The Moree on a Plate committee can now start preparing the menu for next year's festival, thanks to a state government grant to help them dish up the popular event.
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The committee has received $10,000 from the NSW government, which will give Moree on a Plate the financial security to put on the 2021 food and wine festival, following the cancellation of this year's event due to COVID-19.
Moree on a Plate president Chloe Hayes welcomed the grant and said it will ease the burden on local businesses who are still trying to get back on their feet after the drought.
"Last year we had a record number of producer stalls and it was sad we were unable to capitalise on that momentum this year," she said.
"This funding really gives us breathing room to be able to roll up our sleeves and get organising, without the pressure of having to fundraise.
"We are almost fully reliant on community sponsorship, and after years of drought, we do not wish to add further financial burden to our local businesses.
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"It has been heartbreaking to see Moree's business community so vulnerable in recent years, but with improved seasonal conditions the spirit in town is starting to lift and I think Moree on a Plate 2021 will be a real showcase of our shire's resilience and can do attitude.
"Moree on a Plate is enormously grateful for this funding, which is extremely timely given the current environment, as it will sure up our event for next year and give the whole community something to look forward to in May."
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was thrilled to announce the funding to help the iconic culinary extravaganza return in 2021.
"Moree on a Plate is one of those mouth-watering weekends which showcases the produce and everything which is good about the Moree Plains Shire and the wider region," he said.
"As part of the state government's effort to help rural economies recover from drought and the pandemic, it is working to ensure events like Moree on a Plate, which was postponed this year, are back and benefitting their communities in 2021.
"The organising committee, led by new president Chloe Hayes, has already committed to hosting the festival next May, and will use these funds to get a head start on developing new signage, promotion and insurance.
"I know there will be lots of local growers, brewers, chefs and bakers who will be excited to know Moree on a Plate is going ahead, and that they will have the chance to dish-up their hard work to a regional audience.
"Finally, Moree on a Plate is just a good time. I expect the 2021 festival will draw huge crowds and go a long way to shining a positive light on the Moree Plains, whose people and producers have struggled for so long because of drought."
The 2021 Moree on a Plate festival is set for the Saturday of the Mother's Day weekend in May.
