The global Slow Food movement was started in Italy in 1986 to oppose the fast food trend. It has grown into a huge network doing wonderful things particularly linking urban dwellers with rural producers. See slowfood.com There are local groups called convivia (from the word conviviality, meaning friendship) in 160 countries around the world. Slow Food NQ is the 18th in Australia, the most northerly and only one in the tropical north. It was launched in December 2016 at the screening of a film about food waste “Theatre of Life” with Massimo Batturo, then the world’s top chef and restaurant owner. Last Thursday I was invited to capture the first Slow Food NQ dinner, held at PePPi PePPi Italian Restaurant in Cannon Park, Townsville. How lucky was I! The food was amazing and the speakers, Amorelle Dempster who heads Slow Food Australia and our very own Renae Tobin, from Tobin Fishtales in North Ward, spoke with passion. Many local producers and Townsville foodies feasted for the night, thanks to the delicious menu prepared by the wonderful chef, Brent and his team at Peppi Peppi. Otto’s added a beautiful display of local produce to welcome diners. Townsville is in for some interesting events where you’ll have the chance to learn more about food and what can be found in our region. It’s open for everyone who is involved with, or interested in learning about food, having fun and discovering locally grown produce.

For information: info@slowfoodtownsville.org.au | Facebook: Slow Food Townsville | Instagram: slowfoodtownsville | Helen Hill: 0417275457