Taste the Limestone Coast Festival

Mr McBRIDE (MacKillop) (15:26): What a valuable grieve that was by the member for Chaffey. I rise today with great pleasure to celebrate the resounding success of the Taste the Limestone Coast Festival, a cherished event that returned with a bang after a three-year hiatus. This festival, which has been a beacon of celebration since its inception in 2001, once again brought the Town Square of Naracoorte to life on Saturday 10 February.

The journey to resurrect this beloved festival was not without its challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, through concerted efforts and tireless advocacy, including my own discussions with the state government, the committee overseeing the festival secured a Regional Event Fund sum of $20,000. These funds were instrumental in ensuring the festival's return as they helped offset the higher costs associated with organising such an event in regional South Australia.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Lions Club of Naracoorte whose dedicated members volunteered their time and expertise to orchestrate this remarkable event. Their commitment to serving the community is truly commendable and without their unwavering support the festival would not have been possible.

One of the hallmarks of the festival is its commitment to supporting local Limestone Coast suppliers. From food to beverages, every aspect of the event showcased the rich bounty in our region. Furthermore, the festival served as a vital fundraiser for local community and sporting groups, underscoring its importance in nurturing community spirit and fostering collaboration.

I had the pleasure of attending the festival myself and it was indeed a day to remember. The sun shone brightly, the atmosphere was electric and the music performed by talented local artists provided the perfect soundtrack to the festivities. I was allowed to attend this meeting with my schedule and I was very pleased to turn up in the early afternoon. The event was well underway. The numbers within the confines of the security fencing were quite outstanding. It was difficult to find a table and chair.

As I walked around to the local wineries and food outlets, there was one thing that came upon them very quickly. Not many hours into that afternoon when I turned up, they were running out of supplies. The wine was running out, they were having to restock supplies, the local brewer from Beachport was having to go back down to Beachport to seek further supplies, and they were all caught off guard, perhaps firstly by the numbers and secondly by the young age of all the attendees, and the wine that was being consumed was of the sweeter palate which caught the wine providers off guard. It was obviously that younger 20 to 30-year-old cohort, which I left 20 years ago, who were in to more of a fruitier, sweet and colder wine than what they anticipated.

With the whole event and the numbers there, there was music and three or four bands. There was one band that got together with the upper house's Ben Hood MLC singing away. One of the bands had not got together for over 20 years. I know that the locals all pulled together. It was well supported. There were a number of acts that you would have to say were really just local singers and local bands as well. All did a fantastic job.

We know that the people who were there were dancing to the tunes, singing away, mostly seeking shelter in the shade because it was warm and there was not a cloud to be seen. It was a big weekend for Naracoorte, with the Naracoorte Cup on the next day. That was also well attended. Of all things, the member for Hammond turned up in this very, very dapper, flash jacket and took out the fashions on the field for the men on the day. Well done to him for, firstly, having a go and, secondly, for winning that prize.

With 17 local producers offering a wonderful array of food, wine, beer, gin and spirits, attendees were treated to a delicious feast showcasing the diverse flavours and culinary delights of the Limestone Coast. But perhaps most heartening was the sense of friendship and unity that permeated the festival grounds. Over a thousand people hailing from across the state and even beyond our borders came together to celebrate everything wonderful about the Limestone Coast and Naracoorte. It was a testament to the enduring appeal of this festival and the strong sense of community that defines our region.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved in making the Taste the Limestone Coast Festival a resounding success. Your hard work, dedication and passion have not only revitalised this cherished tradition but have also reaffirmed the Limestone Coast's reputation as a vibrant hub of culture, creativity and culinary excellence. I look forward to attending next year's festival.