Above: Ready to cook up a storm are (from left) Jay Pandoo from Rocks Restaurant, Kim Rhodes from the Courtyard Cafe, Tim Rose from Premier Meats and Tenterfield Shire Council’s Harry Bolton.
TENTERFIELD Tourism and the Tenterfield Shire Council have secured a major coup in attracting a taping of WIN TV’s Alive & Cooking show to town, where presenter James Reeson will be cooking with some of the best local produce.
The episode will be aired on national television in November with repeats in 2013.
Tourism manager Patti Ainsworth said it would be supported by an online campaign featuring Tenterfield accommodation providers, attractions and retailers.
Tenterfield is hosting the episode as a tie-in to the Regional NSW BBQ Challenge, a campaign promoting the best of the region’s food and wine.
A team of students from Tenterfield High School Hospitality, assisted by local culinary experts Kim Rhodes, Tim Rose and Jay Pandoo, will be representing Tenterfield in the challenge in Inverell on September 23.
“Under the direction of an outstanding chef, a New England regional sausage king and a restaurant entrepreneur, how can we not shine?” Mrs Ainsworth said.
Tenterfield will also be represented in the produce being featured at the Northern Inland Regional NSW Showcase Dinner being held the previous night, kicking off the challenge.
“We are encouraging the Tenterfield community to get involved and wave the flag for participating competitors at the BBQ Challenge,” Mrs Ainsworth said.
“The challenge and the showcase dinner are a fantastic opportunity to let the wider community across NSW and south eastern Queensland know just what terrific produce we have available across Northern Inland, and to make more people aware of us as a tourism destination.”
The challenge team will then recreate its effort for the benefit of the Alive & Cooking cameras, along with Mr Reeson, at an iconic Tenterfield location yet to be confirmed.
Mrs Ainsworth said she was delighted Tenterfield was able to secure the opportunity.
“Alive & Cooking will profile the Tenterfield name to a national audience in excess of 300,000 four times over a six-month period,” Mrs Ainsworth said.
“Importantly the online campaign will allow us to convert viewers to visitors with accommodation packages and special attraction and retail offers.”
Full details on the BBQ Challenge and showcase dinner can be found at www.nswbbqchallenge.com.au.
