The Program SAG 24
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The 24th Symposium of Australian Gastronomy was held from May 8 - 11 2022 in Bendigo, Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, on Dja Dja Wurrung country.
The 2022 theme was Reclaiming Happiness: The Epicurean Garden, Simple Pleasures and a Sustainable Future. The theme also incorporated the Aboriginal concept of the six seasons of sustainability and provided opportunities to explore the fields of fermentation and preservation, exemplifying cultural traditions around seasonal foods and sustainable approaches to nutrition.
The Symposium featured original presentations and workshops relating to the themes from artists, chefs, educators, enthusiasts, farmers, industry, producers, scholars and writers.
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The symposium begun on Sunday afternoon with a welcome event at Bendigo TAFE followed by a dinner. Monday was at PepperGreen Farm for presentations, discussions and a delicious lunch. The day concluded with a tour and dinner at the Golden Dragon Museum and drinks in the Yi Yuan walled garden. On Tuesday the symposium went to Bendigo Kangan TAFE for a day of practical workshops and presentations, with a spotlight on fermentation and preservation. The day culminated with a dinner showcasing multicultural perspectives on simplicity and keynote speech from special guest Luke Slattery, award-winning author and journalist. The symposium concluded on Wednesday morning with a convivial breakfast, more presentations and farewells at the Old Church on the Hill community garden. There was a farm tour in the afternoon.
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2022
The Place Bendigo SAG24
Bendigo has rich culture of creativity, food, hospitality, agriculture and an Indigenous food system dating back tens of thousands of years. Now recognised as Australia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, as soon as you set foot in this regional Victorian city it’s clear that the gastronomical history and practice are a key part of its character. From delicious casual eats to the tantalising fine dining, Bendigo dishes up a glorious selection of produce grown in the region.
Wine, cheese, olives, vegetables, grains, meat – it’s all there, made with love and care.
It’s the perfect place to host the Symposium in 2022, allowing attendees to enjoy the entire region’s thriving food and drinks culture and to celebrate coming together in person after two long years of pandemic restrictions.
The program will take advantage of the amazing new hospitality facilities at Bendigo TAFE,
the refurbished Golden Dragon Museum and the thriving farm enterprise and community gardens.