamb cutlets, and free-range chicken, with salads and side dishes comprising local produce. Guests were then invited to browse the historic buildings, one of which was the original Irwin Post Office, which has well withstood the ravages of time. Rob spoke eloquently during the day about the changes to the Irwin farming area, and noted: “Time seems to have gone the full circle and once again Irwin is experiencing rapid growth as a lifestyle and specialised small farming area, with horticultural, aquaculture and winery industries”.

The last stop for the day was at Jo O’Neill’s glorious Open Garden for dessert and coffee. The garden, which extends down the banks of the Irwin River, is an inspiring testimony to successful gardening, and includes labelling on all plants so visitors can learn as well as marvel. Desserts were a range of divine choices made from local produce, including lemon meringue pie, mango cheesecake, orange cake, and macadamia shortbread. At the end of the day, the participants in the Irwin Interlude loaded back on the bus for a last time, replete, relaxed and with much more understanding about the Irwin district and the fine foods it produces.

Midwest Fine Food Fest chair Wendy Small said the weekend had been a great success.
“This weekend has shown that people are indeed passionate about good quality locally produced foods. Saturdays crowd was exceptional and everyone was enjoying the focus on food. My congratulations to all the stall holders for the presentation of their products and my thanks to the community for their tremendous support. The bus tour was the highlight of the weekend and I have nothing but praise for the efforts of everyone involved. A fitting finale for a fine food fest. The weekend was a team effort and it was very obvious that everyone involved was keen that the event should be a success - and what a great success."

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