The stormy weather of Friday had passed and Amamoor’s Village Green looked a picture.
Local food, local drinks and local entertainers – the Mary Valley community got together on Saturday evening to launch the 2025 GourMay Festival of Food.
The weather was perfect and the setting was such a delight.
Walking across the railway line from the car park to the Village Green, you couldn’t ignore the little leap of excitement seeing the white tablecloths, stalls of local vendors and excited community members arriving to the sounds of beautiful live local music.
A family of three were sitting at the railway station waiting for the Mary Valley Rattler’s Silver Bullet to arrive from Gympie, and the small child was so excited to see the train coming. It was a definite reminder of the importance of the little things in life.
Being there early, we were fortunate to witness the arrival of the train and it’s excited passengers as well as other community members joining in the fun.
The atmosphere at an event like this – where the community has come together – is like a warm embrace.
It was such a relaxed, joyous atmosphere – the happiness written on the faces of those in attendance.
The quality of the local entertainers was something the community could be proud of – guitar and vocal duo Gav and Gaz, and then the Mary Valley Circus.
The light, laser, and fire show from the circus troupe that combined rhythmic routines would enchant audiences at any community gathering around the world.
As the night progressed you could hear people talking about the food and locally-produced beverages, the quality of the entertainment, and how pleasant it was to be experiencing this beautiful community function that was completely run and supported by local businesses, performers, volunteers and vendors.
GourMay’s Malcolm Oakley was calm and professional as he weaved in and out of the attendees, ensuring the event ran smoothly.
“It was a great start to GourMay,” he said, “and everyone I spoke to had a fabulous time.”
His speech delivered exciting news about the upcoming GourMay 2025, a celebration of food in the Mary Valley and surrounding areas.
Malcolm also gave important reflections on how the festival has come to be, and the value of it to the Mary Valley region.
“Two years ago, we launched the first GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival, here at the Amamoor Village Green.
“The month-long festival of food in May 2023 was a terrific success, and it was fun.
“So much so, that it was agreed to do a second one which was also a great success. Mostly fully booked, lots of great food and lots more fun.
“Alongside the food we had music, movies, photography, walks, talks, breakfast, lunch and dinner and wine. And a big thank you to all those involved – a list too long to thank everyone individually.”
For GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival 2025 there is a small group of volunteers that is working out a plan.
Festival Day will be held on May 10 at Imbil.
Lots of ideas have been coming forward, Malcolm said, but the organisers are always open to more suggestions.
“We’ve already got a number of events lined up for 2025. Some of them repeat, some of them not.
“There’ll be a breakfast up the hill at the Avocado Tree Farm, dinner at Kandanga Country Club, Hayley Deans at Woollahra Homestead is planning some creative events, Kandanga Farm Store have some events in mind that include chef Matt Golinski and bush tucker guru Peter Wolfe.
“I’ve also heard talk of a progressive meal, campfire cook-off, a songwriting soup, walking with macadamias, paint and sip, but we’re open to more events.
“The only criteria being the event must involve local food and be held in the Mary Valley.”
There’s a number of people and organisations that help bring GourMay about – the Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce committee for their work behind the scenes, Slow Food Noosa and Mary Valley Rattler for partnering with the Taste of GourMay event.
Heartfelt thanks went to Dhom’s Kitchen and Franko’s Pizza for providing food for the night, to Noosa Hinterland Brewing and Wild Barrel brewery, along with Dingo Creek Winery and Village Green Cafe for the desserts.
Gympie Regional Council is the major sponsor of GourMay 2025 and it was represented by Rachel Smith and Clementine Moore, along with Cr Alona Lahn.
Queensland Hydro is supporting the festival again in 2025, while Bendigo Bank Gympie has come on board.
Other sponsors are Hotgas, Imbil Camping Retreat and the Imbil Post Office.
Marketing activities for GourMay 2025 will be supported by the Tourism and Events team at Gympie Regional Council, while Visit Sunshine Coast will include GourMay Mary Valley in various marketing activities including Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry – guide to the best eating and drinking experiences in the region.
The gala event to conclude GourMay 2025 will be held at Woollahra Homestead on Saturday, 31 May.
It will be a stand-up evening with the chance to dress up, have food and a drink, be entertained and have a dance.
A start will be made listing the program of events on the GourMay website in early 2025.
As was the case this year, there is a reminder to get in early as many events book out quickly.
Organisers are looking to create a calendar of events for 2025 that has something for everyone – art, culture, music, education, humour, kids and food.
It could be a – picnic, workshop, walk, talk, lunch, dinner, farm tour, treasure hunt, breakfast, paint and sip.
The event must take place in the Mary Valley, between May 1 and May 31, 2025, have a food element and emphasise local produce.
To discuss any potential event for GourMay 2025, call 0405 105 702. To apply as a participant – www.gourmaymaryvalley.com.au/application-forms.html
