Food Processing Industry
This series of eco-efficiency fact sheets provides assistance to companies who are on the journey to becoming a world class, sustainable manufacturer. In addition to Pokies the fact sheets, a self-assessment guide has been developed, specific to the food processing industry.
This guide will assist processors to maximise the impact of eco-efficient practices.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has developed a set of guidelines for small to medium sized businesses aimed at assisting employers to better understand aspects of workplace laws.
The benefits of family-friendly workplaces, gender pay equity and good faith bargaining are among the issues canvassed in the series of guidelines that can be accessed on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Eleven best practice guides have been developed to assist employers make better use of the provisions of the Fair Work Act and better understand other aspects of workplace laws.
Executive director Michael Campbell says the guides will particularly benefit employers with limited workplace relations or human resource management experience.
“With this latest initiative, we have sought to explain in simple language the concepts of best practice in key areas which can promote harmonious, productive and co-operative workplaces,” Campbell said.
The new guides cover Work & Family, Consultation & Co-operation, Individual Flexibility Arrangements, Employing Young Workers, Gender Pay Equity, Small Business, Workplace Privacy, Managing Under-performance, Effective Dispute Resolution and Improving Workplace Productivity in Bargaining.
A guide for young workers has also been prepared, outlining things young people need to know before they start work and after they take a job, including protections against harassment and discrimination and the right to join or not to join a union.
The information can be accessed at the Fair Work Ombudsman website at fwo.gov.au . Employers can also contact the Infoline on 13 13 94 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday for assistance.
A free service offering small business advice and support over the phone has been officially launched by Small Business Minister Dr Craig Emerson. The Small Business Support Line and information service is dedicated to assisting small businesses. Advisors will be able to provide information, assistance and referral on small business issues.
In addition to this service, the Support Line is responsible for the Small Business Credit Complaints Clearing House which provides an avenue for small business to direct their issues about access to and the cost of bank finance.
Click here for sbsl-info-sheet1
Phone the small business support team toll free on 1800 777 275 between 8am and 6pm weekdays. Email inquiries are also welcome at sbsl@innovation.gov.au
Premier Anna Bligh has accepted Channel 10’s offer to appear in the upcoming Celebrity MasterChef.
She confirmed her appearance in a bid to promote Queensland produce and is taking holidays for the two day filming. Anna will donate her appearance to local charity A Brighter Future Organisation Inc.
Anna’s recipe will include vanilla from Daintree Vanilla & Spice.
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Masterchef Gary Mehigan in CairnsGary Mehigan was a Master of his Class when he starred at the Festival Cairns Regional Food Showcase last Saturday to a packed audience at the Farmgate Market at The Pier.
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An early morning stroll around the markets with his diminutive but mighty head chef Tracey Robertson from his restaurant Fenix, Gary gathered a basket of local ingredients for his two cooking demonstrations.
Seats were filled an hour before each demonstrations and the crowd swelled to fill the centre when Gary took to the stage. People were highly entertained by M.C. Tammy Barker and with Gary’s wit, culinary expertise and all the inside gossip on Australia’s most watch television show; MasterChef.
He finished with a poinant message about using regional and local produce even though it sometimes may cost a few cents more, had benefits that reached across the whole community.
On the way to Palm Cove that afternoon Gary and Tracey stopped off at St. Andrew’s Catholic College in Redlynch to visit hospitality students cooking for a school function. It’s not every day a Masterchef drops in to their kitchen!
Glorious weather on Sunday for the Taste of Palm Cove set the perfect scene for The Sebel Reef House and Stoneleigh Wines ‘Chef’s of the Reef’ luncheon. (So popular was Gary that the luncheon sold out within 4 hours of opening the ticket box).  Here Gary and Tracey with the help of chef Philip Mitchell and his kitchen brigade, whipped up a stunning menu with platters of local foods cooked in Gary’s style that had a hint of Tropics meets Morocco flavours.Â
A cool ceviche of reef fish,agrodolce of sweet potato and fingerlimes with chilli, coconut vinegar and coco cream was followed by a bastilla of duck with olives Mungalli dairy labneh, tangy sumac, coriander and pinenuts. More local seafood arrived with avocado and poached green prawns, blue swimmer crab, a honey mustard dressing and baby basil cress keep the guests very happy.Â
The colours of the main course were outstanding on the plate with the aged sirloin that had been slowly cooking since the previous day and presented with its rich shallot jus, deep red of the beetroot and golden colour of pumpkin puree. Flavours a sensation! This was accompanied by more colourful persimmon, fennel and pomelo salad with Vanella bufalino mozzarella. Â
The dessert was a simple tasty buttercake with roasted pineapple, salty caramel and coconut ice-cream for a perfect finish to the meal.
Whilst in Palm Cove, Gary took time out to stroll down Williams Esplanade, say “Hello” to passers by and to visit some of other restaurants involved in the Taste of Palm Cove, that were busy preparing their special menu.
Aside from his culinary talents, thoroughout the whole weekend, Gary’s affable personality and his fabulous connection with children made him a star where every he went.
Thank you Gary and Tracey for a wonderful Regional Food Showcase.
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Check out the program for this year’s Festival Cairns with a number of Tasting events.
Gary Mehigan’s Regional Food Showcase Cooking Demonstrations at the Farmgate Market – Saturday 22nd August at 9:30am and 11:00am. Gary will chose ingredients from the market to cook up simple recipes you can make at home.
Taste of Palm Cove – August 23rd – 9am – 3pm, 9.00 – 11.30 Brekkie & Brunch, 11.30 – 3.00 Tasting Plates Lunch
A fantastic day to enjoy fabulous food and wine beachside at Palm Cove. Enjoy the specialty dishes created for this event by our renowned and celebrated restaurants along the Esplanade. Gary Mehigan will visit restaurants in the Esplanade between 10-11am.
Gary Mehigan’s Regional Food Showcase Luncheon at The Sebel Reef House Palm Cove – Sorry booked out.
Shields Street (Closed between Grafton & Sheridan St) Check out the program at http://cairnsmarketsquare.com.au/
Official Opening – Sunday 23 August (12.00pm until late)
Join the Market Square traders and restaurants in a street market showcasing local produce and products, Rustyâs Markets, street food and more. Ergon Energyâs Cairns Street Buskers âStreet Starâ competitors will be performing at various locations throughout the day.
Celebrity âCook OffâMarket square chefs take on local celebrities competing in three live Master Chef style âCook Offâsâ (3, 4 & 5.00pm sessions)
Market Square Longest Lunch Fashion Parade Thursday 27th August 12:00 noon. Set on one long tableunder shade down Shield Street .
Experience the best of Cairnsâ local restaurants on one long table at Market Square in Shields Street. Featuring fashions by Tea Lilly in two Parisian style fashion parades set to live jazz. A three – course lunch by La Fettuccina, Paddywhacks and Ochre Restaurant. Finish the day with the inaugural Market Square âWaiters Raceâ.(12.00pm – 3.00pm) More info here.
Market Square Finale Street Party Saturday 29 August – In a first for Cairns, the whole of Shields Street from Sheridan Street to City Place will be closed for a fabulous street party. Family Entertainment, street food, markets and live music will culminate in Ergon Energyâs Cairns Street Buskers Festival international performers live from 5.30pm (12.00pm until late) Live Music – McMennamins (12pm – 3pm) & View From Madelines Couch (7pm-10pm)
Are you involved in primary industries?
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You can now HGH subscribe to the quarterly rural skills e-newsletter to receive information on the latest rural skilling news, publications and events.
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      Sydney Convention & Exhibition CentreÂ
      7th â 10th September 2009Â
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If there is an expo that all the food industry people should visit, its Fine Food Australia; the premier industry event in Australia, with more than 950 exhibitors expected to participate this year.
The latest food, beverage and equipment ideas will be showcased from around the world, drawing thousands upon thousands of visitors. Itâs the perfect place to keep abreast of the trends and to reach the retail or foodservice buyers and decision makers.
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For the first time, the Queensland Government is bringing together its food, wine and beverage tourist destinations across the State into one comprehensive regional touring atlas.
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Queensland food and beverage manufacturers and wineries that offer a unique tourism experience are invited to apply for free entry in the publication.
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To find our more about this great opportunity and to view the eligibility criteria visit www.industry.qld.gov.au or contact the Food and Wine Industry Development unit on (07) 3224 2009. Applications close Friday 28 August 2009.
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At the recent Cairns Wine Awards a new section for the Australian Fruit Wine Show was included. There was an array of fruit wines from all over Australia which were very well received, especially by the younger generation.
Two local wineries pick up awards; from Mareeba, De bruey’s Boutique Wines their Flagship Coffee Elixir & their Tropical Temptation Liqueur tied for Best Liqueur whilst Silkwoods Murdering PointWinery took out the sweet wine trophy for its Pinnacle Sweet Passionfruit.
 Read the articles from www.winemags.com.au
qld-finds-taste-of-the-tropics        qld-fruit-wines
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