Institute of gastronomy on the menu for daylesford

An Institute of Gastronomy could be established in Daylesford benefiting farmers, fine food producers, accommodation and hospitality operators thanks to funding announced by the Andrews Labor Government to assess the proposal in full.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas announced the $100,000 Food Source Victoria grant today as well as a $20,000 contribution from Regional Development Australia for Ms Alla WolfTasker AM, Co-Owner and Culinary Director of the Lake House who will work with William Angliss Institute of TAFE to investigate the feasibility of establishing the institute. CEO of William Angliss Nicholas Hunt said "William Angliss Institute is delighted to be a sponsor and founding education partner of The Institute of Gastronomy and look forward to working with Alla Wolf-Tasker and the local community to help build and share knowledge centred on these artisan skills."

Ms Wolf-Tasker AM will lead the project to assess budget requirements, operating model, site analysis, economic and social impact, and barriers and challenges. William Angliss Institute is also contributing $30,000 towards the project.

The Institute of Gastronomy will foster collaboration between people working in agriculture, food production, hospitality, tourism and education with the potential to attract local, national and international students. Ms Thomas said "The Institute will draw on the region’s strengths to create new opportunities for students that will ultimately benefit the region’s food and tourism industry."

It is envisaged that the Institute will be a community facility that houses a culinary school, agribusiness entrepreneurship institute and an exhibition and function space.

Potential programs at the Institute may include culinary/agribusiness studies, sustainable small scale agriculture, collaborative learning between chefs and growers, research and marketing of gastronomic products, and regional wine production.

The region is well known as a tourism destination for people looking to enjoy spa and wellness treatments, locally grown produce, fine food and dining, and quality accommodation. The Institute could assist in the ongoing growth of these industries by providing locally educated, well-qualified staff.

The Government’s Food Source Victoria program supports producers and businesses working in partnership to develop products that take the state’s superb produce to the next level, creating new jobs and growing exports.