I have spent some of March away from home, so unfortunately I have missed a few social events in the region, but I am catching up fast with lots happening over Easter and during school holidays. My time away was wonderful and I saw some beautiful scenery, but it also made me aware of the beauty that surrounds us on the Mid North Coast. We are truly blessed with our beaches and our hinterland.

Not only that, we have great produce, excellent entertainment from both visiting and local talent, and we really do have great people here – and that is why we live and work in this beautiful region.

Manning Valley Tourism are encouraging people to share the natural beauty of the Manning Valley with the launch of their latest marketing campaign ‘See where it takes you … the Manning Valley …Naturally’.

The campaign was launched on Thursday 18th March with an outdoor picnic on the lawn of the Visitors Information Centre for 75 guests. The theme was ‘local’ with donations and contributions from local producers. Guests included tourism partners, media, community groups, Greater Taree City Council representatives, and members of both the Manning Valley Tourism board and the Mid North Coast Tourism board.

Mayor Paul Hogan officially opened the campaign and Kim MacDonald spoke about the importance of these campaigns for the entire region. Kim explained some of the tactical aspects of the latest marketing campaign and encouraged operators to get involved with future promotions, as there is great value for money due to funding from NSW Tourism. Belinda Novicky and Kathy Balodis officially launched the seven local marketing campaigns under the umbrella of Mid North Coast Tourism. They applauded Manning Valley Tourism for integrating their campaign into the regional promotion. The weather was beautiful and everyone had an opportunity to network while enjoying lovely food and local wines.

It has been a whirlwind of a month for me and the team at Bent on Food. We had a great win at the 2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Hobart on February 26th, where we took out the gong for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services.

This was followed by a very relaxing but sometimes strenuous ten day holiday in Tasmania. We relaxed for a few days in a wilderness cabin at Lemonthyme Lodge near Cradle Mountain, which is a beautiful property boasting the biggest log cabin in the Southern hemisphere. We did a spectacular walk at Freycinet which took in Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach and also nearly killed me, I would have been OK if I was a mountain goat, but I am an unfit 40 something year old who drinks too much wine!

And on the subject of wine, we decided that during our stay, we would only consume Tassie wines. We tried some great Pinot Noirs and excellent Fizz, and we also managed to get to a few vineyards to see some old mates from the wine industry and try some of their special drops. Hobart was great and we had a wonderful time with all the other finalists from the Mid North Coast at the Tourism Awards. It was a special evening for the girls at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation, with excitement from our table as they won the very first category ‘New Tourism Development’ for their glorious property at Seal Rocks. We shared some glasses of sparkling with them on the night, with all of us on a high, texting all our friends and taking in the great entertainment which included the Qantas choir.

My first night back was all about the girls with a function at Great Lakes Council Chambers on March 8th to celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme was ‘Balancing Your Mind, Body and Soul with Your Business’ and guests speakers included Suzette Gaff from the Department of Industry and Investment, who gave a talk on the many funding programs available to small business and particularly for women.

Kerith Duncanson, a community Nutritionist and Lecturer in nutrition and dietetics, gave the audience some great nutrition hints for business women on the run. I spoke about maintaining balance in your life and staying passionate about your business.

There was a fantastic belly dancing display, along with a talk on the benefits of belly dance. Around 30 businesswomen attended and each of them gave a brief talk on their business. It was especially interesting to feel their passion for their businesses and it is great to share with other women.

The Green Cathedral at Tiona Park, Pacific Palms, was a beautiful backdrop for the wedding of Shaun Larken and Telisa Sweetman, of Budgewoi on Saturday 6th March. Shaun is a son of Christopher Larken, of New Lambton Heights, and Jennifer Dobosz, of Kotara. Telisa is a daughter of Paul Sweetman, of Kanwal, and Colleen Sweetman, of Buff Point.

The marriage ceremony was conducted by Forster civil celebrant, Joseph Court. Over 100 guests attended the reception at the Tiona Park conference centre, where the catering was in the capable hands of Catering by Blues.

Local author Joy Bell conducted a book signing at Books 2 in Wingham on 10th March. Joy’s book ‘The Pretty Place’ is a local love story set in the Manning Valley and is Joy’s first novel.

Thirty Japanese guests of Wingham Beef Exports had a casual barbeque at Bent on Food on Tuesday 16th March. They were here to look around the Valley and taste first hand our local beef. They were very excited to be at our place and enjoyed getting their photo taken with our new trophy.

On a final note, I would like to thank all our customers for their calls, emails and congratulations and wishes following our latest award. I look forward to hearing from you with any events you would like me to write about. Send pics and info to donna.carrier@bigpond.com

Cheers Donna.