THE Love Seafood Festival has received a $20,000 injection of state funding from Destination NSW through the Incubator Event Fund of the Regional Flagship Events Program.

Fresh seafood has long been the cornerstone of the Port Stephens economy, supporting generations of oyster growers and fishing families and a thriving local restaurant culture.

The month-long celebration of fresh Port Stephens seafood held in August provides visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the local catch in the company of regional growers and local food legends.

Among highlights made possible by the increased funding will be an ‘under the sea’ themed gala degustation dinner, a major weekend including a family friendly Fun and Fish Zone, a Fish to Dish Expo with local providores for passionate foodies, seafood masterclasses with Sydney Seafood School, hands-on seafood preparation experiences, Lunch and Learn classes educational experiences with industry experts, dedicated seafood cruises and much more.

Danny Eather of Destination Port Stephens told News Of The Area, “The additional $20,000 funding will see the Love Seafood program return bigger and better leading us on a path that establishes Port Stephens as the number one destination for fresh seafood in NSW.”

In announcing the funding, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald MLC said, events play an important role in reflecting the unique character of Port Stephens.

Mr MacDonald had previously told News Of The Area, “The peninsula does well in the summer but in winter it is important for us to attract more people here.”

“Port Stephens has the accommodation, restaurants and activities for visitors, and these events are one way that Port Stephens can tap into out of region spending to bolster its economy and create employment in the low and shoulder tourism seasons,” he said.
August is definitely time to share the love of seafood at the Bay.

 

By Marian SAMPSON