Barossa Farmers Market demo kitchen unveiled

Thanks to $10,000 funding from the former Coalition Government’s highly successful Stronger Communities Program, the Barossa Farmers Market's (BFM) purpose-built demonstration kitchen was finally brought to life in February.

“It’s so exciting,” BFM chair Elaine Ratcliffe said.

“The aim of having the demo kitchen is to showcase local produce at the market and to educate people on how to cook fresh, healthy food.

“The kitchen is also fully portable, so demos can run inside and outside, rain, hail or shine."

Local chefs are encouraged to come and perform demos in the kitchen, with the collective aim of showcasing local Barossa talent as well as produce.

Executive Chef Simon Hicks from St Hugo Wines is lined up for a demonstration on Saturday, March 2.

“The market committee had been pushing for a new demo kitchen for some time, and it’s great it was all able to come to fruition with the support of the former coalition government,” Member for Schubert Ashton Hurn said.

“It’s a fantastic addition to the market, and just another way to showcase the beautiful produce grown in our region.”

Between 2016 and 2023 the former Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Program provided small grants to community organisations and local governments for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities. The Program committed funding to over 15,000 community–based projects across Australia.

Community-led projects to receive funding through the Stronger Communities program include the Barossa Valley Hockey Association Canteen ($6000), Barossa Village Community Centre Upgrade ($10,000), Barossa Girl Guide Hall upgrades ($15,000) and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Kitchen upgrades ($8000).