Our Contributors
Seasoned - a Taste Trail for the Goulburn Valley began and was imagined in collaboration by a group of passionate local tourism operators with a shared vision for connecting visitors to our beautiful region through our food and providence story.
Throughout the creation of Seasoned, we have drawn on the cultural knowledge and creative lens of Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba Indigenous artist Tom Day, unmistakably GV-grown surrealist artist Tank, celebrated food and travel writer Richard Cornish and destination photographer Bec Haycraft.
Local design team - Rye Studio worked with our brief to develop a new identity for Destination Goulburn Valley and to bring Seasoned to life.
The project was co-funded through the Victorian State Government’s Artisan Agriculture Program, Destination Goulburn Valley and the Greater Shepparton City Council. From ideation to delivery, Seasoned has been achieved in collaboration, through the dedication and generosity of our voluntary Board and our partners. The project team included: Alice Tallis, Carrie Donaldson, Michael De Maria, Peter Hill and Louise Tremper.
Tom Day
Tom Day (Gunditjmara, Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta) was born in Shepparton and raised by his maternal Grandparents on Gunditjmara Country, at the world heritage listed Lake Condah.
A Victorian aboriginal artist, Tom’s inspiration comes from a cultural lens, a birdseye almost topographical view of country.
“I use circles in my work to represent two meanings. They represent communities, and the notion of time – not as a linear concept, there is no beginning, no end, there just is.”
“I chose the eagle as the bird’s eye view of country. It is a powerful bird – a symbol of strength that soars and floats doing what it naturally does based on the seasons, the heat pockets generated”.
Tom says he sees the Goulburn Valley as a collection of circles of time, “People coming here, bringing knowledge and influences, making a home here and contributing to this melting pot.”
He believes now is a time when the Goulburn Valley is truly starting to form and forge an identity through the blending and coming together of the cultural influences of the people that call it home.
“I am really drawn to the human stories of those that have come here, especially the migrant community. I’m interested to understand what brings people here and believe the thing that unites us is the universal concept of family and belonging.”
Tank
As a surrealist artist living and working in Shepparton, Tank’s art is heavily influenced by the unique landscape and culture of the Goulburn Valley.
“Growing up in this region has provided me with a deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery that can be found in the natural world.”
Tank’s paintings often feature surreal landscapes that blend together elements of the real world with the fantastical.
Living in the Goulburn Valley has Tank a strong connection to the local community and the diverse range of people and cultures that call this region home.
“I am inspired by the stories and experiences of those around me, and often incorporate these narratives into my artwork.
Overall, Tank’s goal is to create a sense of wonder and curiosity, to transport people to a world that is both familiar and strange, where the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred.
Through my art, I hope to inspire others to see the world in a new and magical light.”
Richard Cornish
Richard Cornish is an award-winning food writer whose love of the land led him to explore the issues around food: where it comes from, how it gets to us, and why some foods taste better than others.
A vocal commentator on food, food politics and sustainability, he lives in Melbourne with his partner, fashion designer Tiffany Treloar, daughters Ginger and Sunday, and a rambling vegetable garden.
Bec Haycraft
Bec Haycraft’s work is all about making connections and capturing character. Her photography style has a lived-in and natural quality a focus on hospitality, tourism and lifestyle brands, campaigns and content.
The perfect fit for our relaxed way of life here in the Goulburn Valley.
Seasoned – Generations in the making
Seasoned – a taste trail for the Goulburn Valley – was imagined in collaboration by operators working together to share our stories, encourage visitors to explore the unexpected, meet the makers and support the producers of our region. Seasoned was made possible through the dedication of volunteers in partnership with our supporters and suppliers. Our inspiration is to connect visitors to the rich food story of our region and to sample a taste of what we have to offer. We hope Seasoned inspires you to visit, stay a while longer, meet our makers, sample something new and take home some of the tastes and tales of the Goulburn Valley.