Narooma Rocks and the Narooma Oyster Festival have picked up a gong at the NSW Seafood Excellence Awards in Sydney overnight.
Held biennially since 1996, the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards showcase the Australian seafood industry’s top players across 11 categories, for their value to the national economy, professionalism, and commitment to supplying some of the finest seafood in the world to local, national and international markets.
Narooma took home the ‘Promotion Award’ which recognises the enormous efforts of the committee and the community to deliver the iconic festival, which is now regarded as the biggest food and wine event in Southern New South Wales.
Cath Peachey, chair of Narooma Rocks, the organisation behind the oyster festival, said it was fantastic to get the win.
“The Narooma Oyster Festival won our category among hot competition,” Peachy said.
“Now onto the National Awards.”
The Narooma Oyster Festival is a ‘must-do’ for an increasing number of national and international foodies and sommeliers.
“The event attracts approximately 10,000 festival goers and serves around 70,000 oysters to adoring foodies, along with showcasing the rock oyster industry and other celebrated local and regional seafoods like lobster, sea urchin, tuna, kingfish and kelp,” Peachy said.
“We are really proud that our story and the festival’s diverse range of experiences are resonating with the public and helping to raise the profile of the rock oyster and its growers,” she said.
Sydney Fish Market CEO, Greg Dyer, said the biennial Awards offer a great opportunity to recognise the contributions of those in the industry.
“The Seafood Excellence Awards pay tribute to every facet of the seafood industry, from ocean to plate,” he said.
“We’re proud of the individuals and organisations that work hard to ensure Australia’s global reputation as a producer of premium seafood is maintained, and welcome this opportunity to recognise their efforts.”
The Narooma Oyster Festival is just around the corner and returns on May 3 & 4.
For more information on the festival visit naroomaoysterfestival.com
Images: Cath & Graham Peachy, Narooma Oyster Festival
